Intra-rater reliability of hallux flexor strength measures using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra-rater reliability of a new method in combination with the Nintendo Wii Balance Board (NWBB) to measure the strength of hallux flexor muscle.


METHODS
Thirty healthy individuals (age: 34.9 ± 12.9 years, height: 170.4 ± 10.5 cm, weight: 69.3 ± 15.3 kg, female = 15) participated. Repeated testing was completed within 7 days. Participants performed strength testing in sitting using a wooden platform in combination with the NWBB. This new method was set up to selectively recruit an intrinsic muscle of the foot, specifically the flexor hallucis brevis muscle. Statistical analysis was performed using intra-class coefficients and ordinary least product analysis. To estimate measurement error, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC) and percentage error were calculated.


RESULTS
Results indicate excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.982, CI = 0.96-0.99) with an absence of systematic bias. SEM, MDC and percentage error value were 0.5, 1.4 and 12 % respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that a new method in combination with the NWBB application is reliable to measure hallux flexor strength and has potential to be used for future research and clinical application.
University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia ; Department of Physiotherapy, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Rd, Singapore, 169608 Singapore.
June
J
Quek
University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia ; Department of Physiotherapy, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Rd, Singapore, 169608 Singapore.
Julia
J
Treleaven
University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia ; Department of Physiotherapy, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Rd, Singapore, 169608 Singapore.
Sandra G
SG
Brauer
University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 Australia ; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029 Australia.
Shaun
S
O'Leary
School of Exercise Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC 3065 Australia.
Ross A
RA
Clark
Hallux flexor strength; Intra-rater reliability; Intrinsic foot muscles; Nintendo Wii Balance Board