How and what does the dynamometer measure? We find out together

Today we will tell you in detail about what the dynamometer measures, and what kinds of this device exist. But before answering these and other questions, it is necessary to understand what the term "dynamometry" implies. As you know, this word was formed from two Greek: metron, that is, measure, and dynamis - force.

It should be noted that this unit of measurement is especially often used in anthropometry, anthropology, neuropathology, during professional selection, study of military contingents, fatigue, etc.

What does the dynamometer measure?

From all of the above, we can safely conclude that the dynamometer is a special device by which absolutely any person can easily and quickly measure his own muscle strength.

By the way, the indications of such a device vary considerably depending on the duration and difficulty of professional work. In the event that this method allows you to get those or other results in their graphic form, it is called dynamography.

Types of dynamometers

At present, the presented device has many different models. The most common among them is a hand-held dynamometer, which is intended to measure the muscular strength of a hand. Such a device is not in vain called a medical device, as it is often used in hospitals and clinics, to equip a medical room in sanatoriums, sports facilities and schools.

However, the answer to the question of what the dynamometer measures is not only the muscular strength of the hand. After all, there are varieties of this device that are often used for a similar measurement of the musculature of the legs and trunk, characterizing the degree of physical development of a person.

Dynamometer medical: appearance and calculations

With the help of such a hand-held apparatus, a physician can easily and quickly determine the strength of the patient's muscles . During this procedure, two measurements are taken alternately on each hand, and then the best result is recorded. Externally presented device resembles a carpal expander. However, it looks a little different, with a sensor and a measuring board. In addition, the dynamometer is not intended for training cyclic operations, but for a single compression with the maximum possible force for a person. If such a procedure is carried out exclusively for medical purposes, the hospital employee is obliged to record the results in a special control journal.

To obtain more objective indicators, the relative value of muscle strength should be subtracted. After all, its growth during training is closely related to the growth of muscle mass and body weight of the athlete. For example, to enable you to independently determine the relative strength of your own hands, you need those indications that were obtained in kilograms from a manual medical dynamometer, multiplied by a hundred, and then divided by the body weight of a person. So, for untrained men, this index will be equal to 60-70, and for women - 45-50%.

Determination of the force force

Calculating the power of the hands, you can check the results in a basic exercise, such as deadlift. It is in this movement that all the strengths of man will be visible. This is due to the fact that with this exercise, the athlete uses all the basic muscles of the body.

In order to carry out such a measurement, it is necessary to use a special device, which is very similar in appearance to a conventional foot escapander. It consists of a handle for hands and footrests. However, instead of springs, this device has a cable with a unique measuring device in the middle.

The task of the subject is to pull the handles toward him with the greatest possible force. In order to determine the required values, similarly, as in the case of a manual medical device, calculate the relative magnitude of the deadlift. Its results can be interpreted as follows:

• Less than 170% - low;
• From 170% to 200% below the average;
• From 200% to 230% - the average;
• From 230% to 250% - above the average;
• More than 260% - high.

If in the process of training the athlete significantly increases the relative strength, this indicates a significant increase in muscle strength and, accordingly, the percentage increase in the content of the muscle mass itself.

Factors that, one way or another, affect the strength indicators

In the process of evaluating the musculature strength for self-control, do not forget that it directly depends on such individual factors as:

1. Age of the person.
2. Sexual accessory.
3. Athlete's body weight.
4. Types of training impacts.
5. Degree of fatigue, etc.

In addition, muscle strength can vary significantly throughout the day. For example, the smallest value is observed in the morning and evening, and the largest - in the middle of the day, that is, in the middle.

It is also worth noting that a significant reduction in muscle strength in an athlete or an ordinary person is often noted during:

• General malaise;
• Any diseases;
• Violations of the regime of the day and nutrition;
• Emotional disorders or with a negative mood and so on.

Among other things, the values on the dynamometer can be lowered in older people, as well as those who are over 40-50 years old. A similar situation is often observed in men or women, who rarely engage in physical training, including ordinary gymnastics, walking, and so on.

Why do you need to know the strength indicators?

Not everyone knows how and what the dynamometer measures. However, such a medical device is quite good for those who regularly exercise. After all, systematic self-observation allows a person to creatively treat their daily training and healthy lifestyle in general. Knowing the indicators of his own muscle strength, the athlete is able to effectively and rationally use physical culture to strengthen immunity and preserve health, as well as to improve efficiency and even professional growth.