Strength Measurement in Intrinsic Foot Muscles With Break and Make Tests

For the make test, the examiner applies resistance in a fixed position and the person being tested exerts a maximum effort against the dynamometer and examiner. The examiner is only required to sustain an isometric contraction and read the highest value on an Hand Held Dynamometer.

For the break test, the examiner applies resistance sufficient to overcome the maximum effort of the person being tested and cause the subject's joint to move in the opposite direction, which results in an eccentric contraction. During this test the limb must move at a constant velocity while the person being tested is asked to achieve a maximum contraction. In addition, the examiner must read the force output reading at the exact time the subject's limb begins to move from the Hand Held Dynamometer.