How to Choose the Right Handheld Dynamometer for Your Practice

Learn how five popular push handheld dynamometers compare

For over a century, handheld dynamometers (HHDs) have been used to quantifiably measure muscle strength. Compared to traditional manual muscle testing (MMT), HHDs generate precise and objective data that physicians and trainers can use to inform their rehabilitative and athletic training plans. And, unlike isokinetic dynamometry, which can be cumbersome and expensive, handheld dynamometry is portable and affordable.

In recent years, these highly versatile devices have become a go-to tool for physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and others who need reliable data about muscle strength and performance. The popularity of HHDs has led to an influx of new devices on the market. Parsing through the multitude of similar-seeming devices can be difficult – which is why we created this comparison guide. Below, we outline common HHD models and applications, and provide the specs for, and pros and cons of, five popular HHDs.

Types of Handheld Dynamometers

HHDs have come a long way from their analog forebearers; today, the most popular models on the market are backed by some form of technology. While some analog HHDs are still in use, the two more commonly used models are:

• Standalone dynamometers display measurements on an LCD screen embedded in the device
• Software-enabled dynamometers send data to an app or desktop software via Bluetooth

Within those broad categories, two more specific types of HHDs exist:

• Push dynamometers measure compression
• Pull dynamometers measure tension or strain

Some HHDs can be configured to measure both compression and tension – but are rare. When it comes to traditional handheld testing, push dynamometers are more commonly used than pull dynamometers. Because of that, this guide will focus on push dynamometers that are either software enabled or standalone with optional software.

Common Push Handheld Dynamometer Applications

While specific applications and tests vary by device, most push HHDs can be used to measure:

Comparing Popular Push Handheld Dynamometers

	KINVENT K-Push	Hoggan Scientific microFET 2	Lafayette HHD	VALD Dynamo Lite	ActivForce 2
Connectivity	Bluetooth + Physio App (compatible with Android and iOS)	Optional Bluetooth + FDC FET Data Collection Software (compatible with Windows operating systems XP and newer)	Optional Bluetooth + DynoData software or app	Bluetooth + TeleHab app (compatible with Android and iOS); data and reporting sent to the VALD Hub	Bluetooth + companion app
Contract Type	Purchase hardware, subscribe to software	Purchase hardware, purchase software (optional)	Purchase standalone device or purchase device and software bundle	Subscription (spread over three-year term; includes hardware and software)	Purchase hardware, free app download
LCD Screen?	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Hardware Price	$1,290.00	$1,352.40	Standalone device: $1,395.00	$570.00 annually	$499.00
App / Software Price	$350 to $1,150 annually	$618.45	Device + software: $1,800.00	Included in annual cost of subscription	Free
Connects to Other Devices?	Yes; can be used with KINVENT’s 7 other biofeedback devices	No	No	Yes; can be used with other VALD devices	No
Maximum Force Capacity	200 lbF	300 lbF	300 lbF	220 lbF	200 lbF
Included Accessories	Twin handle, hand holder with belt, cushion (preinstalled, removable)	Flat, curved and digit transducer pads, carrying case	3 stirrups, sanitary covers, carrying case	Silicon pouch, limb wraps, strength strap, carrying case	Rounded and arched pads, hand and leg straps, immobilization belt, belt loop plate, carrying case
Battery	Rechargeable; 12 hours	Rechargeable: 6 hours (wireless) 90 hours (non-wireless)	Rechargeable: 12 hours	Rechargeable: 10 hours	1 AAA battery
Data Storage	N/A; all data saved in the KINVENT Physio App	30 most recent tests	250 most recent tests	N/A; all data stored in the VALD Hub	N/A; all data stored in the app
Weight	370 grams	454 grams	312 grams	250 grams	137 grams
Accuracy	Within 0.1%	Within 1%	Within 1%	Within 1%	Within 5%
Sample Rate	1000 Hz	100 Hz	40 Hz	225 Hz	10 Hz
Approximate Three-Year Cost (not including the cost of calibration)	$2,340.00*	$1,970.85	$1,800.00**	$1,710.00	$499.00

* Figure based on basic app subscription

** Hardware + software option

A Deeper Dive

KINVENT K-Push

KINVENT’s eight, state-of-the-art biofeedback devices and the connected KINVENT Physio App are beloved by physical therapists, researchers and athletic trainers. Quantitative data captured by the devices is sent to the app in real time and can be seamlessly shared with other members of a care or training team, and patients or clients. The innovative ecosystem gives PTs and other professionals the precise insight they need to drive better health and performance outcomes for their patients and clients.

KINVENT was created for clinicians and is HIPAA compliant – a rarity in the sports training-centric biofeedback device industry. KINVENT devices are used by major medical systems (including Mayo Clinic and Brooks Rehabilitation) and universities (including Princeton and Texas A&M), in addition to professional sports teams and leagues (including the French Football Federation, UFC and Los Angeles Chargers).

Like all KINVENT devices, the K-Push is a highly sophisticated piece of hardware and is, arguably, the best HHD currently on the market. Impressively, the K-Push has a sampling rate of 1,000 Hz – meaning it captures 1,000 data points per second (the VALD Dynamo Lite comes in at second place with a much lower sampling rate of 225 Hz). This high sampling rate allows users to conduct rate of force development testing – which is sought after but difficult to capture. The K-Push is also extremely versatile and can conduct a broad range of tests on over 40 muscle groups.

