Validation of a Method to Assess Range of Motion of the Cervical Spine Using a Tape Measure

Objective

The purposes of this study were to validate a tape measure method for measuring cervical spine range of motion compared with a universal goniometer in all planes of motion and to derive equations to convert a linear measurement to an angular distance.

Methods

Participants were healthy volunteers. Measurements of flexion/extension, rotation, and lateral flexion were made with the universal goniometer and tape measure, in the neutral position, extreme of motion, and 2 positions between. Measurements from the 2 techniques were compared with Pearson correlation coefficient and simple linear regression to determine R², the regression coefficient and the regression equation. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

There were 40 participants with a mean age of 30.5 (SD, 9.1) years. Goniometer measurements had good to excellent correlation with both absolute and percentage change in tape measurement (correlation coefficients, 0.74-0.94 and 0.75-0.91, respectively). Correlation was highest for flexion and extension, lowest for rotation and lateral flexion. The amount of variability in the data explained by the linear regression models (R²) varied from 55% to 89%. Intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.44 to 0.69 and 0.38 to 0.59 for intrarater and interrater reliability, respectively. Reliability was greatest for flexion and extension, lowest for rotation and lateral flexion.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that tape measurements correlated well with a universal goniometer. The tape measure may be useful for measuring cervical spine range of motion where availability, simplicity, and low cost are important considerations such as with conduct of research or patient management.     

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Profile Fitness Mapping Neck Questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese: Internal Consistency,Reliability, and Construct and Structural Validity

Objective

The purpose of this study was to adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the ProFitMap-neck to Brazilian Portuguese.

Repeatability of Cervical Joint Flexion and Extension Within and Between Days

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate within- and between-day repeatability of free and unrestricted healthy cervical flexion and extension motion when assessing dynamic cervical spine motion.

Reliability of the passive knee flexion and extension tests in healthy subjects

ObjectiveInformation on the reliability of the passive knee extension (PKE) and passive knee flexion (PKF) tests is still incomplete. Moreover, standardization of the 2 test procedures could be enhanced. The present study investigates interrater and test-retest reliability of the modified versions of the PKE and PKF tests to establish whether the level of reliability is sufficiently high to justify their use in scientific studies and clinical practice.MethodsA total of 14 healthy subjects met the selection criteria. The 2 tests were carried out successively by each of the 3 clinicians/raters involved in the study, and each test was repeated 3 times. Two series of such measurements were performed. To evaluate interrater and test-retest reliability of the 2 tests, we calculated the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), the standard errors of measurement, and the smallest detectable differences.ResultsThe PKE and PKF tests showed excellent and good reliability, respectively. Mean ICCs for the PKE were greater than those for the PKF. Mean ICCs for the interrater reliability (0.88-0.93) were higher than those for test-retest reliability (0.84-0.93). No mean ICCs lower than 0.84 were found (test-retest for PKF). The lowest ICCs of 0.73 and 0.75 were registered for the test-retest reliability of PKF in the case of rater 1.ConclusionThese results show excellent and good interrater and test-retest reliability of the PKE and PKF, respectively. The PKE test seems to be slightly more reliable. These findings may help clinicians when using these tests. For research purposes, investigators must critically evaluate whether the presented amount of error is acceptable for a specific setting.     

3-Dimensional Cervical Movement Characteristics and the Influence of Thoracic Treatment on a Subgroup of Acute Neck Pain Patients

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of thoracic high-velocity low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT) manipulation on quantitative and qualitative 3-dimensional cervical spine kinematic patterns in a subgroup of patients with acute neck pain.

The Reliability of Body Pain Diagrams in the Quantitative Measurement of Pain Distribution and Location in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review

Objective

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of test-retest, intraexaminer, and interexaminer reliability of measuring pain location and distribution using the body pain diagram.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the literature using a search conducted in Medline, CINAHL, and Nursing and Allied Health from inception to March 1, 2012. Articles were screened and selected by pairs of reviewers using predetermined inclusion criteria. Internal validity was assessed independently by 2 reviewers using a modified version of the QUADAS instrument. Articles with adequate internal validity were included in the best evidence synthesis.

