Validity and Reliability of Inertial Measurement Units in Active Range of Motion Assessment in the Hip Joint.

Measuring joint range of motion has traditionally occurred with a universal goniometer, inclinometer, or expensive laboratory systems. The popularity of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) is growing, enabling the small and even single portable device to measure the range of motion. Until now, they were not used to assess hip joint range of motion. Our study aimed to check the validity of IMUs in assessing hip range of motion and compare them to other measurement devices-universal goniometer and inclinometer. Twenty participants completed three hip movements (flexion in standing and prone internal and external rotation) on both hips. Two testers independently assessed each movement with a goniometer, digital inclinometer, and IMU at different time points. To assess the agreement of active hip ROM between devices, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis were used. Furthermore, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were also assessed by using ICC and Bland-Altman analysis. Limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated using Bland-Altman plots. The IMU demonstrated good to excellent validity (ICC: 0.87-0.99) compared to the goniometer and digital inclinometer, with LOAs < 9°, across all tested movements. Intra-rater reliability was excellent for all devices (ICC: 0.87-0.99) with LOAs < 7°. However, inter-rater reliability was moderate for flexion (ICC: 0.58-0.59, LOAs < 22.4) and poor for rotations (ICC: -0.33-0.04, LOAs < 7.8°). The present study shows that a single inertial measurement unit (RSQ Motion, RSQ Technologies, Poznan, Poland) could be successfully used to assess the active hip range of motion in healthy subjects, comparable to other methods accuracy.

Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices.

Measurement errors play an important role in the development of goniometric equipment, devices used to measure range of motion. Reasonable validity and reliability are critical for both the device and examiner before and after to testing in human subjects. The objective is to evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of five different clinical goniometric devices for the purpose of establishing an acceptable measurement error margin for a novel device. We explored the validity and inter- and intrarater reliability scores of five goniometric devices namely (i) the universal goniometer (UG), a two-armed hand-held goniometer, (ii) the inclinometer (IC), featuring a single base, fluid level, and gravity-weighted inclinometer, (iii) the digital inclinometer (DI), functioning as both a DI and dynamometer, (iv) the smartphone application (SA), employing gyroscope-based technology within a smartphone platform application and (v) the modified inclinometer (MI), a gravity pendulum-based inclinometer equipped with a specialized fixing apparatus. Measurements were obtained at 12 standard angles and 8 human shoulder flexion angles ranging from 0° to 180°. Over two testing sessions, 120 standardized angle measurements and 160 shoulder angle measurements from 20 shoulders were repetitively taken by three examiners for each device. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated to assess reliability and validity. Concurrent validity was also evaluated through the execution of the 95% limit of agreement (95% LOA) and Bland-Altman plots, with comparisons made to the UG. The concurrent validity for all device pairs was excellent in both study phases (ICC > 0.99, 95% LOA - 4.11° to 4.04° for standard angles, and - 10.98° to 11.36° for human joint angles). Inter- and intrarater reliability scores for standard angles were excellent across all devices (ICC > 0.98, SEM 0.59°-1.75°, MDC 1°-4°), with DI showing superior reliability. For human joint angles, device reliability ranged from moderate to excellent (ICC 0.697-0.975, SEM 1.93°-4.64°, MDC 5°-11° for inter-rater reliability; ICC 0.660-0.996, SEM 0.77°-4.06°, MDC 2°-9° for intra-rater reliability), with SA demonstrating superior reliability. Wider angle measurement however resulted in reduced device reliability. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that it is essential to assess measurement errors independently for standard and human joint angles. The DI is the preferred reference for standard angle testing, while the SA is recommended for human joint angle testing. Separate evaluations across the complete 0°-180° range offer valuable insights.

