Reliability of hand-held dynamometry in assessment of knee extensor strength after hip fracture.

Objectives: To examine the reliability of hand-held dynamometry in assessing knee extensor strength in inpatients undergoing rehabilitation after hip fracture and to examine the discriminant validity of this measure.

Design: A total of 16 subjects (14 women; mean +/- SD, 79 +/- 7 yrs) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after hip fracture volunteered to participate. Isometric knee extensor strength of the fractured and unfractured sides was determined with a hand-held dynamometer.