There are several ways to measure muscular strength and endurance in children with disabilities.17 Muscle strength can be evaluated with the use of a handgrip dynamometer, strain gauge, free weights, or weight machines. Strength testing children who use wheelchairs with free weights or a handgrip dynamometer has many advantages, including the ease of use, portability, time efficiency, and low cost.17 It is important to test the functional muscle groups. This will differ from child to child depending on the type and severity of disability. Note that there will be a wide range of performance within and between children with disabilities depending on the level of functional muscle mass.
Common field-based tests of muscular strength are the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) or 10-repetition maximum (10-RM) of any functional muscle group. Many protocols designed for nondisabled children can be used directly or with minimal adaptations with children who have poor hand dexterity (i.e., cerebral palsy) using velcro straps, cuffs, wrist and ankle weights, adapted benches, and standard training equipment.42 The important thing to remember is to standardize the testing procedures in order to compare pre- and posttest results.
The Brockport Physical Fitness Test contains 14 different muscular strength and endurance tests for children with disabilities.17 Tests also include adaptations for specific disabilities. Some of the tests require special equipment such as a low chin-up bar that can be placed on the floor for children who cannot stand, while other tests use standard exercises that are often done in physical education settings (i.e., modified sit-ups and push-ups).