Commentary on the American Medical Association guides' lumbar impairment validity checks.

STUDY DESIGN: The American Medical Association's (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment range of motion-based (ROM) lumbar impairment model validity checks were reviewed. Published literature of lumbar ROM (LROM) testing also was reviewed for application of the AMA validity checking protocols. OBJECTIVE: The utility and feasibility of use of the AMA Guides' ROM lumbar impairment ratings were examined. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although they appear to be essential components of the ROM model, few published studies report use of these validity checks. Of at least 22 reviewed studies of LROM testing, only six studies included at least three measurements (the bare minimum) of LROM. Furthermore, only two (9.1%) reported performance of the LROM validity check. Only one, however, reported the results. METHODS: English language journals were searched on Medline using "region, lumbar," "range of motion," "validity of results," "observer variation," and "low back pain" as title and subject search terms. The study methodologies approximating the AMA Guides' specifications were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Under normal conditions of ROM measurement, 33% of three consecutive lumbar flexion and 27% of three consecutive lumbar extension measurements failed the LROM validity check. In addition, across three different experimental sessions (each with more than three consecutive LROM measurements taken) only 15 participants (33%) had valid flexion scores and only 24 participants (53%) had valid extension scores across all three sessions. CONCLUSION: Technical complications inherent in the ROM-based impairment-rating model render the validity checks difficult to perform satisfactorily and thus rarely used.     

Reliability of range-of-motion measurement in the elbow and forearm

The purpose of this study was to examine intratester, interester, and interdevice reliability of range of motion measurements of the elbow and forearm. Elbow flexion and extension and forearm pronation and supination were measured on 38 subjects with elbow, forearm, or wrist disease by 5 testers. Standardized test methods and a randomized order of testing were used to test groups of patients with universal standard goniometers, a computerized goniometer, and a mechanical rotation measuring device. Intratester reliability was high for all 3 measuring devices. Meaningful changes in intratester range of motion measurements taken with a universal goniometer occur with 95% confidence if they are greater than 6° for flexion, 7° for extension, 8° for pronation, and 8° for supination. Intertester reliability was high for flexion and extension measurements with the computerized goniometer and moderate for flexion and extension measurements with the universal goniometer. Meaningful change in interobserver range of motion measurements was expected if the change was greater than 4° for flexion and 6° for extension with the computerized goniometer compared with 10° and 10°, respectively, if the universal goniometer was used. Intertester reliability was high for pronation and supination with all 3 devices. Meaningful change in forearm rotation is characterized by a minimum of 10° for pronation and 11° for supination with the universal goniometer. Reliable measurements of elbow and forearm arm movement are obtainable regardless of the level of experience when standardized methods are used. Measurement error was least for repeated measurements taken by the same tester with the same instrument and most when different instruments were used.     

Intrarater and interrater reliability of strength measurements of the biceps and deltoid using a hand held dynamometer

This study reports the intrarater and interrater reliability of measurements for elbow flexion (biceps) and shoulder abduction (deltoid) in 27 normal subjects. Testing was done by two physical therapy examiners. For each muscle group tested, the first series of three tests were administered according to the general guidelines described in the dynamometer administration manual and then repeated with increased stabilization procedures (i.e., examiner elbow stabilized against the anterior superior spine). Intrarater and interrater reliability were highest when tested with the examiner elbow stabilized. Intrarater reliability coefficients were in an acceptable range both with and without additional stabilization (0.833 to 0.957) but interrater reliability coefficients were more variable, ranging from a low of 0.518 to a high of 0.840. Mean muscle strength measurements were significantly different between the two examiners. More studies are needed to improve interrater reliability when estimating muscle strength with the hand held dynamometer.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988;9(12):395-398.     

