CHATILLON MSC Series Gauge

Digital Muscle Strength Comparator

The CHATILLON® MSC Series is ideal for muscle strength testing, job task analysis and ergonomic evaluations. This compact, easy-to-use force gauge is designed for physical medicine, occupational medicine and sports medicine applications and general patient assessment in family, neurological and orthopedic practices. Simplicity was a key design criteria for both clinicians and technicians.

Measurement accuracy is better than 0.1% full scale. A large, easy-to-read, high resolution dot matrix LCD display supports a variety of measurements including normal and peak readings, dominant v. non-dominant comparisons, pass/fail results, statistical results, load averaging, load comparisons, measurement actuation and direction. Measurements are displayed in ozf, gf, lbf, kgf and N units. The display can be inverted and displayed results may be "hidden" from the patient during testing. The MSC gauge comes standard with carrying case, battery adapter/charger and NIST Certificate of Calibration with data. A variety of testing fixtures are optionally available. The MSC is designated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class II medical device.

Features

• FDA Class II Medical Device
• Advanced Operating Modes
  • Normal
  • Peak Tension and Compression
  • Muscle Strength Comparison
• Statistical Calculations
  • Mean with Maximum and Minimum Values
  • Coefficent of Variation with Mean and Standard Deviation
  • Standard Deviation with Variance and Mean
  • % Differentiation
• Integral Loadcells
  • Accuracy ±0.1% Full Scale
  • Mechanical Overload Protection to 150% Full Scale
• Simple Operator Interface
  • High Resolution Dot-Matrix
  • Menus with Prompts for Easy Use
  • Dedicated and Function Keys with Navigation Pod
• NIST Calibration with Data
  Available IEC/ISO17025 Cert with Uncertainty
• 2 Year Warranty

Applications

Physical Medicine

Use the Chatillon MSC to accurately measure and document musculoskeletal strength. Evaluate individual muscle groups in flexion/extension, internal/external rotation, plantar flexion, dorsi flexion and abduction/adduction.

Occupational Medicine

Conduct job task analysis, ergonomic analysis and functional capacity testing with the Chatillon MSC. Measure actual push, pull or lift forces to determine job task requirements. Then quantitatively evalute the subject's ability to perform those job tasks. Help ensure that a person is ready to assume work after an injury or test to ensure that an operation meets ADA compliance guidelines.

Sports Medicine

Objectively quantify an athlete's musculoskeletal force output. Evaluate and document the effectiveness of the training regiment and track the athlete's progress.

Product Features

Class II Medical Device

The MSC has been classified by the Food and Drug Administration to be a Class II Medical Device.

Normal and Peak Modes

When used as a force measurement instrument, the MSC will display peak tension and compression loads. When in peak modes, the maximum force exerted during a test is displayed and may be stored for statistical comparisons or output to an external device using serial data communications.

High & Low Load or Pass-Fail Limits

The MSC Series may be configured with High and Low Load Limits or Pass-Fail Limits. Load limits allow you to establish setpoints for your testing. If the gauge exceeds a setpoint value, the gauge can provide a visual and audible alarm. You can also setup the gauge to operate as a pass-fail system. You can setup a pass-fail limit based on a limit range or on a nominal value with a % bandwidth. Based on your setup, the gauge will provide you with a Pass-Fail indication.

Intuitive Operation

A large, easy-to-read dot matrix display includes up to 8 lines of information. The high resolution display features contrast adjustments and can be inverted when required. The display can even be "hidden" at the press of a button. A measurement bargraph indicates load and torque direction, measured load and torque and safe load and torque and helps prevent overloads. The sensors feature mechanical overload protection of 150% Full Scale.

The rubber keypad features dedicated and dynamic function keys. The function keys correspond to displayed options and guide the user during operation. A navigation pod lets you navigate in the menus and to scroll and change values quickly. The innovative "i" key can be used to display critical information on the gauge such as gauge capacity and resolution, battery life, loadcell overload history, even service information including last calibration date, or the location of service centers.

Simplified Setup

Menus and intelligent prompts make gauge setup fast and easy. Gauge options are presented in a "List Format". Using the navigation pod and function keys, you simply select the functions and parameters required. The gauge will guide the user through the setup process. Default settings are provided and a "Quick Reset" allows the user to re-establish defaults with a single key press.

Self Diagnostics

The MSC Series incorporates flash memory and hosts a set of self-diagnostic functions for monitoring the display, keypad and electronics. Using the "i" key, you have immediate access to battery conditions, including estimated battery life remaining. You can also view loadcell status, including the number of overloads that have been applied to the gauge. Zero offset verification is standard and a step-by-step calibration procedure is built-in allowing you to calibrate your MSC gauge with certified standards.

Statistical Results

You may save and store up to 10 results in instrument memory for later recall or to calculate statistical results when in Peak mode. The gauge labels each results and indicates memory capacity. The gauge will alert you when memory is full. Statistical results include:

• Calculate Mean and also show you the MAX and MIN values for your calculation
• Coefficient of Variation is calculated and displayed with the Mean and Standard Deviation value
• Standard Deviation is calculated and displayed with the Mean and the Variance value. Total Population and Sample (n-1) methods supplied.
• Calculate and display % Difference between consecutive test results

Muscle Strength Comparisons

Compare muscle strength from a normal (dominant "D") muscle to an impared (nondominant "ND") muscle. The MSC allows you to perform 5 sets for the dominant and non-dominant muscle group and compare results statistically. Once the test is completed, you can review individual test data and compare results. Both sets of results are displayed simultaneously including the calculated variance and % difference (force variation). You may also calculate and display Mean, MIN and MAX results, Coefficient of Variation (COV) and Standard Deviation. Results may be transmitted to an external device using RS232 serial communications.

Specifications

Accuracy: ±0.1% of full scale
Certification: Calibration with NIST Data, IEC/ISO17025 optional
Data Sampling Rate: 5000 Hz
Peak Capture Rate: 5000 Hz
Display Update Rate: 10 Hz
Tare Capacity: 10% full scale
Overload Protection: 150% full scale
Display Characteristics: High resolution, dot-matrix LCD, 8 lines, 40 characters, adjustable contrast, invert and "hide" capability
Automatic Shut Down: Configurable time. May be disabled.
Data Storage: 10 results, Optional NEXYGEN™ software for unlimited storage and automated testing and analysis
Outputs: RS-232, Mitutoyo (Digimatic) and +2Vdc analog
Power: Battery or direct AC operation. Universal Power 110V/230V, Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (supplied), International Universal AC Adapter
Battery Life: Approximately 30 hours, continuous use
Instrument Weight: 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)
Operating Temperature: 40 to 100°F (4 to 38°C)
FDA Classification: Class II Medical Device
Warranty: 2 year

Available Models and Accessories

Basic Models

Specialty Kits

Muscle Strength Comparison Travel Kit

Accessories

Specification SS-FM-3006-0904, September 2004
AMETEK and CHATILLON are registered trademarks of AMETEK, Inc.