Results

We reviewed 10 studies. Of those, 6 were included in the best evidence synthesis. We found varying levels of evidence that pain location and pain distribution can be measured reliably using the body pain diagram in patients with acute and chronic low back pain with or without radiculopathy. The test-retest reliability for measuring pain distribution ranged from intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.58 to 0.94. Similarly, the test-retest reliability for measuring pain location ranged from kappa (κ) of 0.13 to 0.85. The intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability for measuring pain distribution were intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 and 0.99, respectively. The intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability for measuring pain location ranged from κ of 0.77 to 0.88 and 0.61 to 1.00, respectively.

Conclusions

We found important variations in the test-retest reliability of pain location and distribution across different test-retest scenarios and across body regions. The intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability for the measurement of pain distribution and pain location using the body pain diagram in patients with acute and chronic low back pain with or without radiculopathy are adequate.     

全髋关节置换术治疗髋关节发育不良并骨性关节炎

【目的】观察全髋关节置换术治疗髋关节发育不良（DD H ）并骨性关节炎患者的临床疗效。【方法】2008年8月至2012年12月收治DDH并骨性关节炎患者12例12髋;CroweⅠ型2例,CroweⅡ型2例,CroweⅢ型1例,CroweⅣ型7例。术前Harris评分（46．8±15．2）分,肢体短缩平均4．5（3～6．5）cm。采用后外侧入路,行非股骨短缩截骨的全髋关节置换术,其中5例5髋行自体股骨头植骨重建髋臼。【结果】所有患者均获得随访,随访时间平均28（12～67）个月。术中有1例患者股骨近端发生劈裂,术中钢丝捆扎;此例患者12个月随访时骨折均愈合。末次随访时所有患者无假体松动。5例患者行髋臼自体骨植骨,术后12个月复查时植骨块无吸收,植骨块与植骨床融合。1例患者（延长＞4 cm ）术后出现小腿皮肤麻木,1个月后恢复。所有患者无关节脱位、感染、异位骨化及深静脉栓塞等并发症发生。末次随访 Harris评分（85．48±9．67）分,与术前比较差异有统计学意义（ t ＝4．52, P＜0．05）。【结论】对于伴有骨性关节炎的DD H 患者初次行髋关节置换术,术前进行精确测量与评估,术中彻底松解软组织,正确处理髋臼和股骨,术后近期临床疗效良好。     

Effect of Hamstring Flexibility on Hip and Lumbar Spine Joint Excursions During Forward-Reaching Tasks in Participants With and Without Low Back Pain

Johnson EN, Thomas JS. Effect of hamstring flexibility on hip and lumbar spine joint excursions during forward-reaching tasks in participants with and without low back pain.

Objective

To examine the correlation between hamstring flexibility and hip and lumbar spine joint excursions during standardized reaching and forward-bending tasks.

Design

Retrospective analysis of data obtained during 2 previous prospective studies that examined kinematics and kinetics during forward-reaching tasks in participants with and without low back pain (LBP).

Setting

The 2 previous studies were conducted in the Motor Control Lab at Ohio University and the Orthopaedic Ergonomics Laboratory at The Ohio State University.

Participants

Data from a total of 122 subjects from 2 previous studies: study 1: 86 subjects recovered from an episode of acute LBP (recovered) and study 2 (A.I. McCallum, unpublished data): 18 chronic LBP subjects and 18 healthy-matched controls (healthy).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure

Correlation values between hamstring flexibility as measured by straight leg raise (SLR) and amount of hip and lumbar spine joint excursions used during standardized reaching and forward-bending tasks.

