Today we will tell you in detail about what the dynamometer measures and what types 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, the study of military contingents, fatigue, etc.
What does a dynamometer measure?
From the foregoing, we can safely conclude that the dynamometer is a special device with which absolutely anyone can easily and quickly measure their own muscle strength.
By the way, the readings of such a device vary significantly depending on the duration and difficulty of professional work. In the event that this method allows you to get certain results in their graphical form, then it is called dynamography.
Types of dynamometers
Currently, the presented device has many different models. The most common among them is a medical manual dynamometer, which is designed to measure the muscle strength of the hand. Such a device is not in vain called a medical device, since it is often used in hospitals and clinics to equip a medical office in sanatoriums, sports facilities and schools.
However, the answer to the question of what the dynamometer measures can be not only the muscle strength of the hand. After all, there are such varieties of this device that are often used for a similar measurement of the strength of the muscles of the legs and body, characterizing the degree of physical development of a person.
Medical dynamometer: appearance and calculations
With the help of such a manual device, a physician can easily and quickly determine the strength of the muscles of the patient’s hand. During this procedure, two measurements are taken on each arm in turn, 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 work, but for the only compression with the maximum possible force for a person. If such a procedure is carried out exclusively for medical purposes, then the hospital employee is required to enter the results into a special control journal.
To obtain more objective indicators, subtract the relative value of muscle strength. After all, its growth during training is quite closely interconnected with the growth of muscle mass and body weight of the athlete. For example, in order for you to be able to independently determine the relative magnitude of the strength of your own hands, you need those readings that were obtained in kilograms from a manual medical dynamometer, multiplied by a hundred, and then divided by the person’s body weight. So, for previously untrained men, this index will be 60-70, and for women - 45-50%.
Determination of Deadweight
After calculating the power of the hands, you can check the results in such a basic exercise as deadlift. It is in this movement that all the power qualities of a person will be visible. This is due to the fact that with this exercise, the athlete uses all the main muscles of the body.
To carry out such a measurement, it is necessary to use a special device that looks very similar to a conventional foot expander. It consists of a hand grip and a footrest. However, instead of springs, this device has a cable with a kind of measuring device in the middle.
The subject's task is to pull the handles toward himself with the greatest possible force. In order to determine the necessary values, it is necessary in the same way, as in the case of a manual medical device, to calculate the relative value of the deadlift. Its results can be interpreted as follows:
- less than 170% - low;
- from 170% to 200% - below average;
- from 200% to 230% - average;
- from 230% to 250% - above average;
- more than 260% - high.
If during the training process the athlete significantly increases the relative strength indices, then this indicates a significant increase in muscle strength and, accordingly, a percentage increase in the content of muscle mass itself.
Factors that, one way or another, affect strength indicators
In the process of evaluating the strength of muscles for self-control, do not forget that it directly depends on such individual factors as:
- The age of a person.
- Gender
- Athlete's body weight.
- Types of training influences.
- The degree of fatigue, etc.
In addition, indicators of 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 midst of the day, that is, in the middle.
It is also worth noting that a significant decrease in muscle strength in an athlete or an ordinary person is often observed during:
- general malaise;
- any disease;
- violations of the regime of the day and nutrition;
- emotional disorders or with a negative mood, etc.
Among other things, the values on the dynamometer can be lowered in the elderly, as well as those who are over 40-50 years old. A similar situation is often observed in men or women who are rarely involved in physical education, including regular gymnastics, walking, etc.
Why do you need to know power indicators?
Not everyone knows how and what the dynamometer measures. However, such a medical device pretty well helps those who regularly play sports. Indeed, systematic self-observation allows a person to be creative in their daily training and healthy lifestyle in general. Knowing the indices of one's own muscle strength, an athlete is able to effectively and efficiently use physical culture to strengthen immunity and maintain health, as well as to increase working capacity and even professional growth.