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A portable, pneumatically driven device for measuring passive metatarsophalangeal joint quasi-stiffness

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The assessment of passive metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) quasi-stiffness is of growing importance for both athletic performance optimization and clinical monitoring in patient populations. To deepen our understanding and facilitate broader data collection, there is a need to develop a portable device for measuring passive MPJ quasi-stiffness that can be employed in training facilities and clinical settings. Therefore, we designed a portable, pneumatically driven test device to determine the passive quasi-stiffness of the MPJ. The aim of the present study was to investigate the within-day and between-day test-retest reliability of the device. A total of 19 healthy subjects participated in the study. Passive MPJ quasi-stiffness was assessed at three time points: two measurements were conducted on the same day (within-day reliability), and a third measurement was performed on a different day within the same week (between-day reliability). A standardized protocol ensured identical conditions across all three test sessions. The results of the intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (3,1)) comparing passive MPJ quasi-stiffness indicated excellent test-retest reliability for both within-day measurements (ICC = 0.999, 95% CI: 0.99-0.99, p < 0.001) and between-day measurements (ICC = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.98-0.99, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis revealed minimal systematic bias. These findings demonstrate that the standardized protocol and the custom-made device used in this study provide highly reliable results. Its portability, combined with its ease of use and reliability, makes it highly practical for sports and in clinical settings.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2026.113307
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
OpenAlex ID: W7154459653
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Cites: 16
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