Inter-Rater Reliability of Connective Tissue Zones Recognition

Inter-rater reliability of the identification of the separate components of connective tissue reflex zones was measured across a group of novice practitioners of connective tissue manipulation. Recognition of the visual, palpatory and tissue mobility components of ten connective tissue zones across five subjects were monitored in seven models. Percentage agreement was high (89/150 80% agreement or higher) but the kappa coefficient statistic which takes account of chance was low. These results suggest that a trend of agreement was demonstrated but percentage agreement scores should be treated with caution unless a large group of raters is involved. Possible explanations for the results are made with suggestions for further research.