Claims:Claims:-
We claim:

1. A medical device (100) for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscle comprising:
an exercise base (101) having a two vertical stirrup (102) parallelly connected to said base (101);
a plurality of ball bearings (103) accommodated in the vertical stirrup (102) being capable to provide rotation;
a movable cast iron rod (104) connected in between said ball bearings (103);
a foot rest (105) mechanically connected to said iron rod on which a base (101) of foot placed;
a hydraulic dynamometer (106) mounted on said exercise base (101) to measure the strength of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles;
a cast iron force applicator (107) mounted on said hydraulic dynamometer (106) on which the force of foot acting;
wherein, said force applied through patient’s foot is acting on said cast iron force applicator (107) such as the angle made by said base (101) of the foot to the horizontal is 60° degrees of plantar flexion accurate value.

2. The medical device (100) for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of ball bearings (103) provided to adjust the cast iron rod (104) as per the foot size of the patient.

3. The medical device (100) for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscles as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hydraulic dynamometer (106) experience the force acting on said cast iron force applicator (107) and measures the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles.

4. The medical device (100) for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscles as claimed in claim 1, wherein said foot being fixed on said foot rest (105) and capable to make movement through the ankle which increase the strength of intrinsic foot muscles.

5. The medical device (100) for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscles as claimed in claim 1, wherein inter-rater reliability of said device (100) is in the range of 0.97-0.99.

6. The medical device (100) for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscles as claimed in claim 1, wherein method to operate said medical device (100) is as follows:
a. adjusting the movable iron rod (104) in the ball bearing (103) to provide moment to the ankle;
b. placing the patient’s foot on said foot rest (105) and ensuring continuously that the patient foot is fixed in planterflexion on a said foot rest (105);
c. applying the force on said cast iron force applicator (107);
d. determining the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles from said hydraulic dynamometer (106);
e. validating the result with reliability testing, validation of the angle, EMG and FEM methods.

Dated this 19 July 2021


, Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)

1. Title of the invention – A MEDICAL DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF PLANTAR INTRINSIC MUSCLE

2. Applicant(s)

(a) NAME : RK UNIVERSITY
(b) NATIONALITY: INDIAN
(c) ADDRESS: RK University, Bhavnagar Highway, Kasturbadham Rajkot - 360020, Gujarat, India

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

A MEDICAL DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF
PLANTAR INTRINSIC MUSCLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a medical device for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscle. Particularly it measure the strength of plantar intrinsic foot muscle with the help of the hydraulic dynamometer to determine the extent of weakness and assess the outcome of strengthening intrinsic muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

An Intrinsic foot muscle weakness has been implicated in a range of foot deformities and disorders. However, to establish a relationship between intrinsic muscle weakness and foot pathology, an instrument or device which measure of intrinsic muscle strength is needed. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the anatomy and role of intrinsic foot muscles, implications of intrinsic weakness and evaluate the different methods used to measure intrinsic foot muscle strength.

The Intrinsic foot muscles contribute to the support of the medial longitudinal arch and work in conjunction with the plantar aponeurosis, plantar ligaments and extrinsic foot muscles to control the stresses on the foot during gait. As such, the strength of intrinsic foot muscles is important in normal functional activities. Weakness of these muscles has been implicated in foot pathology, impaired balance, and addressed in rehabilitation clinical guidelines.

Intrinsic foot muscle weakness has also been implicated in the development of pes cavus in heel pain, claw toe deformity, hammer toe deformity, and hallux valgus. The level of intrinsic muscle weakness necessary for the development of these deformities and disorders is unknown. To assess the degree of weakness and to determine the effect of strengthening intrinsic muscles, a valid and reliable measure of intrinsic muscle strength is needed. There are diverse methods available for measuring intrinsic muscle properties, but there is a lack of agreement regarding the most appropriate measure of strength. Therefore, an improved device and method for measuring intrinsic foot muscle strength may be desired.

