ASSESSMENT OF LOWER LIMB MUSCLE STRENGTH IN ATHLETES BY USING HAND-HELD DYNAMOMETER: A RELIABILITY STUDY

Background and Aims: Muscle strength is the key area to measure the functional status of an individual. Different tools and techniques has been used to detect strength differences and deficits. Hand- held dynamometer is one of the most affordable and handy tools used for this purpose. This study was designed to determine intra-rater reliability of hand- held dynamometer to measure muscle strength in different muscle groups of lower extremity of young athletes. It will further explore the reliability of hand- held dynamometer. Methodology: In this cross- sectional study young players of squash and badminton in the age group of 18-26 years were selected. The participants were recruited by non- probability convenience sampling technique. The strength of major muscle groups of lower limb was measured by a single male tester twice with gap through isometric make test of dynamometer. The intra-class correlation coefficient was then calculated for two readings of each muscle group by using SPSS version 21. Results: The intra- class correlation coefficient showed good to excellent reliability. The hip abductors, hip adductors, hip extensors of left side, knee flexors and knee extensors showed excellent reliability. Whereas, hip flexors, ankle plantar- flexors and dorsi-flexors of both sides showed excellent reliability at 95 % confidence interval. Conclusion: The isometric make test of dynamometer is a reliable tool for the objectification of strength of lower limb in   young players participating in squash and badminton.

Quality in Teacher Education: A Situational Analysis of Quality Assurance Strategies of Teacher Education Institutions in Pakistan

It is a fact that the quality of teacher education in Pakistan is deteriorating and efforts are needed to intensify and accord adequate priority to the effectiveness of teacher education programs. Various surveys and studies undertaken in Pakistan reinforce a bleak picture of teacher education and its impact on students learning outcomes (World Bank & NEAS in 2005 & UNESCO/ USAID & ITA in 2008). In order to make a decision on standard of award of degree and quality of delivery of teacher education programs there must be some systems and procedures. It is now a growing trend in Pakistani educational institutions/ organizations to get ISO 9000:2001 certifications on the basis of assumption that ISO 9000 quality system is not in contradiction with any sound education standards or practice. Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has also developed procedures and guidelines for quality assurance and its enhancement. The HEC Manual is an effort in this regard to put all the guidelines and procedures in one volume so that university administration, quality enhancement cells, and faculty might find it easier to implement. The central premise of the study was to find out the choice of the quality strategies of teacher education institutions, but equally important was to collect the empirical evidences connected to the appropriateness of the specific quality system in ensuring the quality in teacher education. For the purpose, the phase 1 was a quantitative study through a self-administered survey to 58 faculty members of selected teacher education institutions in all provinces of Pakistan, that looked at the profile of the institutions, institutional choice of quality system, and the identification of internal and external forces that may influence the implementation of quality strategies. Following this macro level analysis, the researcher looked for specific information using the qualitative interview with the 10 heads (Deans or Directors) of teacher education institutions to have triangulation and an in-depth analysis of data connected with the appropriateness of quality system in ensuring quality in teacher education. The data obtained through quantitative and qualitative instruments later mixed using sequential explanatory model of mixed method data analysis The findings of this research study will help the community of teacher educators, heads of teacher education institutions, and other researchers to improve the existing systems. A multi-pronged strategy will be used to disseminate the results of the proposed study. The study recommends that the Higher Education Commission, NACTE and the provincial department of education should develop a new framework of quality system to ensure quality in teacher education programs.