A webcam-based machine learning approach for three-dimensional range of motion evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Joint range of motion (ROM) is an important quantitative measure for physical therapy. Commonly relying on a goniometer, accurate and reliable ROM measurement requires extensive training and practice. This, in turn, imposes a significant barrier for those who have limited in-person access to healthcare. OBJECTIVE: The current study presents and evaluates an alternative machine learning-based ROM evaluation method that could be remotely accessed via a webcam. METHODS: To evaluate its reliability, the ROM measurements for a diverse set of joints (neck, spine, and upper and lower extremities) derived using this method were compared to those obtained from a marker-based optical motion capture system. RESULTS: Data collected from 25 healthy adults demonstrated that the webcam solution exhibited high test-retest reliability, with substantial to almost perfect intraclass correlation coefficients for most joints. Compared with the marker-based system, the webcam-based system demonstrated substantial to almost perfect inter-rater reliability for some joints, and lower inter-rater reliability for other joints (e.g., shoulder flexion and elbow flexion), which could be attributed to the reduced sensitivity to joint locations at the apex of the movement. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed webcam-based method exhibited high test-retest and inter-rater reliability, making it a versatile alternative for existing ROM evaluation methods in clinical practice and the tele-implementation of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The concurrent validity and reliability of virtual reality to measure shoulder flexion and scaption range of motion.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain commonly has a detrimental impact on patient's work and social activities. Although pain is the most common reason for seeking care, a reduction in shoulder range of motion (ROM) is another common impairment. ROM assessment is used as an evaluation tool and multiple methods are available to measure shoulder ROM. Virtual reality (VR) has been introduced into shoulder rehabilitation, mostly when exercise and ROM measurement is indicated. This study evaluated the concurrent validity and system reliability of active ROM measurements of VR for people with and without shoulder pain. METHODS: Forty volunteers participated in this study. Virtual goniometry was used to assess active shoulder ROM. Participants performed flexion and scaption to six predetermined angles. Measurements from the VR goniometer and smartphone inclinometers were recorded simultaneously. To assess reliability, two identical test sequences were performed. RESULTS: The concurrent validity ICCs were 0.93 for shoulder flexion and 0.94 for shoulder scaption. The VR goniometer application on average systematically overestimated the ROM compared to the smartphone inclinometer. The mean difference between goniometer values was -11.3 degrees for flexion and -10.9 for scaption. The system reliability was excellent with an overall ICC of 0.99 for the flexion movements and 0.99 for the scaption movements. CONCLUSION: Although the VR system demonstrated excellent reliability, and high ICC's for concurrent validity, the large range between the lower and upper 95% CI limits suggests it lacks measurement precision. This suggests VR, as used in this study, should not be used interchangeably with other measurement tools. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Measurement Repeatability and Reproducibility of Virtual Goniometry of a Set of Acquired Images in Youths with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the intra-rater repeatability and the inter-rater reproducibility of using a virtual goniometer to measure upper and lower extremity joint range of motion (ROM) in youths with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). METHODS: Youths presenting with AMC aged 8 to 21 years old were recruited. ROM of the upper and lower limbs were assessed remotely during a teleassessment on a video-conferencing platform. Screen captures were taken and ROM were measured by two raters, two-weeks apart, using a virtual goniometer. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess intra-and inter-rater repeatability and reproducibility. RESULTS: Nine participants were included with a median age of 15.9 years (range: 11.3 to 20.8 years). The overall intra-rater ICC was 0.997 (95% CI:0.996 to 0.997) for the first rater and 0.993 (95% CI:0.992 to 0.994) for the second rater. The inter-rater ICC ranged from 0.410 (95% CI:-0.392; 0.753) for forearm pronation to 0.998 (95% CI:0.996; 0.999) for elbow flexion. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study suggest that virtual goniometry is reproducible and repeatable for the ROM of most joints. Future studies should evaluate procedural reliability and validity of the proposed method for youth with complex conditions.

Perfil Funcional e Clínico durante o Pré e o Pós-Cirúrgico de Pacientes Oncológicos de Cabeça e Pescoço / Pre and Post-Surgical Functional and Clinical Profile of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer / Perfil Funcional y Clínico durante el Período Pre y Post Quirúrgico de Pacientes con Cáncer de Cabeza y Cuello

Introdução: O câncer de cabeça e pescoço ocupa o sexto lugar das neoplasias mais predominantes no mundo. Pela localização anatômica, essas neoplasias podem promover alterações funcionais importantes, relacionadas à alimentação, respiração e comunicação, afetando a interação social. Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil funcional e clínico de pacientes com neoplasias malignas de cabeça e pescoço. Método: Estudo transversal, descritivo, quali-quantitativo. Foram avaliadas a goniometria e a dinamometria dos membros superiores, e utilizados a Intensive Care Unit Mobility Scale (ICUMS) para avaliar a mobilidade, o índice de performance de Karnofsky (KPS) e a Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Scale (PS-ECOG), em um hospital público terciário. A coleta ocorreu entre agosto e novembro de 2022. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 39 pacientes do sexo feminino (61,54%) com idade média de 51,51 anos (±16,05). Os fatores de risco mais comuns foram: histórico familiar (53,85%), incidência em Regiões com desigualdade de distribuição de renda (17,95%), em Ceilândia (Região Administrativa do Distrito Federal), e tendo concluído o apenas o ensino fundamental (48,72%). O tumor primário com maior prevalência foi o de tireoide (61,54%), estadiamento T4 (33,33%). No pós-cirúrgico, 10 apresentavam paralisia facial, 11, trismo, 27, escápula alada. A mobilidade no pós-operatório foi mantida durante a internação com ICUMS 10, KPS 90% e PS-ECOG 0-1. Conclusão: A predisposição e o perfil clínico e funcional se correlacionaram com os problemas respiratórios, trismo, paralisia facial, escápula alada e amplitude reduzida de membro superior, como as repercussões mais frequentes, possivelmente decorrentes do tumor ou do tratamento. Entretanto, a mobilidade e a performance pós-cirúrgica não sofreram alterações consideráveis.