Some of the prior arts disclose the strength measuring methods and devices of the intrinsic foot muscle. The document US2020214921 discloses a device for exercising intrinsic foot muscles. The device comprises a base formed of a visco-elastic material and a solid toe plate coupled to a top of the base. The toe plate is shaped to receive the curvature of the bottom of human toes so as to distribute a counterforce from pressure applied by one or more of a plurality of a person's toes among the plurality of the person's toes. The base is configured to compress as a result of the pressure received when the toe plate is gripped by the person's toes while the person's foot is positioned on top of the base. The device is useful for treatment of plantar fasciitis, among other conditions.
KR100782635B1 discloses a pressurized muscle strength increasing apparatus capable of accurately controlling the degree of inhibition of blood flow when executing the pressurized muscle strength increasing method. The pressurized muscle strength increasing apparatus is provided with the tension presser, the pressure setting device, the measuring device, and the control device. The tension compression tool is wound around the setting part of a limb. The tension fitting device is provided with an airtight gas bag, and changes the pressing force applied to the limbs by allowing air in and out. The pressure setting device controls the entry of air into the gas bag.

The prior arts disclose exercising devices and methods of intrinsic foot muscles. The material used in the prior art is visco-elastic material and a solid toe plate coupled to the top of the base. The device is useful for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, among other conditions. Also, the prior art discloses pressurized muscle strength increasing method and treatment of muscles disorder.

In prior arts, the measuring and treatment for increasing the muscles strength are very expensive, and also building muscles could result in a muscle tear as well as damage to ligaments and the surrounding soft tissue. Also, the materials used in prior arts cannot be durable for the long term. Also, it is less accurate and the process is complex.

To overcome the problems of the prior arts, the inventors of the present invention having a solution with a unique and less complex device to measure the strength of the plantar intrinsic foot muscle. The present invention measures the strength of the plantar intrinsic muscle which will help user to overcome and limit some of the foot deformity which developed due to intrinsic foot muscle weakness.The position of ankle is also taken in to consideration and setup is designed in such way that it allow the ankle to go in to the planterflexion which is very important to isolate the intrinsic muscle of the foot and it also cause a disadvantage to the extrinsic foot muscle. Also, the present invention is the one-stop solution for rehabilitation for intrinsic foot muscle strength as it provides a platform for strength assessment, to perform various strengthening exercises of intrinsic foot muscle, and also help in myofascial release. The medical device of the present invention is economical, adjustable, less complex, easy to use, accurate, portable, and consuming less space.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:

The principle object of the present invention is to overcome all the mentioned and existed drawbacks of the prior arts by providing a medical device for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device to measure the strength of plantar intrinsic foot muscle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical device for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic foot muscles through the hydraulic dynamometer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical device that is to determine the extent of weakness and assess the outcome of strengthening intrinsic muscles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a medical device which is a solution for rehabilitation of intrinsic foot muscle as it providing a platform for its assessment and also to perform various strengthening exercises of intrinsic foot muscle and also myofascial release.

Yet another object of the present invention is to providing strength to the plantar intrinsic muscle which helps the patient to prevent and limit some of the foot deformity which developed due to intrinsic foot muscle weakness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

In view that the prior arts, medical device for measuring the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles are complex, consuming more space and less acuurate. To overcome the certain disadvantages of the prior arts, the inventors of the present invention developed the unique and less complex medical device to measure the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles.

The present invention is all about a medical device that measuring and improving the strength of intrinsic foot muscles.

The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a medical device for measuring the plantar intrinsic muscle which measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic foot muscle. A medical device for measuring the plantar intrinsic muscle comprising an exercise base having a two vertical stirrup parallelly connected to said base, a plurality of ball bearings accommodated in the vertical stirrup being capable to provide rotation, a movable iron rod connected in between said ball bearings, a footrest mechanically connected to said iron rod on which a base of the foot placed, a hydraulic dynamometer mounted on said exercise base to measure the strength of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles, a cast iron force applicator mounted on said hydraulic hand dynamometer on which the force of foot acting, wherein said force applied through patient’s foot is acting on said cast iron force applicator such as the angle made by said base of the foot to the horizontal is 60° degrees of plantar flexion accurate value.

