FSHP Academy
Sports Technology — all lessons

Module 1 – Introduction

Evolution and role of technology in sportImpact on training, recovery and competitionCase studies: technology in Olympic and elite sport

Module 2 – Biomechanics & Motion Capture

Biomechanics basics for technology usersMotion analysis tools: cameras, sensors and appsForce plates (e.g. VALD ForceDecks)Reaction-light systems (e.g. BlazePod)DynamometryRunning gait analysis (e.g. GaitON)Timing and jump systems (e.g. Hyperlab)

Module 3 – Wearables & Monitoring

Types of wearables: GPS and heart-rate monitorsInterpreting speed, load, fatigue and HRV dataIntegrating wearable data into training

Module 4 – Performance Testing & Analytics

Performance testing and analytics workflows

Dynamometry

Measuring muscle strength with hand-held, fixed-frame and isokinetic dynamometers — protocols, reliability, and uses in rehab and performance.

Intermediate Evidence: Strong evidence 3 min read Reviewed 2026-10-31 Status: draft

Learning objectives

  • Describe types of dynamometers
  • Run reliable hand-held dynamometry tests
  • Interpret strength ratios and asymmetries
  • Apply dynamometry in rehab and performance

Before this lesson

Why this matters

Strength numbers make rehab and performance decisions objective.

Types

TypeUse
IsokineticLab reference; joint torque at set speeds
Hand-heldClinic and field; correlates well when standardised [stark2011]
Fixed-frameField; reduces tester bias
GripHealth screening (e.g., sarcopenia) [cruzjentoft2019]

Protocol

Consistent position, joint angle, stabilisation, warm-up, 3 trials, “push as hard as you can” instructions, rest between trials. Calculate typical error [hopkins2000].

Uses

Limb symmetry index in return-to-sport criteria [grindem2016], hamstring:quadriceps ratios, adductor:abductor ratios, tracking rehab.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Case study

A physio uses a fixed-frame knee dynamometer weekly during ACL rehab. Quadriceps symmetry rises from 65% to 92% over 5 months, informing return-to-run and return-to-sport decisions.

Further learning: video lessons

Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.

Technical needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Dynamometry

sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)

You will understand: dynamometry

Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video and be aware of commercial bias.
Technical needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Validity and reliability explained

sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)

You will understand: judging measurement quality

Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video and be aware of commercial bias.

Knowledge check

Knowledge check · 0/5

1. Stark et al. (2011) found hand-held dynamometry…

Answer B. Systematic review.

2. A source of error in hand-held dynamometry is…

Answer A. Use fixed frames or belts.

3. Grip dynamometry is used to screen for…

Answer A. EWGSOP2.

4. Isokinetic dynamometers control…

Answer B. Constant speed.

5. For rehab decisions, dynamometry provides…

Answer B. Criteria.

Short-answer & application questions

  1. Standardise a hand-held knee extension test.
  2. Calculate limb symmetry from data.
  3. Plan dynamometry for a hamstring rehab case.

Key takeaways

  • Isokinetic dynamometry is a laboratory reference for joint-specific strength.
  • Hand-held dynamometry correlates well with isokinetic testing when standardised.
  • Fixed-frame setups reduce tester-strength bias.
  • Use for limb symmetry, ratios (e.g., hamstring:quadriceps) and tracking rehab.

Connected topics

prehab rehab

Role of criteria-based progressions

sports technology

Force plates (e.g. VALD ForceDecks)

geriatric fitness

Functional fitness assessment: SFT, SPPB, TUG, gait speed, grip

References

  1. Stark T, Walker B, Phillips JK, Fejer R, Beck R (2011). Hand-held dynamometry correlation with the gold standard isokinetic dynamometry: a systematic review. PM&R, 3(5):472–479. Systematic review check pending
  2. Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Bahat G, Bauer J, et al. (2019). Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis. Age and Ageing, 48(1):16–31. Guideline check pending
  3. Hopkins WG (2000). Measures of reliability in sports medicine and science. Sports Medicine, 30(1):1–15. Narrative review check pending
  4. Grindem H, Snyder-Mackler L, Moksnes H, Engebretsen L, Risberg MA (2016). Simple decision rules can reduce reinjury risk by 84% after ACL reconstruction: the Delaware-Oslo ACL cohort study. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(13):804–808. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096031 Cohort check pending

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.