Introduction: Head and neck cancer is the sixth most prevalent neoplasm in the world. Due to their anatomical location, these cancers can promote important functional changes related to eating, breathing and communication, affecting social interaction. Objective: To characterize the functional and clinical profile of patients with head and neck cancer. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive, quanti-qualitative study. Goniometry and dynamometry of the upper limbs, the Intensive Care Mobility Scale (ICUMS) to evaluate mobility, the Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Scale (PS-ECOG) were utilized in a tertiary public hospital. Data collection occurred between August and November 2022. Results: There were 39 female patients (61.54%) enrolled in the study with mean age of 51.51(±16.05). The most common risk factors were: family history (53.85%), incidence in social and economically underserved regions (17.95%), in Ceilândia (Administrative Region of the Federal District), and education up to elementary school (48.72%). The primary tumor with the highest prevalence was thyroid (61.54%), staging T4 (33.33%). In the postoperative period, 10 presented facial paralysis, 11, trismus and 27, winged scapula. Postoperative mobility was maintained during hospitalization with ICUMS 10, KPS 90% and PS-ECOG between 0-1. Conclusion: The predisposition and the clinical and functional profile were correlated with respiratory problems, trismus, facial paralysis, winged scapula and reduced upper limb amplitude, as the most frequent repercussions, possibly resulting from the tumor or the treatment. However, post-surgical mobility and performance did not change considerably.

Introducción: El cáncer de cabeza y cuello ocupa el sexto lugar de las neoplasias más prevalentes en el mundo. Por su ubicación anatómica, estos cánceres pueden promover cambios funcionales importantes relacionados con la alimentación, la respiración y la comunicación, afectando la interacción social. Objetivo: Caracterizar el perfil funcional y clínico de los pacientes con cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Método: Estudio transversal, descriptivo, cuali-cuantitativo. En un hospital público de tercer nivel se evaluó la goniometría y dinamometría de miembros superiores, utilizando la Intensive Care Unit Mobility Scale (IUMS) para evaluar la movilidad, el índice de desempeño de Karnofsky (KPS) y la Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Scale (PS-ECOG). La recolección de datos se realizó entre agosto y noviembre de 2022. Resultados: Participaron en el estudio 39 pacientes de sexo femenino (61,54%) con una edad promedio de 51,51 años (±16,05). Los factores de riesgo más comunes fueron: antecedentes familiares (53,85%), incidencia en regiones con distribución desigual de la renta (17,95%), en Ceilândia (Región Administrativa del Distrito Federal) y escolaridad hasta la enseñanza básica (48,72%). El tumor primario con mayor prevalencia fue el de tiroides (61,54%), categoría de estadificación T4 (33,33%). En el postoperatorio 10 presentaron parálisis facial, 11 trismo, 27 omóplato alado. La movilidad postoperatoria se mantuvo durante la hospitalización con ICUMS 10, KPS 90% y PS-ECOG 0-1. Conclusión: La predisposición y el perfil clínico y funcional se correlacionaron con los problemas respiratorios, trismo, parálisis facial, omóplato alado y la amplitud reducida del miembro superior como las más frecuentes repercusiones, posiblemente debidas al tumor o al tratamiento. Sin embargo, la movi

Reliability of a human pose tracking algorithm for measuring upper limb joints: comparison with photography-based goniometry.

