User's Manual

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Click button number 1 (from 1 – 5) at the top of the screen. These buttons represent the choice of
spacing positions on the grip dynamometer.
The test is performed with one trial of each hand at spacing positions 1, 3, 4 and 5 on the dynamometer,
and three trials
of each hand for spacing position 2.
The Modified Maximum Voluntary Effort Handgrip test is performed per the BTE Handgrip Protocol with a
JAMAR handgrip dynamometer. This device is utilized to measure handgrip strength in both the right and
left hands.
Prepare the grip dynamometer by setting the adjustable handle spacing for the position to be tested:
Position One: 1 inch
Position Two: 1-1/2 inches
Position Three: 2 inches
Position Four: 2-1/2 inches
Position Five: 3 inches
The test is generally conducted with position one first, and progresses chronologically until position five is
completed.
The device must be presented to the client with the cord attachment on top in order to conform to the
metacarpal arch of the hand.
The client should optimally be positioned sitting as follows:
Both feet flat on the floor
Upper arm next to body
Elbow flexed at 90 degrees
Forearm neutral (thumb up)
Hand & forearm in slight shoulder internal rotation (toward the center front of the torso)
Forearm should not be resting on any surface while gripping
Text instructions are given on the test page. Voice prompts will guide the tester and the client through the
test. Observe the client closely to ensure he/she understands.
Instruct the client to begin gripping the device in a smooth motion, steadily maintaining that grip until the
prompted “Rest Period,” then direct the client to switch the device to the contra lateral hand.
Repeat these steps for all five-grip positions.
The MMVE test is performed over a range of positions effecting varying degrees of difficulty. Therefore, it
is possible to determine whether a client has performed with consistent effort by comparing the objective
strength values recorded at each position for each hand. Shown graphically, the plots of these values
would be expected to create a bell-shaped pattern, paralleling that of the contra lateral hand. A
significant-appearing deviation in the size of the curve or the absence of a bell-shaped curve would
connote non-compliance of the client with the strength test.
ODES immediately plots the data. Graphic representations for both right and left-hand results are found
by clicking the Summary button located at the bottom right corner of the page.
It is important that the client does not grip the dynamometer firmly prior to beginning
the test to ensure proper calculation of the starting threshold. The voice prompt will
announce “Start Test Now” to indicate when firm
p
ressure should be a
pp
lied.