As per another aspect of the present invention is the method to operate the medical device for measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic muscles is as follow:
a. adjusting and movable the iron rod in the ball bearing to provide movement at the ankle.
b. placing the patient’s foot on said footrest and ensuring continuously that the patient foot is fixed in planterflexion on a said footrest;
c. applying the force on said cast iron force applicator;
d. determining the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles from said hydraulic dynamometer;
e. validating the result with reliability testing, validation of the angle, EMG and FEM methods.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a medical device to measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic foot muscle by dynamometer, which experience the force acting on said cast iron force applicator and measures the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing applies to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

FIG. 1 represents the schematic diagram of a medical device to measuring the strength of plantar intrinsic foot muscles of the present invention.
FIG.2 represents the scattered graph of inter-rater reliability ICCs.
FIG.3 represents the results of FEM, in which deformation in the structure is represented in the form of colors.
FIG.4 represent the direction of the force in FEM.
FIG.5 represent the graph of the mean amplitude of EMG at 50 Degree of all the measured muscles.
FIG.6 represent the graph of the mean amplitude of EMG at 60 Degree of all the measured muscles.
FIG.7 represent the graph of the mean amplitude of EMG at 70 Degree of all the measured muscles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

The present invention overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of conventional mechanisms. The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. Also, the following description includes various specific details and is to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that: without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure and its various embodiments there may be any number of changes and modifications described herein.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred, systems are now described.

The term “Abductor Hallucis” belongs to the superficial layer of the plantar foot muscles, alongside the Flexor Digitorum Brevis and Abductor Digiti Minimi. It contributes to the soft tissue prominence on the medial side of the sole.

The term “flexor digitorum longus” muscle is situated on the tibial side of the leg. At its origin it is thin and pointed, but it gradually increases in size as it descends. It serves to flex the second, third, fourth, and fifth toes.

The term “hallucis longus” muscle is one of the three deep muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg that attaches to the plantar surface of the distal phalanx of the great toe.

The term “ICCs ranging” is a widely used reliability index in test-retest, intrarater, and interrater reliability analyses.

The term “Electromyography” (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. These nerve cells are known as motor neurons. They transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract and relax.

The term “Finite Element Method” (FEM) is shown that the mechanical stress and force is the most widely used method for solving problems of Structural Analysis which tells us about the distribution of the forces.

The term “Tukey HSDa” also called Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test, is a post-hoc test based on the studentized range distribution. The test compares all possible pairs of means.

The term “metatarsophalangeal” (MTP) joints permit flexion, extension, and limited abduction, adduction, and circumduction. Flexion (plantarflexion) of the metatarsophalangeal joints causes the toes to be pulled together and to bend towards the plantar aspect of the foot.

The present invention providing a novel approach to measure the strength of the plantar intrinsic foot muscle for foot deformity which developed due to intrinsic foot muscle weakness. Also to perform various strengthening exercises of intrinsic foot muscle and myofascial release.

The main embodiment of the present invention is to provide a medical device (100) for measuring the plantar intrinsic muscle. The medical device (100) measures the strength of plantar intrinsic foot muscle which will able to measure the plantar intrinsic muscle and easily and accurately without any significant disadvantage and which will able to assess the foot intrinsic muscle and also it will be the one-stop destination of some of the ankle and foot exercise.

As per the detailed embodiments of the present invention, a medical device (100) for measuring the plantar intrinsic muscle comprising an exercise base (101) having a two vertical stirrup (102) parallelly connected to said base (101); a plurality of ball bearings (103) accommodated in the vertical stirrup (102) being capable to provide rotation; a movable iron rod connected in between said ball bearings (103); a foot rest (105) mechanically connected to said iron rod on which a base (101) of the foot placed; a hydraulic dynamometer (106) mounted on said exercise base (101) to measure the strength of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles; a cast iron force applicator (107) mounted on said hydraulic dynamometer (106) on which the force of foot acting; wherein, said force applied through patient’s foot is acting on said cast iron force applicator (107) such as the angle made by said base (101) of the foot to the horizontal is 60° degrees of plantar flexion accurate value.

As per another embodiment of the present invention, the medical device (100) is measures the strength of the plantar intrinsic muscle without the significant disadvantage which will help us to correct and limit some of the foot deformity which developed due to intrinsic foot muscle weakness. It is also a one-stop solution for rehabilitation of intrinsic foot muscle as it provides a platform for its assessment and also to perform various strengthening exercises of intrinsic foot muscle and also myofascial release.

As per the another embodiment of the present invention, said plurality of ball bearings (103) provided to adjust the cast iron rod (104) height as per the foot size of the patient. The ball bearings (103) are rolling-element that uses balls to maintain the separation between the moving parts of the bearings (103), the inner and outer part of the bearings (103).

