Muscle strength
quadriceps femoris muscle, ®2
Using a digital handheld dynamometer microFET®2 (HOGGAN SCIENTIFIC LLC, USA) the muscle strength in both lower extremities (especially quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM) left and right) was measured by isometric knee extensor strength testing. To perform the measurement, the patient sat upright on a patient couch (approx. 90° angle). The dynamometer was placed on the patient’s lower tibia, near the medial malleolus. The study assistant conducting the strength test held on to the couch to avoid losing balance due to the counterforce of the patient. The patients were asked to hold the maximum muscle effort for approximately 3 s. The patient should keep the shin as straight as possible (Fig. Measurement of muscle strength by using a digital handheld dynamometer microFET®2