BACKGROUND: Range of motion (ROM) measurements are essential for diagnosing and evaluating upper extremity conditions. Clinical goniometry is the most commonly used methods but it is time-consuming and skill-demanding. Recent advances in human tracking algorithm suggest potential for automatic angle measuring from RGB images. It provides an attractive alternative for at-distance measuring. However, the reliability of this method has not been fully established. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if the results of algorithm are as reliable as human raters in upper limb movements. METHODS: Thirty healthy young adults (20 males, 10 females) participated in this study. Participants were asked to performed a 6-motion task including movement of shoulder, elbow and wrist. Images of movements were captured by commercial digital cameras. Each movement was measured by a pose tracking algorithm (OpenPose) and compared with the surgeon-measurement results. The mean differences between the two measurements were compared. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship. Reliability was investigated by the intra-class correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Comparing this algorithm-based method with manual measurement, the mean differences were less than 3 degrees in 5 motions (shoulder abduction: 0.51; shoulder elevation: 2.87; elbow flexion:0.38; elbow extension:0.65; wrist extension: 0.78) except wrist flexion. All the intra-class correlation coefficients were larger than 0.60. The Pearson coefficients also showed high correlations between the two measurements (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that pose estimation is a reliable method to measure the shoulder and elbow angles, supporting RGB images for measuring joint ROM. Our results presented the possibility that patients can assess their ROM by photos taken by a digital camera. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Clinical Trials Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (2021-387).

Development of Joint Activity Angle Measurement and Cloud Data Storage System.

In this study, we developed a range of motion sensing system (ROMSS) to simulate the function of the elbow joint, with errors less than 0.76 degrees and 0.87 degrees in static and dynamic verification by the swinging and angle recognition modules, respectively. In the simulation process, the É£ correlation coefficient of the Pearson difference between the ROMSS and the universal goniometer was 0.90, the standard deviations of the general goniometer measurements were between ±2 degrees and ±2.6 degrees, and the standard deviations between the ROMSS measurements were between ±0.5 degrees and ±1.6 degrees. With the ROMSS, a cloud database was also established; the data measured by the sensor could be uploaded to the cloud database in real-time to provide timely patient information for healthcare professionals. We also developed a mobile app for smartphones to enable patients and healthcare providers to easily trace the data in real-time. Historical data sets with joint activity angles could be retrieved to observe the progress or effectiveness of disease recovery so the quality of care could be properly assessed and maintained.

Concordancia entre 2 sistemas de medición de movilidad articular de rodilla en sujetos jóvenes sanos: estudio transversal / Concordance between two knee joint mobility measurement systems in healthy young subjects: Cross-sectional study

Introducción: La valoración de los arcos de movilidad articular es uno de los elementos esenciales para determinar el inicio y la progresión en los tratamientos fisioterapéuticos. Objetivo: Analizar la concordancia del goniómetro universal y el goniómetro digital para medir los movimientos de flexión y extensión de la rodilla de manera bilateral, en sujetos jóvenes sanos. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, analítico de corte transversal, que contó con la participación de 180 jóvenes sanos, seleccionados de manera aleatoria y voluntaria, con una edad media de 21,7 años, a quienes se les midió el movimiento de flexo-extensión de la rodilla de manera pasiva. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC) de acuerdo absoluto, se utilizó para medir el grado de concordancia entre las valoraciones cuantitativas realizadas. Se presentó anormalidad en la distribución de los datos de las mediciones de flexión-extensión de la rodilla, por lo que, las comparaciones se realizaron con la mediana de los datos. Resultados: Se encontró una muy buena concordancia en la utilización del goniómetro universal y el goniómetro digital, para los movimientos de la rodilla: flexión derecha ICC: 0,956, extensión derecha ICC: 0,936, flexión izquierda ICC: 0,933, y para la extensión izquierda ICC: 0,953. Conclusiones: El goniómetro universal y el goniómetro digital obtuvieron una muy buena correlación en la medición de la flexión y extensión de la rodilla. (AU)

Introduction: The assessment of joint mobility arches is one of the essential elements to determine the onset and progression in physiotherapeutic treatments. Objective: To analyze the concordance of the universal goniometer and the digital goniometer to measure the movements of flexion and extension of the knee bilaterally, in healthy young subjects. Methods: A descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study involved 180 healthy young people, randomly selected and voluntarily, with a mean age of 21.7 years, who were measured in the knee flexo-extension movement passively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) according to absolute, was used to measure the degree of agreement between the quantitative assessments made. There was an abnormality in the distribution of data from knee flexion–extension measurements, so comparisons were made with the median of the data. Results: A very good agreement was found in the use of the universal goniometer and the digital goniometer, for knee movements: right flexion ICC 0.956, right extension ICC 0.936, left flexion ICC 0.933, and for left extension ICC 0.953. Conclusions: The universal goniometer and the digital goniometer obtained a very good correlation in the measurement of knee flexion and extension. (AU)

