Study of the Validity and Reliability of Two Digital Dynamometers in Older People

Design: It is a cross-sectional, randomized, and single-center study with a duration of 6 months. The study will follow the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies and CONSORT 2024. The main objective is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Device 1 and Device 2 devices in measuring grip strength and muscle fatigability in community-dwelling older adults.

It will be carried out in two stages: In a first moment the criterion and interobserver validity will be assessed and in a second moment the intraobserver validity. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the 6 arms to follow different orders of the devices (Device 1, Device 2 or Jamar).

Population: community-dwelling older adults of both sexes over 60 years of age.

Procedures: The investigators will schedule each participant for the initial assessment day. Using a table of random numbers, they will be assigned one of the arms. All participants have previously read, signed and given their written informed consent. An interview will be conducted in which age, sex and medication will be collected; an anthropometric and functional assessment will be performed. The functional tests include the 30-second squat test and grip strength tests using the Jamar, Device 1 and Device 2. Three repetitions will be performed with each device, allowing 30 seconds between repetitions and 3 to 5 minutes between devices. After 20 minutes the test will be repeated again on the devices for interobserver validation. 5 to 10 days later, tester 1 will repeat the grip test with the same effort to assess intraobserver reliability.

Sample size: Similar studies validating grip strength devices compared to the Jamar showed an excellent correlation (ICC > 0.90). With an estimated ICC of 0.90 ± 0.05 and an alpha risk of 5%, 348 participants are required for the training study.

Variables: Sociodemographic (age, sex, hand dominance, number of medication types), anthropometric (height, weight, BMI and SMI), strength and fatigability (total number of repetitions in 30sCS, maximal grip strength (HGS), fatigue resistance (FR) and grip work (GW)) and device preference.

Statistical analysis: Maximal strength and fatigability will be analyzed by means of means, standard deviations and statistical tests. Concordance between devices will be assessed using the Kappa coefficient and the Bland-Altman concordance index. ROC curves will be used to determine sensitivity and specificity, and data will be analyzed by gender. Results will be considered statistically significant if p < 0.05, and IBM SPSS Statistics v28.0 will be used for analysis.

Inclusion criteria

• Community-dwelling older adults of both sexes over 60 years of age.

Exclusion criteria

• Those who do not understand the orders given to them by the researcher or present an obvious advanced state of dementia.
• Those people who have amputation in one of the two upper limbs or who cannot perform manual grasping for any reason.
• Those who have had an episode of pain in one of the hands during the week prior to the measurement.
• Those who, due to any illness, prevent or contraindicate maximum resistance exercises.
• Any other cause that the research team assesses that may affect the results.