As per the another embodiment of the present invention, said dynamometer (106) experiences the force acting on said cast iron force applicator (107) and measures the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles. The hydraulic dynamometer (106) an evaluation tool that's used to measure isometric grip force and measure the force while others use electronic load cells.

As per the another embodiment of the present invention, said electrodes are attached to the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus. The electrodes for muscles activation and the impulses are generated by a device and are delivered through electrodes on the skin near to the muscles being stimulated. The electrodes are generally pads that adhere to the skin. The impulses mimic the action potential that comes from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract.

As per the another embodiment of the present invention, the inter-rater reliability of the said device is in the range of 0.97-0.99.

As per the another embodiment of the present invention, the medical device (100) for measuring the plantar intrinsic muscles, wherein method to operate said medical device (100) is as follows:
a. adjusting the movable iron rod (104) in the ball bearing (103) to provide moment to the ankle;
b. placing the patient’s foot on said footrest (105) and ensuring continuously that the patient foot is fixed in planterflexion on a said footrest (105);
c. applying the force on said cast iron force applicator (107);
d. determining the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles from said hydraulic dynamometer (106);
e. validating the result with reliability testing, validation of the angle, EMG and FEM methods.

The medical device (100) for measuring the plantar intrinsic muscle can be more efficiently explained with the help of drawings.

Referring to figure 1 of the present invention, the view of the medical device (100) for measuring the plantar intrinsic muscle has shown. The device (100) having an exercise base (101). The whole structure is connected with the base (101). The base (101) having two vertical stirrups (102) parallelly connected to the base (101). The plurality of ball bearings (103) accommodated in the vertical stirrup (102). The ball bearings (103) is a type of rolling element. The balls of the ball bearings (103) maintain the separation between the moving parts of the bearings (103). The purpose of ball bearings (103) is for rotation. The movable cast iron rod (104) is connected in between the ball bearings (103).

Continuously referring to figure 1 of the present invention, the footrest (105) is mechanically connected to the cast iron rod (104) on which a base (101) of the foot is placed. The hydraulic dynamometer (106) is mounted on the exercise base (101). The hydraulic dynamometer (106) is an evaluation tool that measures isometric grip and measures the strength of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles. The cast iron force applicator (107) is mounted on the hydraulic dynamometer (106) on which the force of foot acting. The force applied through the patient’s foot is acting on said cast iron force applicator (107) such as the angle made by said base (101) of the foot to the horizontal is 60° degrees of plantar flexion accurate value.

As per one embodiment of the present invention, the validity of the device (100) can be validated with the help of the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Electromyography (EMG) method. The result of the Finite Element Method shown in Fig. 3 & 4, which tells us about the distribution of the forces in which the blue color represents the absence of foot force and the red color represents the maximum force applying on that point. In contrast, flexion of the toe in a medical device, 100N imaginary force was applied. This result validates this instrument that the force is not dissipated any other place but is concentrated at one point. Even the direction of the force is downward and backward, which is in the same direction as the force exerted by the intrinsic muscle. The finite element method validates that instrument is an excellent source to measure the intrinsic foot muscle strength with ankle is in plantar flexion.The finite element method is a source to measure the intrinsic foot muscle strength with ankle is in plantar flexion. Further, the validity is also proved by the help of Needle, EMG, the activity of the Abductor hallucis muscle measured for three subjects, and all the subject shows the EMG activity in the muscle with plantar flexion of the ankle, which further enhances that this mechanism and the position of measuring the intrinsic foot muscle is valid.

The present invention was experimented and illustrated more in detail in the following experiment. The experiment describes and demonstrates embodiments within the scope of the present invention. This example was given solely for illustration and is not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from spirit and scope.

EXPERIMENT 1: Reliability Testing

The measurement of the muscular strength was done in sitting in the armrest chair, and the hip knee angle is 90 Degree (90-90 Position) with both the legs are parallel to each other. The testing foot is placed in the footrest, and maximum plantar flexion is achieved; the ankle is scurred with the velcro straps during the measurement; once the plantar flexion is achieved, the subject should press the iron bar attached to the dynamometer (106), and the reading can be measured. Subjects should record three readings for each foot, and the mean of these three readings can be taken as the value of intrinsic muscle strength in pounds (lb.).

