Reliability of the weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measurement using a smartphone goniometer application

PeerJ

article

Helena Zunko¹  Renata Vauhnik² 

[1] Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana;Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana;Arthron, Institute for Joints and Sport Injuries

关键词: Ankle;    Range of motion;    Reliability;    Weight-bearing lunge;    Smartphone goniometer application;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.11977

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundWeight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measurement (weight-bearing lunge test) is gaining in popularity because it mimics lower extremity function in daily physical activities. The purpose of the study is to assess the intra-rater and the inter-rater reliability of the weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measurement with a flexed knee using a smartphone application Spirit Level Plus installed on an Android smartphone.MethodsThirty-two young, healthy subjects participated in the study and were measured in four sessions by two examiners. One measurement was taken on each ankle in every session. Eight measurements were taken from each participant. A total of 256 were taken from all the participants. The measurements for the individual subject were repeated no sooner than 24 hours after the first session. In order to assess the reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error measurements (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) at the 95% confidence interval were calculated.ResultsStatistical data analysis revealed moderate intra-rater reliability for the right ankle (ICC = 0.72, 95% CI [0.49–0.85]) and good intra-rater reliability for the left ankle (ICC = 0.82, 95% CI [0.66–0.91]). Inter-rater reliability is moderate for the right (ICC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.52–0.86]) and the left ankle (ICC = 0.65, 95% CI [0.39–0.81]).ConclusionThe observed method is moderately reliable and appropriate when the main objective is to assess ankle dorsiflexion mobility in weight-bearing when weight-bearing is not contraindicated. The concurrent validity of the Spirit Level Plus application is excellent.

【 授权许可】

CC BY