Results

No significant correlation was found between hamstring flexibility and hip and lumbar joint excursions during forward-bending tasks in the LBP or recovered groups. The SLR had a significant negative correlation with lumbar spine excursions during reaching tasks to a low target in the healthy group (right SLR: P=.011, left SLR: P=.004).

Conclusions

Hamstring flexibility is not strongly related to the amount of lumbar flexion used to perform forward-reaching tasks in participants who have chronic LBP or who have recovered from LBP. More research needs to be conducted to examine the influence of hamstring flexibility on observed movement patterns to further evaluate the efficacy of flexibility training in the rehabilitation of patients with LBP.     

Concordance and Reliability of Photogrammetric Protocols for Measuring the Cervical Lordosis Angle: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine and interpret the concordance, accuracy, and reliability of photogrammetric protocols available in the literature for evaluating cervical lordosis in an adult population aged 18 to 59 years.

强直性脊柱炎骶髂关节、腰椎小关节及髋关节的CT表现

目的探讨强直性脊柱炎(AS)受累骶髂关节、腰椎小关节及髋关节的病变CT表现特点,以提高诊断与鉴别诊断水平。方法 2011年1月-10月对临床确诊的强直性脊柱炎患者44例骶髂关节、28例腰椎及14例髋关节行CT扫描,回顾性分析骶髂关节、腰椎小关节及髋关节的CT表现。结果 AS患者的CT表现特点为病变主要累及骶髂关节滑膜部的髂骨侧,腰椎小关节及髋关节则表现为关节间隙改变、关节面毛糙及囊状破坏、面下骨硬化或吸收等改变。结论 AS骶髂关节、腰椎小关节及髋关节的CT表现具有一定特征,CT具有重要的诊断及鉴别诊断价值。     

Intra- and Interrater Reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale for the Assessment of Lower Limb Spasticity in Adults With Neurologic Injuries

Objective

To examine the intra- and interrater reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) for lower limb assessment of adults with chronic neurologic injuries.

Design

Single-center intra- and interrater reliability study.

Setting

Outpatient neurorehabilitation unit.

Participants

Adults (N=30; mean age ± SD, 54.1±12.5y) with various chronic neurologic injuries and lower limb spasticity.

Interventions

Two experienced physiotherapists performed slow (R2) and fast (R1) passive movements for lower limb muscles half an hour apart on the same day (interrater reliability), while a third physiotherapist took goniometric measurements only. One physiotherapist repeated the assessment 1 to 3 days earlier or later (intrarater reliability). Assessors qualitatively rated the resistance to fast passive movements.

Main Outcome Measures

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated for R1, R2, and R2–R1. Kappa coefficients were calculated for tibialis range of movement and qualitative spasticity ratings.

Results

Intra- and interrater R1 and R2 measurements showed moderate to high reliability for the affected hamstrings, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, soleus (mean ICC ± SD, .79±.08), and tibialis anterior (mean κ ± SD, .58±.10). Only intrarater measurements of the affected tibialis posterior were moderately reliable (R1=.57, R2=.77). Seven of 16 spasticity angle measurements of the affected muscles were moderately reliable. LOA were mostly unacceptably wide. Qualitative spasticity ratings were moderately reliable for affected hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and tibialis muscles (mean κ ± SD, .52±.10).

Conclusions

The MTS is reliable for assessing spasticity in most lower limb muscles of adults with chronic neurologic injuries. Repeated MTS measurements of spasticity are best based on R1 measurements rather than spasticity angle or qualitative ratings of spasticity. Optimally, MTS measurements should be undertaken by the same clinician.     