10 Boys without flat foot 10 Boys with flat foot 10 Girls without flat foot 10 Girls with flat foot
BMI: 20.6 ±1.34 BMI: 21.5 ± 1.0 BMI: 20.3 ± 1.33 BMI: 20.9±1.19
Age: 20 years Age: 20.4 years Age: 20.8 years Age: 20.8 years
1st Day Strength 27.5 lb. 1st Day Strength 21.lb. 1st Day Strength 23 lb. 1st Day Strength
15.3 lb.
Strength on 27th day 27.2 lb. Strength on 27th day 20.4lb. Strength on 27th Day 23 22.8 lb. Strength on 27th Day 15 lb.
Table 1 Demographic data for the subject with the strength of 1st and 27th Day

From the results, the inventors of the present invention found high ICCs ranging from 0.97-0.99 for all the strength tests for the entire group. If we see the group-wise analysis, then three groups have the ICCs 0.99, and Boys with Flat foot have the ICCs value of 0.97. The scattered Graph of ICCs for all the four groups has shown in Fig. 2.
EXPERIMENT 2: Validation of the Angle

The experiment was done on people with normal feet (n=8) and Flat Feet (n=2) between the ages of 24 and 48. Sufficient explanations of this study's intent and the overall purpose were given, and voluntary consent to participate in this study was obtained from all subjects. Each subject was required to participate in a total of three testing trials over a week. All subjects received a sufficient explanation about the research and provided consent to participation. A total of 10 subjects performed the same activity: flexion of metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP) joint with plantar flexion at ankle joint at three different angles (50, 60 & 70 Degree) of the dynamometer (106), which is fixed on the device (100) measures the strength of the intrinsic muscle. The angles used are based (101) on the range of plantarflexion at the ankle joint and the device's orientation. To measure muscle activations in the lower extremities, Self -adhesive electrodes were attached to the abductor hallucis, Flexor Digitorum Longus, and Flexor hallucis Longus.

The experiment was done with the ten subjects to find out the best angulation for the device (100) to fix the angle suitable for the measurement and we have analyzed the Validity at different angles to determine which angle is best for the intrinsic muscle activation.

Subjects Age (years) Height [cm] Weight [kg]
5 Female 26.6(1.49) 158.6(2.6) 61.4(13.3)
5 Male 34.8(8.6) 158(2.1) 63(18.6)
Table 2. Summary of subject demographics presented as means (±SD)

EXPERIMENT 3: Statistics Analysis

In this experiment, the data were analyzed by statistical analysis within the group and between the group. The statistical significance was accepted for p values less than 0.05. Analysis of EMG Amplitude of Abductor Hallucis, Flexor Digitorium Longus, and Flexor Hallucis Longus at 50-degree angulation of Dynamometer (106).

The EMG recording was done with the help of surface EMG, and ten subjects were selected for that EMG reading will be taken, and Table 3 is showing the descriptive analysis of the amplitude value of all the muscles measured in the experiment for these subjects when the Dynamometer (106) was kept at 50 degrees of angulation from the base (101).

95% Confidence Interval for Mean
N Mean Std. deviation Std. Error Lower Bound Upper Bound Minimum Maximum
Abducter Hallucis 10 107.44 44.149 13.961 75.86 139.02 42 171
Flexor Digitorium Longus 10 120.14 75.980 24.027 65.79 174.49 48 309
Flexor Hallucis Longus 10 128.24 70.295 22.229 77.95 178.53 58 246
Total 30 118.61 63.292 11.555 94.97 142.24 42 309
Table 3: Descriptive analysis of EMG Amplitude of Abductor Hallucis, Flexor Digitorium Longus, and Flexor Hallucis

The test of the homogeneity of variance was also done by using the Levene Statistics, and Table 4 is showing that there is no significant difference between the group that suggests that the group's variances are homogenous.

Amplitude of EMG Tests of Homogeneity of Variances
Levene Statistic df1 df2 Sig.
Based on Mean .939 2 27 .403
Based on Median .505 2 27 .609
Median and with adjusted df .505 2 21.709 .610
Based on trimmed mean .818 2 27 .452
Table 4.Homogeneity of variances based on Levene Test

Table 5 of the present invention shows the F Value, and according to this test, the EMG amplitude of all the muscles is not significant either in between-group or within-group if the instrument is kept in the angulation of 50 Degree.

