How do we know that the strength measurement of the MedX®
Lumbar Extensor Machine is reliable?
The MedX® Lumbar Extensor Machine is the first and only
machine capable of isolating the lumbar extensor muscles,
and producing an objective measurement of a patient's lower
back strength and range of motion.
A study evaluated the reliability and variability of repeated
measures of isometric lumbar extension strength made at different
joint angles in 56 men and 80 women. The data indicated that
repeated measures of isometric lumbar extension strength are
highly reliable and can be used for the quantification of
isometric lumbar extension strength through a range of motion.
Graves et al., SPINE 1989 - COPY AVAILABLE
A 1990 Study found that the MedX® Lumbar Extensor Machine
provides a safe, valuid and reliable tool with which to measure
changes in strength and range of motion in patients with a
variety of lumbar disorders (e.g. lumbar strain, herniated
discs, degenerated discs, spondylolisthesis, and others)
Russel et al. North American Spine Society Annual Meeting,
1990
See also:
Pollock et al, Am J Sports Med. 1989
Risch et al., SPINE 1993)
N.B. Isometric Testing using the MedX® Lumbar Extensor
Machine differs markedly from dynamic testing on "isokinetic"
machines which is a process fraught with potential inaccuracies
due to:
- Acceleration
/ deceleration during test movement
- Failure
to spot variation in strength as angles of flexion
- Effect
of gravity / torso mass
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