Force gauges measure muscle strength using compression, push, or pull devices with analog or digital meters. They can measure strength in various areas of the body and can be used for medical, sports, or fitness therapy applications. Accessories like detachable grips can extend their capabilities. They can be analog or digital and vary in quality and price.
There are a number of force gauge products to measure human muscle forces by combining lever-operated compression, push, or pull devices with analog or digital meters. These are designed to measure forces in units of weight such as pounds or kilograms. Various devices are capable of measuring different areas, including hand strength or shoulder and back strength. Others are specified to measure strength in the wrist and forearm, legs, feet, and virtually any point of skeletal muscle movement on the body. The devices can rely on analog or digital measurements and resistances based on technology using springs, light bulbs, hydraulics or pneumatics.
The variety of models available to measure even a single body part means an abundance of techniques and technologies for obtaining force measurements. For example, a hand strength dynamometer may be designed to measure forces that include a crush grip, gripping grip, or support grip. Hand strength products may provide compression levers with integrated scales, bulbs, or gauges for use in medical or sports evaluations.
Others might have handles for pulling in various directions, such as with double-handled pull-up bars connected by a three-foot chain. This type of device can be used to measure muscle forces in the back, legs and chest for evaluation of individual or muscle group actions. A shoulder dynamometer might rely on two opposing grips with a central gauge designed to measure the outward pulling forces of both arms. If there is a fitness machine to build the strength of movement of an individual or muscle group, chances are there is a dynamometer designed to measure that movement.
These devices can also be used to assist in therapy evaluations, measure limitations due to injury or disability, and track any workout progress. Therefore, products can be designed to fit precision medical or physical therapy applications. These units can also serve fitness therapy and sports medicine applications.
In many cases, force gauge applications warrant the use of accessories such as variable detachable grips; these could include lever handles, single or double handles, cable holders and shovel handles, among others. This can extend the evaluation capabilities of any particular force gauge. Typically, an assessment consists of an athlete or patient applying the maximum possible pressure to the dynamometer mechanism, while a specialist records the maximum reading of the grip held for several seconds or more. The tests are repeated several times and compared with previous tests to evaluate the limits of endurance or progress.
Products can be designed with analog or digital technologies. Electronic torque products provide convenient digital readings, while analog gauges offer intuitive, sometimes more consistent accuracy, although accuracy may depend on the size and scale of the gauge. These products are rated for different strength capacities and can vary widely in quality and price. They can range in cost from inexpensive to consumables and up to more expensive professional therapy equipment.
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