Normal and Peak Modes
When used as a force measurement instrument, the MSC will display peak tension and compression loads. When in peak mode, the maximum force exerted during a test is displayed and may be stored for statistical comparisons or output to an external device using serial data communications. The size of the displayed information may be increased for easier viewing just by selecting a key on the keypad.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
Two methods of determining functional capacity are standard with your MSC gauge. Functional capacity is useful to determine the functional stamina of a muscle group based on strength or time. It may be used to assess a subject's strength pre- and post conditioning or to evaluate a subject's strength after an injury.
Strength Method
This method allows you to define a strength threshold. The gauge will begin taking readings once the strength threshold has been reached and will continue to take and average readings until the measured strength value falls below the threshold value.
Time Method
The time method allows you to establish your strength averaging based on a strength threshold and time duration. The strength threshold determines the start of the averaging, while the time duration defines the length of the test period. The gauge will begin taking readings when the threshold is reached and will continue to take and average readings until the time duration has expired.
Statistical Results
You may save and store up to 10 results in instrument memory for later recall or to calculate statistical results when in Peak mode. The gauge labels each result and indicates memory capacity. The gauge will alert you when memory is full. Statistical results include:
- Calculate Mean and also show you the MAX and MIN values for your calculation
- Coefficient of Variation is calculated and displayed with the Mean and Standard Deviation value
- Standard Deviation is calculated and displayed with the Mean and the Variance value. Total Population and Sample (n-1) methods are supported
- Calculate and display percentage difference between consecutive test results.
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High and Low Load or Pass-Fail Limits
The MSC series gauge may be configured with High and Low Load Limits or Pass-Fail Limits. Load limits allow you to establish setpoints for your testing. If the gauge exceeds a setpoint value, the gauge can provide a visual and audible alarm. You can also set up the gauge to operate as a pass-fail system. You can set up a pass-fail limit based on a limit range or a nominal value with a percentage bandwidth. Based on your setup, the gauge will provide you with a Pass-Fail indication
Intuitive Operation
A large, easy to read dot matrix display displays up to 8 lines of information. The high resolution display features contrast adjustments and can be inverted when required. The display can even be "hidden" at the press of a button. A measurement bargraph indicates load and torque direction, measured load and torque and helps to prevent overloads. The sensors feature mechanical overload protection of 150% of full scale.
The rubber keypad features dedicated and dynamic function keys. The function keys correspond to displayed options and guide the user during operation. A navigation pod lets you navigate in the menus and to scroll and change values quickly. The innovative "i" key can be used to display critical information on the gauge such as gauge capacity and resolution, battery life, loadcell overload history, even service information including last calibration date, or the location of service centers.
Simplified Setup
Menus and intelligent prompts make gauge setup fast and easy. Gauge options are presented in "List Format". Using the navigation pod and function keys, you simply select the functions and parameters required. The gauge will guide you through the setup process. Default settings are provided and a "Quick Reset" allows you to re-establish defaults with a single key press.
Muscle Strength Diagnostics
Self Diagnostics
The MSC series force gauge incorporates flash memory and hosts a set of self-diagnostic functions for monitoring the display, keypad and electronics. Using the "i" key, you have immediate access to battery conditions, including estimated battery life remaining. You can also view loadcell status, including the number or overloads that have been applied to the gauge. Zero offset verification is standard and a step by step calibration procedure is built in, allowing you to calibrate your MSC gauge with certified standards.
Muscle Strength Comparisons
Compar muscle strength from a normal (dominant "D") muscle to an impaired (non-dominant "ND") muscle. The MSC allows you to perform 5 sets for the dominant and non-dominant muscle group and compare results statistically. Once the test is completed, you can review individual test data and compare results. Both sets of results are displayed simultaneously including the calculated variance and % difference (force variation). You may also calculate and display Mean, MIN and MAX results, Coefficient of Variation (COV) and Standard Deviation. Results may be transmitted to an external device using RS232 serial communications.
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