Amplitude of EMG
Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Between Groups 2198.467 2 1099.233 .260 .773
Within Groups 113971.732 27 4221.175
Total 116170.199 29
Table 5: Statistical value for between and within the group

Table 6 of the present invention shows the Post Hoc analysis, and the EMG amplitude of one muscle is compared with the other two muscles, and the result clearly shows no significant difference between any of the amplitude. Both intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles show almost identical activity when testing was done at 50 degrees of angulation.
(I) Muscles which are
measured (J) Muscles which are
measured Mean
Difference
(I-J) Std.
Error Sig. 95% Confidence Interval
Lower Bound Upper
Bound
Tukey
HSD Abductor Hallucis Flexor Digitorium Longus -12.700 29.056 .900 -84.74 59.34
Flexor Hallucis Longus -20.800 29.056 .756 -92.84 51.24
Flexor Digitorium
Longus Abductor Hallucis 12.700 29.056 .900 -59.34 84.74
Flexor Hallucis Longus -8.100 29.056 .958 -80.14 63.94
Flexor Hallucis Longus Abductor Hallucis 20.800 29.056 .756 -51.24 92.84
Flexor Digitorium Longus 8.100 29.056 .958 -63.94 80.14
Table 6: Multiple Comparisons using Post Hoc

Table 7 of the present invention shows the homogeneous subset, and it can see that all the muscles are grouped in 1 subset, which means that all of these muscles have a mean that is not significantly different from each other.

Subset for alpha = 0.05
Muscles which are measured N 1
Tukey HSDa Abductor Hallucis 10 107.44
Flexor Digitorium Longus 10 120.14
Flexor Hallucis Longus 10 128.24
Sig. .756
Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed
a. Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 10.000
Table 7: Homogeneous Subset

Figure 6 of the present invention shows displaying the mean amplitude of all measured muscles. The Analysis of EMG Amplitude of Abductor Hallucis, Flexor Digitorium Longus, and Flexor Hallucis Longus at 60-degree angulation of Dynamometer.

The EMG recording was done with the help of surface EMG, and ten subjects were selected for that EMG reading will be taken, and Table 8 of the present invention is showing the descriptive analysis of the amplitude value of all the muscle measured in the experiment for these subjects when the dynamometer (106) was kept at 60 degrees of angulation from the base (101). The Mean Value of the amplitude of Abductor Hallucis is more outstanding than the other two extrinsic muscle.

N Mean Std. Deviation Std.
Error 95% Confidence Interval
Lower Bound Upper
Bound Minimum Maximum
Abductor Hallucis 10 185.98 45.558 14.407 153.39 218.57 79 224
Flexor Digitorium
Longus 10 101.12 37.468 11.848 74.32 127.92 46 154
Flexor Hallucis Longus 10 102.08 43.814 13.855 70.74 133.42 60 212
Total 30 129.73 57.554 10.508 108.24 151.22 46 224
Table 8: Descriptive analysis of EMG Amplitude of Abductor Hallucis, Flexor
Digitorium Longus, and Flexor Hallucis

The test of the Homogeneity of variance was also done by using the Levene Statistics, and Table 9 of the present intention is showing that there is no significant difference between the group that suggests that the group's variances are homogenous.

Tests of Homogeneity of Variances
Levene Statistic df1 df2 Sig.
Amplitude of EMG Based on Mean .140 2 27 .870
Based on Median .034 2 27 .967
Based on Median and with adjusted df .034 2 23.517 .967
Based on trimmed mean .101 2 27 .905
Table 9: Homogeneity of variances based on Levene Test

Table 10 F table of the present invention is showing that the F Value (13.18), which is undoubtedly more than the value seen in the 50-degree angulation as result shows a significant difference between and within the group according to this test the if the instrument is kept in the angulation of 60 Degree.

Amplitude of EMG
Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Between Groups 47471.171 2 23735.585 13.189 .000
Within Groups 48590.868 27 1799.662
Total 96062.039 29
Table 10: statistical value for between and within the group
Table 11 of the present invention shows the Post Hoc analysis, and the EMG amplitude of one muscle is compared with the other two muscles. The result clearly shows a significant difference between the amplitude of Abductor Hallucis and the other two extrinsic muscles (Flexor Digitorium Longus and Flexor Hallucis Longus) when testing was done at 60 degrees of angulation.