Three-dimensional analysis of cervical spine motion: reliability of a computer assisted magnetic tracking device compared to inclinometer

We aimed to investigate the reliability and reproducibility of a magnetic tracking technique for the assessment of overall cervical spine motion (principal and coupled movements). Ten asymptomatic male volunteers with a mean age of 29.3 years (range 20–37 years) were included in the study. Flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending and left and right axial rotation were measured using a magnetic tracking device (MTD) mounted onto a custom head-piece. For rotational movements in the frontal and sagittal planes the results were compared with the measurements of two standard inclinometers. Intra-observer, inter-observer and intra-instrument reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient method. There were no significant differences for all motion measurements between the MTD and the inclinometer. High inter-observer reliability was found in flexion, extension, axial rotation and lateral bending indicating that the testing routine is applicable for different examiners. The intra-observer variability was high in flexion and extension, whereas in lateral bending the reliability coefficients were lower and displayed a fair to good reliability for most of the measurements with the MTD. The results of the MTD were found to be highly comparable with the inclinometer results with an inter-instrument correlation coefficient ranging from 0.88 to 0.99. The MTD is a reliable, reproducible method for three-dimensional motion analysis of the cervical spine and therefore a valuable method both for the clinical assessment of various degenerative and traumatic disorders and as a supplement of different therapeutic procedures and rehabilitation.     

The assessment of intraoperative prosthetic knee range of motion using two methods

The commonly used standard goniometer has been shown to underestimate knee flexion. Computer-assisted navigation for total knee arthroplasty offers itself as an alternative method to quantify knee flexion. The goal of our study was to determine the reliability of each instrument in measuring intraoperative range of motion during total knee arthroplasty. We prospectively performed intraoperative measurements using both methods on 99 knees. We assessed the variability between the 2 devices and the confounding effect of body mass index. The mean difference between the goniometric and navigation measurements was significant for flexion, extension, and range of motion. Increasing body mass index accentuated this difference. The goniometric method underestimated flexion measurements as compared to navigation, especially in patients with high body mass index. Our study confirms that navigation is a reliable tool for performing in vivo assessment of range of motion.     

Reliability of transcutaneous measurement of oxygen tension on the lower leg

AIM: Measurement of transcutaneous oxygen tension is increasingly used to determine the appropriate level of amputation in patients with vascular disease. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the intra- and interrater reliability of transcutaneous oxygen [tcpO (2)] measurements in a homogeneous study group. METHOD: Five investigators assessed the transcutaneous oxygen tension of both lower legs of seven persons in a fixed setting. Assessment was repeated with the same examiners and the same examinees after 24 hours. TcpO (2) was measured at the posterior aspect of the lower leg twenty centimeters below the knee joint line. The TCM 400 Monitoring System (Radiometer Medical AIS, Bronshoj, Denmark) was used. Statistical analysis of the intra- and interrater reliability was performed with the Spearman coefficient of correlation. RESULTS: An overall mean of 56.2 +/- 10.6 mmHg was found. For the first examination, a mean of 55.3 +/- 10.6 mmHg was observed, whereas for the second examination it was 57.0 +/- 10.5 mmHg. Analysis of intrarater reliability showed a coefficient of correlation of r (s) = 0.56 (p < 0.0001). For interrater reliability, we found coefficients of correlation ranging from r (s) = 0.20 (p = 0.20) to r (s) = 0.69 (p = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: Analysis of transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements performed by different investigators in a fixed setting revealed a non- homogeneous intra- and interrater reliability, which should be taken into account prior to initiating therapy.     

Range of motion and lordosis of the lumbar spine: reliability of measurement and normative values

