Development, validation and test-retest reliability of a load cell-based device for assessment of isometric forearm rotation torque

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to develop and validate a load cell-based device for measuring isometric forearm rotation torque and to determine its test-retest reliability. Approach. The custom-built device was calibrated using known weights and validated against a high-precision torque transducer. For reliability assessment, 35 physically active participants (20 males, 15 females; age 30 ± 7 years) were tested for isometric forearm pronation and supination strength 5-7 d apart. Main results. The custom device demonstrated excellent validity (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), absolute agreement = 1.00; r2 = 1.00, p < 0.001; mean difference = −1.26-1.44%, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability was excellent for absolute pronation and supination torque (ICC = 0.88-0.97; coefficient of variation percentage (CV%) = 4.1-5.6; minimal detectable change (MDC) at 90% confidence level = 13.1-19.9%), good to excellent for supination:pronation ratios (ICC = 0.60-0.88; CV% = 7.0-8.6; MDC = 0.10-0.13), and fair to good for dominant:non-dominant ratios (ICC = 0.42-0.66; CV% = 6.1-7.6; MDC = 0.07-0.10). Sex significantly influenced absolute torque values, with males demonstrating consistently higher torque, although reliability metrics were similar for both sexes. Significance. The device is valid, and the test is reliable. It is suitable for clinical assessments, rehabilitation monitoring, and performance evaluation, facilitating an improved understanding of factors affecting elbow overloading and injuries. Limb ratio metrics should be interpreted with caution due to their lower reliability.