Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the comparability of force measurements obtained with two different digital strain gauge dynamometers. Ten muscle groups of 13 subjects (51–79 years of age) were tested bilaterally during two sessions. An Ametek Accuforce II was used during the first session and a Chatillon Medical Force Gauge was used during the second session. Over 85% of the measurements obtained with the different devices did not differ significantly, were consistent with high reliability, and demonstrated good to high correlations. For most of the muscle groups tested, therefore, the devices may be used interchangeably. Moreover, normal values obtained with either device may be appropriate as a reference for patients tested with one or the other.