STUDY DESIGN: Repeated measures for intratester reliability were performed. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the intratester reliability of a new measurement technique that evaluates lumbar range of motion in three planes using a pelvic restraint device, and to examine the reliability of lumbar lordosis measurement by inclinometer technique. Preliminary normative data on lumbar range of motion and lumbar lordosis were collected for comparison with the findings of previous studies. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Various noninvasive measurement methods have been developed for recording lumbar range of motion. However, pelvic movement was not effectively restricted during the use of these measurement techniques. The use of the pelvic restraint device to measure lumbar range of motion has not been investigated previously. Very few studies have investigated the reliability of quantifying lumbar lordosis by the inclinometer technique. METHODS: Normative values were measured in 35 healthy men, and 12 of these subjects were included for the reliability study. Pelvic motion was limited by the pelvic restraint device during lumbar range of motion measurement in standing. An inclinometer was used for evaluation of lumbar flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and lumbar lordosis, whereas a lumbar rotameter was used to measure axial rotation. RESULTS: Good intratester reliability was shown in the lumbar range of motion and lordosis measurement. Most of the intraclass correlation coefficient and Pearson's r values (accompanied with nonsignificant paired t tests) were greater than 0.9, and most of the intrasubject coefficients of variation were less than 10%. The values of lumbar range of motion in three planes and lumbar lordosis found in the current study were comparable with those from most of the previous studies on these measurements in the normal population. CONCLUSIONS: Inclinometer and lumbar rotameter measurements with the use of a pelvic restraint device are reliable for measuring lumbar spine range of motion. Use of the inclinometer technique to record lumbar lordosis also is a reliable measure.     

Remote self-measurement of wrist range of motion performed on normal wrists by a minimally trained individual using the iPhone level application only demonstrated good reliability in measuring wrist flexion and extension

Study DesignThis is a reliability study using the intraclass correlation coefficient.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether an individual with minimal training could use the iPhone Level application to self-measure the range of motion of the forearm and wrist from a remote location.MethodsForty healthy participants (80 wrists) were measured twice by two examiners using a universal goniometer and the iPhone Level application. After measurement, each participant received a training session in the self-measurement method. They were then asked to perform remote self-measurements two to three days later and report their findings to the examiners using Skype or FaceTime.ResultsSPSS, version 26, was used to run intraclass correlation coefficients using a two-way random analysis at a 95% confidence interval with absolute agreement. Comparisons of single measurements were used to determine reliability. Good inter-rater reliability was found between wrist flexion and extension in all testing conditions. Measurement of active motion in supination, pronation, radial, and ulnar deviation demonstrated moderate reliability compared with the universal goniometer where the measurements were performed by the investigators. Self-measurement of the participant resulted in moderate reliability for supination and poor reliability in pronation, radial, and ulnar deviation.DiscussionSome participants found the procedures technologically and perceptually challenging. Anatomical variances, positional requirements, and substitution patterns complicated the process.ConclusionsThe iPhone Level application may be used to perform reliable self-measurements of wrist flexion and extension from a remote location. Further research exploring methods for remote selfmeasurement is indicated.     

Impairment evaluation based on spinal range of motion in normal subjects.

Spinal range of motion is a major determinant of impairment in many disability rating schedules used today. The validity of using spinal motion as the primary variable for impairment ratings must be questioned because of the large spectrum of age-related changes in motion in a normal population. The purpose of this investigation was to test the validity of this concept by determining spinal impairment in normal subjects using one of the more popular rating systems, the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Ninety-five individual measurements of cervical and lumbar spine motion were performed on each of 81 healthy subjects by two examiners using the double-inclinometer method. Based on the AMA criteria, all of the normal subjects were noted to have some degree of impairment ranging from 2 to 38.5%, with a mean value of 10.8%. The level of impairment increased with age for cervical, lumbar, and total impairment percentages (p = 0.0001). The current method of impairment determination based on spinal motion may not accurately reflect impairment in many patients. Impairment may be overestimated by up to 38%. Alternate methods of impairment evaluation should be developed that are more specific for individuals with true functional impairment and that account for age-related differences in spinal motion.     

Reliability of radiographic measurements of knee motion following knee arthroplasty for use in a virtual knee clinic

INTRODUCTION

We sought to validate radiographic measurements of range of motion of the knee after arthroplasty as part of a new system of virtual clinics.

METHODS

The range of motion of 52 knees in 45 patients was obtained by 2 clinicians using standardised techniques and goniometers. Inter-rater reliability and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Radiographs of these patients’ knees in full active flexion and extension were also used to calculate intra and inter-rater reliability compared with clinical measurements using four different methods for plotting angles on the radiographs.