Dependent Variable: Amplitude of EMG
(I) Muscles which are
measured (J) Muscles which are
measured Mean
Difference
(I-J) Std.
Error Sig. 95% Confidence Interval
Lower Bound Upper
Bound
Tukey
HSD Abductor Hallucis Flexor Digitorium Longus 84.860* 18.972 .000 37.82 131.90
Flexor Hallucis Longus 83.900* 18.972 .000 36.86 130.94
Flexor Digitorium
Longus Abductor Hallucis -84.860* 18.972 .000 -131.90 -37.82
Flexor Hallucis Longus -.960 18.972 .999 -48.00 46.08
Flexor Hallucis Longus Abductor Hallucis -83.900* 18.972 .000 -130.94 -36.86
Flexor Digitorium Longus .960 18.972 .999 -46.08 48.00
*. The mean difference is significant at the 0.05 level
Table 11: Multiple Comparisons using Post Hoc

Table 12 of the present invention is showing the homogeneous subset, and it can see that the muscles are divided into 2 subsets, which means that all subset 1 muscles are different from the subset 2 muscle in terms of EMG amplitude, the mean value of EMG Amplitude is significantly different from each other.

Amplitude of EMG
Subset for alpha = 0.05
Muscles which is measured N 1 2
Tukey HSDa Abductor Hallucis 10 101.12
Flexor Digitorium Longus 10 102.08
Flexor Hallucis Longus 10 185.98
Sig. .999 1.000
Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed
a. Uses Harmonic Mean Sample Size = 10.000
Table 12: Homogeneous Subset

Figure 7 of the present invention is shown displaying the mean amplitude of all the measured muscles Abductor Hallucis longus has maximum mean EMG Amplitude.

The Analysis of EMG Amplitude of Abductor Hallucis, Flexor Digitorium Longus, and Flexor Hallucis Longus at 70-degree angulation of dynamometer (106). The EMG recording was done with the help of surface EMG, and 10 subjects were selected for that EMG reading will be taken, and Table 13 is showing the descriptive analysis of the amplitude value of all the muscles measured in the experiment for these subjects when the dynamometer (106) was kept at 70 degrees of angulation from the base (101). The mean value of the amplitude of Abductor Hallucis is smaller than the other two extrinsic muscles, showing almost the same mean amplitude value.

N Mean Std. Deviation Std.
Error 95% Confidence Interval
Lower Bound Upper
Bound Minimum Maximum
Abductor Hallucis 10 91.76 44.890 14.195 59.65 123.87 44 203
Flexor Digitorium
Longus 10 154.36 57.522 18.190 113.21 195.51 66 242
Flexor Hallucis Longus 10 154.84 52.579 16.627 117.23 192.45 39 229
Total 30 133.65 58.464 10.674 111.82 155.48 39 242
Table 13: Descriptive analysis of EMG Amplitude of Abductor Hallucis, Flexor Digitorium Longus, and Flexor Hallucis
Table 14 of the present invention is showing the homogeneous subset, and it can see that the muscles are divided into 2 subsets, which means that all subset 1 muscle is different from the subset 2 muscles in terms of EMG amplitude the mean value of EMG Amplitude is significantly different from each other.
Amplitude of EMG
Subset for alpha = 0.05
Muscles which is measured N 1 2
Tukey HSDa Abductor Hallucis 10 91.76
Flexor Digitorium Longus 10 154.36
Flexor Hallucis Longus 10 154.84
Sig. 1.000 1.000
Means for groups in homogeneous subsets are displayed
Table 14. Homogeneous Subset

Figure 7 of the present invention is to show Displaying the mean amplitude of all the measured muscles Abductor Hallucis longus has a minimum mean EMG Amplitude.

The present invention measures the strength of intrinsic plantar muscle, the present prototype is a valid and reliable device for measuring plantar intrinsic muscle strength when the modified use of a dynamometer is oriented at 60 degree of angulation. Moreover, the device can also be used for different exercises of ankle and foot, making it a one-stop destination for the assessment and training of foot muscles.

Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the claimed methods. It should be understood that the foregoing discussion and examples merely present a detailed description of certain preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS:
Medical device (100)
Base (101)
Vertical Stirrup (102)
Ball Bearing (103)
Movable Cast Iron Rod (104)
Foot Rest (105)
Dynamometer (106)
Cast Iron Force Applicator (107)