Beyond the superiority of the hardware, KINVENT’s software also stands head and shoulders above the competition. The Physio App is intuitive and user-friendly and reporting is comprehensive and easy to share.

As a final note, the K-Push is the only device in this guide that can be purchased and connected to a broader ecosystem of devices and software. It is an excellent option for those seeking a standalone HHD – or for those looking to invest in a more comprehensive solution.

Pros

• Top of market sampling rate of 1,000 Hz
• Most accurate of the five options
• Part of a unified ecosystem of software-enabled biofeedback devices
• Physio App is the most sophisticated and comprehensive software of the options
• App allows users to build custom protocols and tests, which results in significant time savings
• Silicon pad protects device from drops and heavy use, making it more durable than the other options
• Highly versatile; magnetic back allows users to mount the device to any metal object

Cons

• The most expensive of the options

Buy this if: you want to own the most sophisticated HHD with the highest sampling rate on the market, prioritize best-in-class technology and software, and plan on investing in other devices in the KINVENT ecosystem.

Hoggan Scientific microFET 2

Hoggan Scientific’s first generation microFET was one of the first non-analog HHDs on the market. Since its introduction in 1984, Hoggan’s microFET has developed a sterling reputation for its reliability and ease of use. It is one of the most widely used and recognized HHDs on the market and has been used by organizations including NASA and the U.S. Olympics team.

The microFET 2 retains the reliability of the original, but with some technological upgrades. It is one of the two devices in this guide with an LCD screen and optional software – which means it can operate as a standalone or Bluetooth-enabled device. While some may like having the option of using the device with or without software, the flexibility may be a downside for those interested in technological sophistication. Because the software is not a primary focus, it is not as advanced or frequently updated as other options in this guide.

Pros

• Hardware reliability proven over four decades
• From an industry-leading brand
• Can function as a standalone device or can be used with software
• LCD screen preferable for some

Cons

• (Optional) software not frequently updated
• Not connected to other devices
• 5 to 10 year lifespan, shorter if dropped or used incorrectly

Buy this if: you want a time-tested device, prefer reading data from an LCD screen, and don’t prioritize the software component of your HHD.   

Lafayette HHD

Like the microFET 2, Lafayette’s HHD is another widely used dynamometer that has an LCD screen and can be used with or without software. Also like the microFET 2, Lafayette’s software, DynoData, and its reporting capabilities aren’t a primary focus – and, therefore, lack the sophistication of KINVENT’s Physio App.

Some users have reported concerns about the durability of the device. According to these concerns, the device is sensitive to drops and heavy use and breaks fairly easily. They also report that repairing the device is costly – which means much care must be taken when using the dynamometer.

Pros

• Can function as a standalone device or can be used with software
• LCD screen preferable for some

Cons

• Durability concerns
• Expensive to repair
• Doesn’t connect to other devices
• Optional software and reporting are not as advanced as other options

Buy this if: you want a HHD with an LCD screen and are gentle with your equipment.

VALD Dynamo Lite

VALD Performance is a subscription-based sports science technology company that leases out biofeedback devices connected to software. All VALD devices are leased out on bundled 3-year subscription plans with access to VALD’s app and cloud-based data storage platform. Unlike KINVENT, VALD is not HIPAA compliant, so it may not be a suitable option for healthcare providers.

VALD’s Dynamo Lite is a solid HHD with the second highest sampling rate of the five options. Though, at 225 Hz, it still falls well below the K-Push’s 1000 Hz sampling rate. Like the K-Push, the Dynamo Lite is flexible and can be modified with accessories to perform a broad range of tests. Also like the K-Push, the Dynamo Lite may be used in conjunction with VALD’s other biofeedback devices. But, while the device may perform well, VALD’s subscription plan and lease-only policy is inconvenient and, for many, may not be cost effective.

Pros

• Second highest sampling rate of the five options
• Hardware is versatile and can be used to perform over 200 tests
• Can be used with other VALD devices

Cons

• Lease only; no option to own
• Inflexible leasing terms
• Subscription model is inconvenient for some and can become expensive over time
• Not HIPAA compliant

Buy this if: you want to try a software-enabled HHD but don’t want to commit to buying one.

ActivForce 2

The ActivForce 2 is a cost-effective, software-enabled HHD. Compared to the other software-enabled HHDs in this guide, it is the least versatile: its sampling rate of 10 Hz is the lowest of the five options and its testing options are relatively limited. Despite these drawbacks, the device performs basic strength assessments well and its low cost makes it a solid option for those looking to try a HHD that connects to an app.

Pros

• The least expensive of the five options

Cons

• Doesn’t connect with other devices
• Lowest sampling rate (10 Hz) of the five options
• Least accurate of the five options

Buy this if: you want an entry level, software-enabled HHD to perform basic tests with.  

Still Not Sure Which Handheld Dynamometer Is Right for You?

If you need help deciding – or just want to discuss your options – contact JLW Instruments to speak with a dynamometer expert.

We stock and calibrate Hoggan Scientific’s microFET 2 and the entire suite of KINVENT Bluetooth-enabled digital devices, including the K-Push, and can assist in selecting the best handheld dynamometer for your needs.