A standard method of shoulder strength measurement for the Constant score with a spring balance

• Published in: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Vol. 7; no. 2; pp. 116 - 121
• Main Authors: Bankes, Marcus J.K, Crossman, John E, Emery, Roger J.H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01-03-1998
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Isometric Contraction; Joint Diseases - physiopathology; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Observer Variation; Shoulder - physiology; Shoulder Joint - physiopathology
• ISSN: 1058-2746; 1532-6500
• DOI: 10.1016/S1058-2746(98)90220-8

The strength component of the Constant score has been criticized for its lack of a precisely defined measurement method. A series of experiments was performed to compare three different methods in normal and pathologic shoulders with the use of a standard test position. These were (1) the lsobex isometric dynamometer, (2) Constant's unsecured spring balance, and (3) a new modification in which the spring balance is fixed at one end and the reading is taken after 5 seconds of maximum effort. The results suggest that this simple modification with a low-cost spring balance can give similar values to those from the lsobex. The need for precision of terms and a definition of the method is discussed, and recommendations for the standardization of the many variables in making this measurement are made.