Interview with the researcher | Enhanced Paper Grip Test Project
- , by Marko Dombi
- 2 min reading time
Doc. dr. Žiga Kozinc is an Assistant professor at the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education in Izola, Slovenia. In this blogpost we gathered some more insights regarding the project.
(c) Authors: Skuk, N., Chatzistergos, P. E., Kozinc, Ž. (2024). Reliability of enhanced paper grip test for testing foot strength in volleyball and soccer players. Physical Therapy in Sport, 67, 155-160. DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2024.05.004
1. Tell us more about you, and your research interests
I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, in Izola, Slovenia. My research interests encompass motor control, sports biomechanics, assessment in sport and physical therapy, and musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation. A significant focus of my work involves assessing muscle strength, which is a critical component of many of my studies.
2. What was the project about?
This project aimed to test how reliable the Enhanced Paper Grip Test (EPGT) is for measuring foot strength in volleyball and soccer players. This test is commonly used in medical settings but not much in sports. Since foot strength is vital for good lower limb function and athletic performance, we think it is important to have reliable ways to measure the strength of these muscles.
3. In which ways could the research outcomes be used in practice?
EPGT can be utilized by coaches, trainers, and clinicians to reliably assess foot strength in volleyball and soccer players. By identifying inter-limb asymmetries, the EPGT could assist in designing training and rehabilitation programs to correct imbalances, enhancing athletic performance and reducing the risk of injuries. Additionally, the EPGT can be easily integrated into regular fitness assessments to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of training regimens. Its simplicity and minimal equipment requirements make it a practical tool that can be easily implemented in various sports and clinical settings, offering a cost-effective method for continuous monitoring and optimization of athlete performance.
4. Why did you implement the EasyForce digital dynamometer?
We chose the EasyForce dynamometer for its precision (seen in our previous studies) and ease of use in measuring muscle strength. This device provides accurate and consistent readings, which are crucial for ensuring the reliability of the EPGT. Additionally, its portability and user-friendly interface make it ideal for use in various settings, including both clinical and sports environments. This way, our results are easily applied in practice.
ACCESS THE PUBLICATION AT THIS LINK
Cite as:
Skuk, N., Chatzistergos, P. E., Kozinc, Ž. (2024). Reliability of enhanced paper grip test for testing foot strength in volleyball and soccer players. Physical Therapy in Sport, 67, 155-160. DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2024.05.004
