Abstract
BackgroundThe 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.MethodsThirty 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.ResultsResults 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.ConclusionsThis 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.
Highlights
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
Whilst hallux flexor strength is mainly contributed by flexor hallucis longus and flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) muscles, attention is drawn towards FHB because it is one of the intrinsic foot muscles that is thought to be essential for the stability of the longitudinal foot arch [3]
A regression equation evaluating the relationship between expected force and that obtained from the NWBB load cell exceeded R2 = 0.999 demonstrating the accuracy of the equipment consistent with a previous study [15]
Summary
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. Whilst hallux flexor strength is mainly contributed by flexor hallucis longus and flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) muscles, attention is drawn towards FHB because it is one of the intrinsic foot muscles that is thought to be essential for the stability of the longitudinal foot arch [3] As such training hallux flexor strength has been shown to improve balance [4] and potentially reduce falls in the elderly. Assessment of intrinsic muscles of the foot with respect to the prevention of falls is largely neglected in clinical and research settings [5] This is unfortunate as falls in older adults are prevalent [6] and present a substantial health problem for society [7].
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