Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles

The Reliability and Concurrent Validity of Shoulder Mobility Measurements Using a Digital Inclinometer and Goniometer: A Technical Report

Publication Title

International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy

ISSN

2159-2896

Publication Date

6-1-2012

Abstract

PURPOSE/AIM: This study investigated the intrarater reliability and concurrent validity of active shoulder mobility measurements using a digital inclinometer and goniometer.

MATERIALS/METHODS: Two investigators used a goniometer and digital inclinometer to measure shoulder flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation on 30 asymptomatic participants in a blinded repeated measures design.

RESULTS: Excellent intrarater reliability was present with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC- 3,k) for goniometry ≥ 0.94 and digital inclinometry ≥ 0.95. The concurrent validity between goniometry and digital inclinometry was good with ICC (3,k) values of ≥ 0.85. The 95% limits of agreement suggest that the difference between these two measurement instruments can be expected to range from 2° to 20°.

CONCLUSIONS: The results cautiously support the interchangeable use of goniometry and digital inclinometer for measuring shoulder mobility measurements. Although reliable, clinicians should consider the 95% limits of agreement when using these instruments interchangeably as clinically significant differences are likely to be present.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Volume

7

Issue

3

First Page

306

Last Page

313

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

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