Strength & performance diagnostics

What does strength and performance diagnostics include?

By strength and performance diagnostics we mean standardized measurements of muscle strength, speed strength, strength endurance and functional performance. Depending on the question, this is supplemented by tests on movement quality and stress tolerance. The aim is to provide an objective basis for diagnostics, therapy planning and follow-up monitoring without relying solely on subjective impressions.

• Objective force measurements: e.g. B. isometric (holding), dynamic (moving) or isokinetic (speed controlled, if indicated).
• Functional and everyday tests: e.g. B. Standing up, stairs, hopping/hopping tests, balance tests.
• Core and hip girdle checks for stability and power transfer.
• Exercise and endurance tests (submaximal) to assess fatigue tolerance.

We focus on conservative, active treatment: The measured values ​​help to set training stimuli in a measured manner, avoid overload and make progress visible.

For whom is the diagnosis useful?

• Rehabilitation after injuries: cruciate ligament, meniscus, cartilage, ankle, rotator cuff, tennis elbow.
• Chronic complaints: knee or hip osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain, tendinopathies (Achilles, patellar tendons), shoulder impingement.
• Back pain: assessment of core strength, endurance and resilience.
• Return-to-Sport: Objective criteria for returning to training and competition.
• Prevention and performance: Identification of strength deficits, imbalances and technique problems.
• Aging-related topics: risk of sarcopenia, fall prevention, preservation of everyday function.

Indication and scope of testing are determined individually. Not every measurement is useful for every person - we choose the method that best answers your question.

What is being measured? Important parameters

• Maximum strength and relative strength (normalized to body mass).
• Torque/peak torque and force-time curve.
• Rate of Force Development.
• Strength endurance and fatigue index.
• Symmetry indices, e.g. B. Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) for right/left.
• Trunk stability (holding against resistance, dorsal/ventral/lateral).
• Movement control during functional tasks (quality and quantity).

The combination of numerical values ​​and clinical examination enables a differentiated risk and burden assessment.

Typical test procedures

• Isometric measurements: e.g. B. Knee extension/flexion, hip abduction/extension, shoulder abduction, hand strength (dynamometer).
• Dynamic tests: repetition maxima with submaximal estimation, sit-to-stand, step-down, tempo specifications.
• Functional performance and jumping tests: Single leg hop/hop tests, triple jump, drop jump (if indicated).
• Balance and control: Y-balance, one-legged stance under time pressure.
• Core strength: plank variations, side plank, back extension hold measurements.
• Submaximal endurance/stress tests: e.g. B. Bicycle ergometer levels to assess tolerance.

The selection depends on the pain status, healing phase, sport and everyday requirements. Safety takes precedence over maximum values.

Process: From the question to the recommendation for action

The results are presented in an understandable form so that you can adapt your training and everyday life in a targeted manner.

How the measured values ​​control your therapy

• Load management: Determination of starting load, repetitions, tempo and breaks.
• Progression criteria: Objective thresholds for increases.
• Return-to-Sport: Combination of strength symmetry, functional tests and complaint profile.
• Prevention: Identification of deficits in the hip and trunk area to relieve pressure on the knee and lumbar spine.
• Tendinopathies: Dosed, often slow force stimuli with monitoring of pain and irritability.
• Osteoarthritis: Building strength to improve stability, gait and load tolerance.

We avoid blanket programs and derive individual, verifiable steps. This keeps training effective and safe.

Safety, preparation & contraindications

• Please do not do any unusual high-load workouts 24-48 hours before the measurement.
• Bring light, sporty clothing and flat shoes.
• Acute severe pain, fever, recent operations/fractures or unstable conditions are contraindications.
• For cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, neurological deficits: individual adaptation of the tests.
• Pain monitoring: Stress should be tolerable and should decrease the following day.

We adapt the test intensity to your condition. Safety is a priority; We consciously forego promises of healing.

Typical questions from practice

• After cruciate ligament surgery: How big is the quadriceps deficit? Is the Limb Symmetry Index sufficient for starting running/jumping?
• Anterior knee pain: Is hip abductor strength sufficient for leg control when climbing stairs?
• Shoulder after rotator cuff lesion: relationship between external rotation and internal rotation strength?
• Achilles tendon: How does the tendon react to slowly increasing loads (pain, stiffness, function)?
• Back pain: Is your core endurance sufficient for prolonged sitting/standing at work?
• Osteoarthritis of the knee/hip: What starting load is acceptable for everyday use, how do we increase it safely?

Useful combinations with other diagnostics

In order to classify complaints holistically, we combine strength and performance diagnostics with other procedures if necessary. In this way, structural, functional and biochemical factors can be brought together.

• Ultrasound diagnostics: assessment of muscles, tendons and gliding tissues in motion.
• Elastography: Supplementary assessment of tissue properties, e.g. B. in tendinopathies.
• Neuro & muscle functional diagnostics: nerve conduction, activation, coordination.
• Laboratory diagnostics as well as metabolic and inflammatory diagnostics: inflammation status, regeneration, stress processing.
• Micronutrient and vital substance analysis as well as hormone and regulation diagnostics: possible influences on fatigue, muscle building and healing.
• Imaging (e.g. CBCT for specific questions): structural clarification if clinically necessary.

Which combination makes sense depends on your situation. There is always an individual indication.

Limits and evidence

Strength and functional tests show what you can currently achieve - but they do not replace clinical examinations and, if necessary, imaging. Not every parameter has the same significance in every phase of healing. We always interpret results in the context of your symptoms, your course and your goals.

• Objective numbers are helpful, but never the sole decision-making factor.
• Return-to-sport decisions are based on several criteria (strength, function, tolerance, sport specifics).
• Repeated measurements are useful in order to recognize trends - daily form is also taken into account.

Organizational matters and appointment

The examination usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the scope. We discuss in advance which questions should be answered and which tests are necessary. After the measurement, you will receive a classification and concrete next steps for training, work and everyday life.

Location: Dorotheenstraße 48, 22301 Hamburg. Appointments can be made easily online or by email.