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.

Mediating Effect of Job Satisfaction in Relationship Between Employees? Empowerment and Organizational Commitment

This study examines the level and influence of psychological empowerment on job satisfaction and organizational commitment in context to educational sector of district Sialkot (Pakistan) Primary data has been collected from 293 academicians of degree colleges. The findings obtained basedon this study indicates that in general ,academicians of degree colleges shows high level of empowerment, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. By using regression analysis it is found that there is a positive relationship between meaning, competencies, self-determination and impact on job satisfaction and organizational commitment. But the meaning and impact cognitions are most important that contributed to organizational commitment. Additionally, in this study job satisfaction was taken as a mediator in the relationship between psychological empowerment and all three dimensions of organizational commitment. Results of mediation analysis indicate that job satisfaction mediates in the relationship of psychological empowerment and affective commitment, continuance commitment, normative commitment and overall organizational commitment. This study concludes that different scope of empowerment should be considered to empower employees. At least, heads of educational institutes need to keep in mind the four dimensions of empowerment discussed in this study. It will enable them to design and implement a successful empowerment plan. This study also suggested a numbers of strategies to improve academician?s organizational commitment and job satisfaction and practical implication of the study that could help in the implementation of empowerment in HEIs.