A physical evaluation is the first thing a client undergoes when they enter rehabilitative treatment. Physical evaluations not only give practitioners a chance to understand a patient’s history, but are an opportunity to diagnose and identify impairments and dysfunction. Evaluation tests are used in all areas of rehabilitation by these practitioners:

• Orthopedists
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Chiropractors
• Sports therapists

Evaluations are necessary to provide baseline measurements and in order to track progress throughout the rehabilitative process. Some of the important measurements used in rehabilitation are:

• Strength
• Range of motion
• Sensory perception
• Body measurements

Since evaluations play such a big role in the rehabilitation progress, it’s important to have measurement tools and instruments available that are not only easy to use but provide accurate measurements for patients of all abilities and strength levels. Baseline Evaluation Instruments is just one product line of measurement tools available in rehabilitation. What sets Baseline apart is the diverse equipment available made of the highest quality, with many instruments manufactured within the United States.

The Baseline Evaluation Instruments Line

Baseline Dynamometers for Strength Evaluation

When used in rehabilitation, dynamometers are tools used to measure force, power or strength and are an important evaluative tool for several reasons. For example, not only is handgrip strength a good indicator of overall body strength, it’s also provides valuable tools about heart health and can be used to identify potential health risks for patients (Source). 

Baseline’s dynamometer line includes hand dynamometers, pinch gauges, push-pull (MMT) dynamometers, and wrist dynamometers.

• Baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer: The Baseline hydraulic hand dynamometer ensures accurate results and user comfort. The innovative design has several features that set it apart from other hand dynamometers including:
  
  • Reliable results
  • Easy to use for both tester and patient
  • Measurement repeatability
  • Five position handle
  • Protective carrying case
• Pinch Gauge: A pinch gauge is a handheld evaluation tool used to measure a patient’s hand strength with regards to dysfunction or trauma. It’s a great tool to use to establish a baseline of strength or used throughout treatment to help with clinical treatment decisions and progress tracking. The pinch gauge is used to diagnose and treat patients with:
  
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tendon injuries of the hand
  • Nerve injury
  • Neuromuscular disorders.

Baseline’s pinch gauge gives the ability to view results in pounds or kilograms and comes with its own carrying case. This handheld pinch gauge is also CE certified.

• Push-Pull Dynamometer (MMT): The Baseline hydraulic push-pull dynamometer has multiple applications making it a great tool to use to measure muscle strength, analyze job task ability and speed and perform functional capacity evaluation (FCE). The Baseline Push-Pull dynamometer has many great features including:
  
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Accessories include: 3 push pads (padded curved, padded straight, and circular), 1 pull hook and 1 snap-lock hook.
  • Compatible with a lift platform (sold separately) to conduct muscle strength and functional capacity tests
  • Compatible with Baseline single and dual grip handles (sold separately).
  • Carrying Case
  • 1-year warranty
• Back-Leg-Chest Dynamometer: The back, leg, and chest dynamometer made by Baseline is a unique muscle strength evaluation tool that is helpful in establishing a baseline of strength, tracking progress, measuring job task capabilities and executing functional capacity evaluations (FCE). The Baseline Back-Leg-Chest unit is used to measure strength in the back, leg and chest muscles and offers many benefits for practitioners.
  
  • This dynamometer is safe to use with secure footing located on the measurement base.
  • This back-leg-chest evaluation tool accommodates people of all sizes and strengths. The chain length can be adjusted for height or in order to vary the point of force application.
  • The maximum reading remains until the unit is reset, making it easy to keep track of testing results.
  • Results can be viewed in either pounds or kilograms.
  • CE Certified

Baseline Goniometers & Inclinometers for ROM Evaluation

• Goniometers: Baseline’s line of goniometer’s are easy-to-read and use providing accurate measures of both large and small joints. The Baseline goniometer is made from stainless steel and offers many advantages including:
  
  • Easy to use with two stainless steel arms extending 9 1/2-in to 26-in designed with a smooth precision glide for simple measurement
  • Easy to read results with a 4x magnifying lens and a 180-degree high resolution scale
  • Baseline Inclinometers
• Bubble Inclinometer: The Baseline Bubble inclinometer is used to measure range of motion and identify any areas of impairment or loss. The Bubble inclinometer is great for providing measurements for flexion, extension, abduction and adduction, neck rotation, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and the spine. This is a great evaluation tool that is:
  
  • Portable with a pocket-sized design
  • Accurate with 1° increments of measurement
  • Latex free making it appropriate to use with most patients
• AcuAngle Inclinometer: The AcuAngle Inclinometer is one of Baseline's most popular products. This high quality inclinometer has several benefits that sets itself apart from other inclinometers.
  
  • The AcuAngle was designed with a pointer which is damped by fluid to assure accurate ROM measurements
  • Easy to use by simply placing the inclinometer near the joint to be measured (with dial at zero), take the joint through its available range and read ROM measurements on the dial
  • With adjustable legs (side to side), Baseline’s AcuAngle is able to adapt to the body’s contours increasing accuracy.

Baseline Monofilaments for Sensory and Tactile Evaluation 

• Monofilaments: Baseline Monofilaments can be used to test neurological changes and are beneficial in identifying any impairment. Baseline’s personal monofilaments are useful for screening diabetic foot problems. Baseline monofilaments are high quality offering many benefits including:
  
  • Damage resistant making them easy to store and use any where
  • Portable making them great to use in the clinic and for home treatment sessions
  • Ideal for screening peripheral nerve impairment

Baseline is committed to offering the best in evaluation equipment. From the moment a patient seeks rehabilitation, evaluation testing is an important start of their journey and is essential in tracking their progress along the way. 

Related Articles: Sensory Testing Using Monofilaments For Diabetes and Carpal Tunnel Patients