RESULTS

The ICC for inter-rater reliability using the goniometer was very high. The ICC was 0.91 in extension and 0.85 in flexion while repeatability was 8.49° (-8.03–8.99°) in extension and 5.23° (-4.54–5.74°) in flexion. The best ICC for radiographic measurement in extension was 0.86, indicating ‘near perfect’ agreement, and repeatability was 5.43° (-4.04–6.12°). The best ICC in flexion was 0.95 and repeatability was 5.82° (-3.38–6.55°). The ICC for intrarater reliability was 0.98 for extension and 0.99 for flexion on radiographic measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Validating the use of radiographs to reliably measure range of motion following knee arthroplasty has allowed us to set up a ‘virtual knee clinic’. Combining validated questionnaires and radiographic measurement of range of motion, we aim to maintain high quality patient surveillance following knee arthroplasty, reduce our ratio for new to follow-up patients in line with Department of Health guidelines and improve patient satisfaction through reduced travel to hospital outpatients.     

Goniometric reliability for a child with spastic quadriplegia

Intrarater and interrater reliabilities were assessed for upper-extremity goniometric measurements of a 5-year-old girl with severe spastic quadriplegia. Percentage agreement was the method used to evaluate goniometric reliability of three motions bilaterally: shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and elbow extension. Intrarater reliability for each of the two raters was higher than interrater reliability. The mean differences and the range of differences between raters for each of the six motions measured also were recorded. There was wide variability in measurements both within and between raters. These results suggest that a difference of +/- 10-15 degrees in range of motion over time does not justify conclusions of either significant improvement or significant regression in a child with severe spastic cerebral palsy.     

颈椎三维活动度测定仪的测量稳定性评估

目的对自行设计的颈椎三维活动度测定仪的测量稳定性进行评估。方法由A、B医师分别对30名健康受试者的颈椎屈伸、侧屈、旋转活动度进行2次重复测量,得出本组受试者颈椎三维活动度的平均值和95％可信区间（confidence interval,CI）,得出A医师重复测量的组间相关系数（intraclass correlation coefficient,ICC）和95％CI,得出A医师与B医师间重复测量的ICC和95％CI。结果本组受试者的颈椎活动度均值为：屈伸123．0°±8．3°,侧屈86．3°±8．9°,旋转135．1°±8.3°。观察者内屈伸活动度一致性非常好（ICC=0．87）,侧屈活动度高度一致（ICC=0．92）,旋转活动度高度一致（ICC=0．94）;观察者间屈伸活动度一致性非常好（ICC=0．87）,侧屈活动度高度一致（ICC=0．90）,旋转活动度高度一致（ICC=0．91）。结论本实验证实颈椎三维活动度测定仪具有良好的观察者内信度和观察者间信度,是一种简单实用、稳定精确的颈椎活动度测量工具,适合临床和科研使用。     

Interrater reliability of subtalar neutral, calcaneal inversion and eversion

The purposes of this study were to determine the interrater reliability of the measurements of calcaneal inversion/eversion and subtalar joint neutral (STJN) in a patient population; to compare STJN using the mathematical and palpatory methods; and to compare the amount of calcaneal eversion in prone, bilateral stance, and unilateral stance. Three examiners measured 20 patients with recent ankle pathology according to a standardized protocol. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine interrater reliability. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if a difference in motion existed between test positions. The results demonstrated that prone measurements of calcaneal inversion/eversion and STJN had low to moderate interrater reliability (ICC ranged from 0.25 to 0.60). Weight bearing measurements of calcaneal position demonstrated high interrater reliability (r = 0.91 in bilateral stance, r = 0.75 in unilateral stance). These findings suggest that nonweightbearing measurements may be of limited value in assessing subtalar joint range of motion. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1990;12(1):10-15.     

