Upper Extremity - Evaluation

E-LINK Dynamometer

The Dynamometer registers as little as 0.1kg/lb measurement through to a maximum of 90kg (200lbs). This enables the patient's grip strength to be assessed soon after injury and then regularly monitored throughout the full process. The progress reports help both the patient and Therapist assess the effectiveness of the therapy undertaken.

The following tests, using the Dynamometer with E-LINK software, can be carried out quickly and accurately and include assessments that cannot be undertaken with a manual device:

Mini Case History #1

Standard Peak Force Grip Test (1/4)

Standard Peak Force Grip Test

Three measurements can be quickly entered for each hand position as required. The software automatically calculates the average grip and the coefficient of variation percentage as an indication of the measurement consistency. A force distribution graph is displayed for the five positions.

Sustained Grip Test (2/4)

Sustained Grip Test

This test measures force over time for a 5, 10, 15 or 30 sec interval. Peak force, time to reach peak force, average to peak ratio percentage (sustainability) and fatigue rate are automatically calculated and immediately displayed. The current graph can be compared with a prior test to analyze progress.

Rapid Exchange Grip Test (3/4)

Rapid Exchange Grip Test

Undertaken for the detection of sub-maximal effort, this test is easily performed and documents the grip force applied for eight tests of each hand with a 1, 1.5 or 2 sec interval set timing. The results are displayed in both graph and table form for immediate analysis.

Progress Reports (4/4)

Progress Reports

Progress Reports can be readily generated covering a maximum of 10 tests and the data is displayed in both graph and table format. Automatic calculations show the percentage of change from one session to another, the percentage of change from the first test and the percentage comparison to standard, normative Jamar data for both pediatric and adult values. Ideal as an Outcome Measure and for a Discharge Summary.


E-LINK Pinchmeter

The Pinchmeter easily and accurately measures a patient's pinch strength from 0.1kg/lb measurement through to a maximum of 22kg (50lbs). The device accommodates positioning for key pinch, three jaw and tip-to-tip measurements.

It has a unique, low profile design that permits measurement to be undertaken at a point closer to the end range than any other Pinchmeter device, either manual or electronic.

The software quickly and easily records the following:

Standard Peak Force Pinch Test (1/3)

Standard Peak Force Pinch Test

This test can be taken for the key (lateral), three jaw (tri-pod) and tip to tip positions. Three trials per position can be recorded and the software automatically calculates the average Pinch measurement and the co-efficient of variation percentage as an indication of the measurement consistency. Single measurements of Thumb to Digit Opposition can also be entered for each digit.

Sustained Pinch Test (2/3)

Sustained Pinch Test

This test measures force over time for a 5, 10, 15 or 30 sec interval. Peak force, time to reach peak force, average to peak ratio percentage (sustainability) and fatigue rate are automatically calculated and immediately displayed. The current graph can be compared with a prior test to analyze progress.

Progress Reports (3/3)

Progress Reports

Progress Reports can be easily generated covering a maximum of 10 tests and the data is displayed in both graph and table format. Automatic calculations show the percentage of change from one session to another and the percentage of change from the first test. These Reports are ideal as an immediate clinical Outcome Measure and for Discharge Summaries.


E-LINK Goniometers, Small and Large

E-LINK Goniometers are precise electronic devices, designed for speed and accuracy of data collection. They are invaluable for patients in need of a speedy assessment to minimize discomfort from pain associated with lengthy evaluations.

The goniometer is simply placed over a joint and at the single click of a button the data is recorded in 1 degree increments and entered automatically into the software. This data is clearly displayed on the appropriate screen Graphic.

As with grip and pinch assessments, progress reports can be easily generated by the Software covering a maximum of 10 tests and displayed in both graph and table format.

  • The small Goniometer is used for the hand to measure ROM for fingers and thumb
  • The large Goniometer is used for the wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder
  • Amputation, ankylosis and arthrodesis can also be documented for the above joints
  • The Software can also be configured to accommodate the Neutral Zero method of measurement
  • E-LINK Goniometers – ideal for speedy and accurate ROM evaluation

E-LINK ForcePlates

Assessment of seated balance for the Spinal Injury patient can be a major challenge for the therapist. The E-LINK ForcePlate System provides the solution by scientifically quantifying the symmetrical weight distribution of the patient in either the anterior-posterior (front/back) plane or the medial-lateral (left/right) axes. It accurately and objectively assesses a patient's ability to maintain postural stability on a seated surface and evaluates progress over time as an outcome measure.

  • Two ForcePlates can be connected to the X4 InterX Unit which is the USB interface to the Computer
  • Each ForcePlate registers weight as little as 0.1kg/lb through to 100kg (220lbs)
  • Two ForcePlates can be used for evaluation of medial-lateral (left/right) balance or for anterior- posterior (front/ back)
  • The seated balance assessment, in a 5,10,15,30 or 60 second test, measures fluctuations in the weight distributed over the ForcePlates
  • The results are displayed both in text and graph format for immediate feedback and analysis, with the average % deviation from the center documenting the symmetry of the patient's stance and the standard deviation % documenting stability.
  • Up to 10 tests can be compared simultaneously for progress reporting over time and may be used as an outcome measure

Two ForcePlates are also ideal for assessing bilateral upper limb balance, for example when needing to move from sit to stand, and the real-time display in the software gives immediate feedback both to the patient and Therapist.