Measuring leg strength in stroke patients using handheld devices

Use of Hand-held Dynamometry to Obtain Objective Measures of Lower Extremity Rate of Peak Force Production, Cumulative Peak Force Production, and Sustained Peak Force Production Among Patients With Chronic Stroke

Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT05941962

This study is testing a handheld device to see if it can accurately measure leg strength in people who have had a stroke to help improve their rehabilitation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT05941962 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of handheld dynamometry (HHD) in assessing leg strength among individuals with chronic stroke. By collecting objective measures of muscle force production, the study seeks to provide therapists with accurate data to enhance rehabilitation strategies. Participants will undergo strength assessments for various muscle groups while positioned in specific ways to ensure reliable results. Data will be securely logged and analyzed to establish normal values for muscle strength in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older who have experienced a stroke more than three months prior and can follow simple commands.

Not a fit: Patients with severe lower extremity contractures or significant cardiovascular issues that contraindicate exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients by providing therapists with more accurate strength assessments.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of handheld dynamometry is established in other contexts, this specific application in chronic stroke patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Stroke \> 3 months
* Ability to follow two-step commands
* Ability to assume all test positions and maintain for duration of testing (i.e. upright seated, prone, side lying, supine)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lower extremity contractures preventing full passive range of motion (ROM)
* Vital signs contraindicated for exercise (i.e. resting heart rate \> 100 bpm \< 50 bpm, resting systolic blood pressure \> 200 mmHg or \< 90 mmHg, resting diastolic blood pressure \> 110 mmHg, oxygen saturation \< 90%)
* Symptoms contraindicated for testing (i.e. shortness of breath, angina, dizziness, severe headache, sudden onset of numbness or weakness, painful calf suggestive of deep vein thrombosis)
* Active infection and/or injury at location of testing site
* Other diagnosed co-morbidities that would impact physical participation

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Stroke, Weakness, Muscle

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.