Interrater reliability of a movement impairment-based classification system for lumbar spine syndromes in patients with chronic low back pain

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective methodological study of interrater reliability. OBJECTIVES: To examine the interrater reliability of a movement impairment-based classification system for patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). BACKGROUND: Movement impairment-based classification for the lumbar spine categorizes LBP based on the findings derived from a patient history and standardized examination. Though many presume this classification to be useful for directing treatment of individuals with LBP, agreement between examiners for assigning a lumbar spine category to a patient has not been studied thoroughly. METHODS AND MEASURES: Two physical therapists independently examined 24 patients (8 men, 16 women) with chronic LBP (pain duration greater than 12 weeks). All patients enrolled in the study had been diagnosed with LBP that was believed to be due to mechanical causes, and the duration of their symptoms ranged from 20 to 1040 weeks. The examiners used a standardized examination to assess patients and classify them into 1 of 5 lumbar spine categories. Percent agreement and kappa coefficients were calculated between the examiners for the lumbar movement impairment-based classifications. RESULTS: Percent agreement between examiners was 75% and the kappa coefficient was 0.61. The most prevalent lumbar spine categories identified by both examiners were lumbar extension rotation syndrome (41.7% of patients by examiner 1, 37.5% of patients by examiner 2) and lumbar rotation syndrome (41.7% of patients by both examiners). CONCLUSIONS: Interrater reliability between 2 physical therapists classifying patients with chronic LBP patients into 1 of 5 lumbar spine movement impairment categories had substantial agreement.     

Rectus Femoris Muscle Tightness: lntratester Reliability of an Active Knee Flexion Test

The purpose of this study was to examine the intratester reliability of a test designed to measure tightness in the rectus femoris muscle (RFM). The examiner measured the angle of knee flexion with a pendulum goniometer after active knee flexion with the subject prone and the hips stabilized in extension. The angle of knee flexion represents RFM tightness. After an instruction session, the RFM tightness of both extremities of 20 men was measured during test and retest sessions. The reliability coefficients for test and retest measurements were 0.97 for the left extremity and 0.97 for the right extremity. The author discusses factors that may have contributed to the high reliability, including a well defined and easily observed end point of motion, strict hip stabilization, and accurate instrument placement. If conducted properly, the test should provide clinicians and researchers with an objective and reliable tool for measuring RFM tightness. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1985;6(5):289-292.     

Reliability of active range-of-motion measurement of the rotation in the forearm: comparison of three measurement devices

AIM: The aim of this study is to prove the intra- and interobserver reliability of three different methods to measure the active range-of-motion in the forearm. METHODS: These three different methods were tested on forty volunteers. In the first method pictures were made in full supination and pronation, measurement of the two angles was performed with a dedicated software. Active range-of-motion was defined as the magnitude of forearm rotation between maximum pronation and supination. The second method used a standard goniometer. The third method of assessment used a gravity goniometer (plurimeter). We randomised both the side of the patient to be examined and the sequence of the methods. Two examiners measured subsequently the range-of-motion twice with these three devices. RESULTS: We found a significant intraobserver reproducibility with the gravity goniometer. There was no significance with the goniometer or pictures. The intraobserver reproducibility of the latter two methods was poor. The interobserver reproducibility of the gravity goniometer and pictures was significant, for the goniometer it was poor. Agreement between the pictures and gravity goniometer assessment of the range-of-motion was good. None of these two methods was significantly correlated with the goniometer assessment. CONCLUSION: For reproducibility of measurement of range-of-motion in the forearm the gravity goniometer is the best method, although the measured values were 5 % greater.     

Cervical range of movement in relation to neck dimension

The authors investigated the effect of neck dimension upon cervical range of motion. Data relating to 100 healthy subjects, aged between 20 and 40 years, were recorded with respect to age, gender and range of motion in three planes. Additionally, two widely used methods of measuring neck motion, chin-sternal distance and uniplanar goniometer, were assessed against a validated measurement tool, the ‘CROM goniometer’. Using multiple linear regression analysis it was determined that sagittal flexion (P = 0.002) and lateral rotation (P < 0.0001) were most closely related to neck circumference alone whereas lateral flexion (P < 0.0001) was most closely related to a ratio of circumference and length of neck. Hence, assessing cervical range of motion as outcome variable or as a measure at posttreatment follow-up, neck circumference was shown to be one of the factors influencing total neck motion, particularly sagittal flexion and lateral tilt. Comparison of cervical range of motion assessed with a validated measurement tool, the CROM goniometer, with results of both frequently applied clinician’s instruments, the uniplanar goniometer and measurement of chin-sternal distance, showed low reliability with the latter techniques, and motion values measured with these techniques should be interpreted with caution if using them for comparison of cervical range of motion of alike groups. We demonstrated that neck dimension should be incorporated into cervical functional outcome assessment and one should be wary about recorded values for neck motion from non-validated measurement tools.     

