FIXED MYOMETRY
A FIXED MYOMETRY system normally consists of an electric HIGH/low examination table, an orthopedic frame, pc or notebook computer with the QMA program, an analog/digital acquisition device, and various input instruments. The examination table is placed within and surrounded by the orthopedic frame. An in-line force transducer (load cell) is secured to the frame, and a strap or cable is extended to a cuff. The cuff is worn by the patient (subject), and the the patient is positioned on the examination table in such a way as to isolate a muscle or muscle group to test. The test is started, the patient is directed to exert effort, and the resultant data is displayed as a trace (force/time curve). The analog signal received from the force transducer is digitized by the acquisition converter in the pc and converted to data within a usable file structure. Over time additional data may be acquired for longitudinal comparative analysis. Progress of the patient may be fully documented with reports that are automatically generated from the information you request.
Critical criteria for test validity is that the acquisition of the data be accurate and repeatable. Accuracy of an input instrument may be easily confirmed or improved with "Check & Tweak" - a sub-routine within QMA. Repeatability or inter-rater reliability may be improved when each member of a study group is schooled and utilize the same techniques and methodology when testing a patient.
QMA utilizes a remote switch that permits the testing healthcare professional to remain in contact with the patient, to stabilize the patient during testing; moving from test to test as each test is concluded satisfactorily. < TESTING PHOTOS>
Fixed Myometry testing permits stronger extremities, that may exceed 200 lbf, to be assessed without compromise. Mechanical compromises of testing may occur when the effort exceeds either the maximum capacity of the instrument, or the effort permits the fixed point (plane of resistance) to be moved. Another mechanical compromise of testing may occur when the effort is small, and the upper capacity of the instrument large. The maximum error (accuracy) of the instrument may exceed the effort measured. It is recommended to utilize instruments (force transducer) that compliment the anticipated efforts of the patient, and are available in a range from 1.1 lbf to 1000 lbf.
What about muscles or muscle groups that are difficult or impossible to test with Fixed Myometry ?
Hand Held Myometry testing equipment is available for assessing muscles or muscle groups that do not compromise the accuracy or integrity of tests, by moving the "relative - fixed point" and breaking the "Plane of Resistance".
Instruments are also available to test Hand Grip, Pinch Strength and other specialty tests; such as tongue strength for ALS Bulbar or Speech Pathology.
When the visit is finished, a report may be generated that documents the efforts of the patient, compares previous muscles tested in a previous visit, and calculates an expected amount for each muscle - based on age, gender and BMI.
Other
Input Instruments include:
1. Hand Held
Myometry with integrated Remote Switch
2.
Hand Dynamometer with
analog output - Grip Strength
3.
Pinch Dynamometer with analog output - Pinch - Tip, Key, Palmar
4. IOPI Tongue Strength
Appliance - integrated into QMA
MYOMETRY
TESTING AREA