CQMS Advantage

Over several years, CINRG developed a standardized muscle strength testing system called the CINRG Quantitative Measurement System (CQMS). This system integrates anthropometrics, muscle, pulmonary, functional and timed tests into one system with direct data entry to increase accuracy and efficiency. CQMS quantitative muscle testing portion is a modification of the Tufts Quantitative Neuromuscular Testing Equipment designed for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials. This quantitative muscle testing (QMT) technique collects measurements of force using a load cell while performing a maximum voluntary isometric contraction. This set-up is able to measure changes in strength of 0.25 pounds and thereby provides accurate and sensitive force generation measurement, especially in children. Additionally, a QMT system interfaced with audiovisual feedback was developed as it was found that in effort dependent tests, it is important to provide motivation to yield the greatest efforts by participants. In essence, the audiovisual feedback interface turns the strength measurement process into a 'video game', leading to increased compliance and effort (reliability). Reliability of measures ensures that similar responses of effort during each test are achieved.

Currently, CINRG uses the CINRG Quantitative Measurement System to assess muscle strength, function and respiratory measures. These measures are standardized and used throughout the multicenter, multinational design of the network. Some of the assessments used for clinical trials include:

Anthropometric Evaluation Height Weight Limb Lengths	Range of Motion Evaluation Elbow Flexion/Extension Knee flexion/Extension Ankle Dorsiflexion Wrist extension
Strength Testing Manual Muscle Testing Quantitative Strength Testing    Hip Abduction/Adduction    Elbow Flexion/Extension    Knee flexion/Extension    Hand Grip    Pinch Grip	Pulmonary Function Tests Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) FEV PEFR Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP Peak Cough
Timed Function Tests Time to Stand from Supine Time to Climb 4 Standard Stairs 30 Meter Walk 6 Minute Walk Test	Functional Grading Brooke Upper Extremity Scale Vignos Lower Extremity Scale Egen Klassifikation (EK) Scale

CINRG is constantly searching for improved methods and measures to more accurately gauge a patient's disease progression and has been at the forefront of research in clinical outcome measures. For more information on CQMS please contact us at info@cinrgresearch.org or 202-476-6065.