Reliability of the assessment of lumbar range of motion and maximal isometric strength

OBJECTIVE: To examine the interobserver reliability and intrasubject variability of the assessment of lumbar range of motion (ROM) and maximal isometric strength in asymptomatic subjects by using commercially available equipment. DESIGN: A cross-sectional repeated-measures design. SETTING: Ambulatory care in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 61 asymptomatic healthy subjects aged 20 to 55 years. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Six movements of the lumbar spine were assessed with commercially available equipment. Both the ROM and the maximal isometric strength for flexion, extension, lateroflexion, and rotation of the lumbar spine were assessed by 2 investigators who were blinded to the outcome of the assessment performed by their colleague. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was above .95 for all the strength measurements. For the assessment of the ROM of the lumbar spine, the ICC varied between .77 and .94. There was a significant intrasubject variability for 8 of 12 measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The interobserver reliability is excellent for the measurement of the maximal isometric strength and good for the assessment of the ROM of the lumbar spine. There is a significant intrasubject variability, which requires the use of the mean or the best value of different trials.     

Reliability and Responsiveness of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of Neck Disability to Physical Therapy: Comparison of the Copenhagen,Northwick Park,and Neck Bournemouth Questionnaires and the Neck Disability Index

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify the external and internal reliability and responsiveness of the validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of neck pain to a standardized regimen of physiotherapy administered acutely after mild whiplash injury using the clinically significant improvement components of the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) as the outcome measure.MethodsEighty-six patients with neck pain alone were referred for physiotherapy within 2 weeks of whiplash injury. They completed the Copenhagen, Northwick Park (NP), and Neck Bournemouth (NBQ) questionnaires and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) before starting and after treatment when they also completed the PGIC. Treatment comprised deep soft tissue massage, myofascial releases, muscle energy techniques, joint articulation and manipulation techniques, and a home exercise program. The duration of treatment was between 3 and 6 weeks. A PGIC of 6 or 7 was considered to be clinically significant improvement.ResultsThe external reliability of the PROMs was >0.7 and internal >0.87. All components of the PROMs contributed to the final score except headache in the Copenhagen and upper-limb dysesthesia in the NP. The most reliable questionnaire was the NBQ, which was significantly more responsive than the Copenhagen (P = .008). The NBQ was slightly more responsive than the NDI and NP. The NBQ and NDI were successfully completed more frequently than the NP and Copenhagen.ConclusionThe NP, NDI, and NBQ are all reliable and responsive measures of change after physiotherapy for neck pain after acute whiplash injury.     

Intra- and Interrater Reliability and Concurrent Validity of a New Tool for Assessment of Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity

Objective

The goal of this study was to develop and assess intra- and interrater reliability and validity of a clinical evaluation tool for breast cancer–related lymphedema, for use in the context of outcome evaluation in clinical trials.

CIHD简明ICF核心要素量表的信度与效度的研究

目的：对慢性缺血性心脏病（CIHD）的国际功能、残疾与健康分类（ICF）核心要素表进行信度、效度评价,为中国冠心病患者的全面的功能评价提供特异性测量工具。方法：100例经冠状动脉造影检查证实为冠心病的患者,按照中国CIHD简明ICF核心要素量表、MacNew心脏病特异性问卷和医学结局研究简明调查表（SF-36）的评分规则进行评定。结果：中国CIHD简明ICF核心要素量表的4个成份中,Cronbachα系数在身体功能和活动与参与两方面的结果为0.834～0.839,具有较高的内部一致性;Kendall’sW值达到0.818,且P=0.000,评测者间结果具有很好的一致性。CIHD简明ICF核心要素表与SF-36和MacNew表之间的spearson系数为0.567与0.552（P〈0.01）;表示有较好相关性。结论：采用中国CIHD简明ICF核心要素量表评定CIHD患者的功能是可靠和有效的,建议进一步推广使用。     

Effectiveness of Supervised Home-Based Exercise Therapy Compared to a Control Intervention on Functions,Activities, and Participation in Older Patients After Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this review was to investigate whether supervised home-based exercise therapy after hospitalization is more effective on improving functions, activities, and participation in older patients after hip fracture than a control intervention (including usual care). Furthermore, we aimed to account the body of evidence for therapeutic validity.