Intra- and inter-examiner reliability and minimal detectable change for different methods of measuring toe grip strength in healthy adults.

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the inter- and intra-examiner reliabilities of toe grip strength measurements obtained just above the first interphalangeal joint with those of toe grip strength measurements obtained in the most comfortable position for the participant. The study also aimed to calculate the minimal detectable change for the more reliable method. [Participants and Methods] The participants for each test included 20 healthy adult males and females. Intra-class correlation coefficient (1,1) and (2,1) values were calculated for both tests. Bland–Altman analysis was used to determine the systematic error and calculate the minimal detectable change. [Results] The intra- and inter-examiner reliabilities of measurements obtained by setting the position of the toe-grasping bar to the first interphalangeal joint were better than those obtained in the most comfortable position for the participant. Measurement of the minimal detectable change showed a random error of 4.97 kg. [Conclusion] We considered that toe grip strength measurements just above the first interphalangeal joint were better. The minimal detectable change was 4.97 in healthy adults.