Reliability and concurrent validity of an alternative method of lateral lumbar range of motion in athletes

South African Journal of Sports Medicine

Hecimovich, Mark D¹  University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, USA¹  Hebert, Jeffrey J¹  Murdoch University, Murdoch¹ 

关键词: : authenticity;    efficacy;    range of motion;    lumbar spine;   

DOI  :  10.17159/2078-516x/2016/v28i1a745

学科分类：农业科学（综合）

来源: Health and Medical Publishing Group

【 摘 要 】

BACKGROUND: Cricket bowling involves combined spinal movements of side bending and rotation and, consequently, injury to the low back is a common problem. Therefore the assessment of lumbar spine kinematics has become a routine component in preseason screening. This includes static measurement of lateral spinal flexion as asymmetrical range of motion may predispose an athlete to low back injury.OBJECTIVES: This study examined intra-rater reliability and concurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floor distance test (FFD) when compared to a criterion range of motion measure.METHODS: Thirty-four junior-level cricket players aged 13-16 years were recruited. Lumbar spine lateral flexion was measured simultaneously with the fingertip-to-floor distance test and digital inclinometry methods. Relative and absolute intra-rater reliability were investigated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3>1) of agreement, standard error of measurement (SEM) estimates, Bland and Altman bias estimates and 95% limits of agreement, respectively. The concurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floor distance test, compared to digital inclinometry measures, was examined with Pearson correlation coefficients.RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability demonstrated substantial agreement for both measures (ICC3>1 > 0.84). The fingertip-to-floor distance test SEM values ranged from 1.71-2.01 cm with an estimated minimum detectable change (MDC) threshold of 4.73-5.55 cm. The inclinometry SEM values ranged from 1.00-1.09° with minimal detectable change estimates of 2.77-3.01°. There were strong correlations between the index test and criterion measure outcomes (r > 0.84, p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: This study's results support the intra-rater reliability and concurrent validity of the finger-to-floor distance test, suggesting it to be a suitable surrogate measure for lumbar lateral flexion testing.

【 授权许可】

Unknown