Force matching is a research method consisting of test subjects attempting to produce a force that is equal to a set reference force.
Contents
Protocol
A subject’s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) is recorded and used to normalize both reference forces and results between subjects. During the test subjects are assisted in producing a reference force using various types of feedback (static weight or visual display of force generated). This is followed by an attempt of the subject to generate the reference force without assistance. The duration for both reference and matching tasks is usually four seconds. Results are taken as a mean value of force generated over a time interval set by the researcher. Time intervals are generally one second long and near the end of the attempt. Reference forces are typically set as a percentage of a subject’s MVC while error is typically reported as a percentage of a subject’s MVC.
Applications
Force matching has been used by researchers do describe the accuracies of muscle contractions under various conditions. It has been observed that the thumb is more accurate in force matching than fingers are. Impairment of the extensor pollicis longus has not produced a decrease in force matching accuracy of the flexor pollicis longus.