The intertester reliability of the Scapular Assistance Test

STUDY DESIGN: Test-retest reliability study. OBJECTIVE: To determine interrater reliability of the modified scapular assistance test (SAT). The modified SAT is designed to assess the contribution of scapular motion to shoulder pain. Background: Abnormal scapular motion has been implicated in different shoulder disorders. However, there is a lack of clinical evaluation tools to assess the scapular component of shoulder dysfunction. METHODS AND MEASURES: Forty-six subjects who were referred to physical therapy for treatment of various shoulder pathologies were recruited for this study. The modified SAT was performed on each participant by 2 different examiners. Percent agreement and kappa coefficient were utilized to determine interrater reliability of the modified SAT. RESULTS: The kappa coefficient and percent agreement were .53 and 77%, respectively, when the test was performed in the scapular plane, and .62 and 91%, respectively, when the test was performed in the sagittal plane. CONCLUSIONS: The modified SAT possesses acceptable interrater reliability for clinical use.     

Maximal versus feigned active cervical motion in healthy patients: the coefficient of variation as an indicator for sincerity of effort

STUDY DESIGN: Maximal and submaximal (feigned) cervical motions in healthy patients were compared. OBJECTIVE: To test the efficiency of the coefficient of variation in differentiating maximal (sincere) from submaximal (feigned) cervical motion in healthy patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although limitation of cervical motion is a recognized impairment, no well-founded approach for verifying the degree to which a patient is maximizing his or her performance is available currently. METHODS: A new ultrasound-based system for three-dimensional motion analysis of the head was used to test 25 healthy patients (22 women and 3 men) ages 26 to 48 years. During the first test, (Test 1), the patients were asked initially to move the head maximally at a self-determined velocity in all the primary directions: flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left lateral flexion. They then were presented with a short vignette describing a fictitious accident and asked, using the same protocol, to perform the same types of cervical motions as if they had experienced an injury. No further instructions were provided. A retest (Test 2) in reverse order (feigned effort first) took place 1 to 16 weeks (mean, 3.3 weeks) later. RESULTS: The range of motion and average velocity were significantly smaller (P = 0.0001) in the feigned than in the maximal performance in all directions and on both tests. Feigned range of motion and velocity also were significantly reduced in Test 2 (P = 0.006), as compared with those in Test 1 (P = 0.0001). The range of motion coefficient of variation in the feigned performance (CVf) remained stable on the retest, but was significantly larger on both tests (P < 0.001) than the corresponding CV derived from maximal performance (CVm). Furthermore, a case-by-case analysis showed that whereas the American Medical Association guidelines identified only 16% of the feigned cases, the use of CVf and CVm resulted in a corresponding rate of 87%. Tolerance intervals at 95% and 99% indicated total separation between the distributions of CVf and CVm, respectively. The average velocity-based CVf and CVm were not of a comparable differentiating power. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that in healthy patients, feigned performance may be differentiated from maximal (sincere) performance effectively and reproducibly using the coefficient of variation.     

Measuring flexion in knee arthroplasty patients

Flexion following total knee arthroplasty can be visually estimated, measured with a goniometer placed against the patient's leg, or measured from a lateral radiograph of the flexed knee. Three examiners, in a blinded fashion, estimated the degree of maximal knee flexion and measured the flexion with a goniometer for 27 knees in 16 patients. A lateral knee radiograph then was taken and the flexion angle was measured from the radiograph by 2 different methods. Although interobserver and intraobserver correlation coefficients were high (0.79 and 0.92), 45% of the visual estimates and 22% of the goniometer measurements differed by 5 degrees or greater from the radiographic measurements. These differences increased as the flexion angle increased. Body mass index did not affect the accuracy of the estimates or goniometer measurements.