Postoperative immobilization using a short-arm cast in the semisupination position is appropriate after arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal repair.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess and compare active rotation of the forearm in normal subjects after the application of a short-arm cast (SAC) in the semisupination position and a long-arm cast (LAC) in the neutral position. A clinical study was also conducted to compare the functional outcomes of using a SAC in the semisupination position with those of using a LAC in the neutral position in patients who underwent arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal repair. METHODS: A total of 40 healthy right-handed volunteers were recruited. Active pronation and supination of the forearm were measured in each subject using a goniometer. In the retrospective clinical study, 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic foveal repair were included. The wrist was immobilized postoperatively using a SAC in the semisupination position (approximately 45°) in 16 patients and a LAC in 24. Clinical outcomes were assessed using grip strength and patient-reported outcomes. The degree of disability caused by cast immobilization was also evaluated when the cast was removed. RESULTS: Supination was significantly more restricted with LACs than with SACs in the semisupination position in male and female patients (p < 0.001 for both). However, pronation was significantly more restricted with SACs in the semisupination position than with LACs in female patients (p = 0.003) and was not significantly different in male patients (p = 0.090). In the clinical study, both groups showed improvement in all parameters with significant differences in grip strength, visual analogue scale scores for pain, modified Mayo Wrist Score, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score. No significant postoperative differences were noted between LACs and SACs in the semisupination position. However, the disability caused by immobilization in a cast was significantly higher in patients who had a LAC on the dominant hand (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that a SAC in the semisupination position is as effective as a LAC in restricting pronation of the forearm. In addition, postoperative immobilization with a SAC in the semisupination position resulted in comparable pain scores and functional outcomes to immobilization with a LAC after TFCC foveal repair, with less restriction of daily activities. Therefore, we recommend that surgeons consider using a SAC in the semisupination position for postoperative immobilization following TFCC foveal repair for dorsal instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):249-256.

Excessive laxity of connective tissue in constipated children.

Excessive laxity of the connective tissue refers to a group of inherited abnormalities manifested by disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Increased susceptibility to stretching of the distal part of the large intestine and abnormal colonic motor function could explain the predisposition to the development of functional constipation in some children. Our aim was to determine whether patients with functional constipation are more likely to be characterized by congenital laxity of connective tissue compared to the population of healthy children. Children diagnosed with functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria were prospectively enrolled in the study (study group, S) and compared to otherwise healthy children (control group, C). Excessive laxity of the connective tissue was evaluated using the Beighton Score (BS) and expressed as median and interquartile range (IQR). The study included 411 patients (median age 7.8 years, min 3 years, max 18 years; 49% male), comprising 211 patients in the S group and 200 children in the C group. The median BS in the S group was significantly higher than in the C group (median: 5 points [IQR: 1-4.5] vs 2 points [IQR: 3-7], respectively; p = 0.000). Furthermore, increased connective tissue laxity was observed more frequently in females (p < 0.05). Increased connective tissue laxity was more frequent in children with functional constipation, especially in girls. Excessive laxity of the connective tissue may be one of the etiological factors of functional constipation in children.

Does range of motion measurement and reference values differ?: a multi-centered study

This study is aimed to estimate and measure reference values in the normal range of motion of extremity joints in females and to provide a database for the assessment of impairments related to the mobility of the joints. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at seven major educational institutes areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in Pakistan from January to June 2020 with a sample size of 600 healthy females aged 15 to 45 years and divided into three groups through non-probability sampling technique. In study Instruments, an electronic Goniometer was used for the measurement of the range of motions for different joints and then those ranges were recorded. The questionnaire had two sections demographic characteristics and ROM for both upper and lower limbs. Data was analyzed using SPSS V21. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.In the result,Out of 600 participants,there was a statistically significant difference of (p < 0.001) in both upper and lower extremities motion between all the three groups for the measurements and noticeably no significant difference (p > 0.005) between group 1, 2 comparisons for the knee joint extension.To conclude, In most joints, the range of motion increases with age. The transition from group 1 to group 2 was aided by increased hormone participation in growth, an active lifestyle, and generally good health. Because of degenerative changes and joint stiffness, group 3's range of motion deteriorated, leading to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. Standardized biomechanical measurements can help health practitioners, such as physiotherapists, choose appropriate therapy interventions to assess musculoskeletal disorders. To resolve the inconsistencies in the reliability and validity of goniometry values, more research is required.

Validity and reliability of a smartphone goniometer application for measuring hip range of motions.

BACKGROUND: Mobile applications which are designed to assess the range of motion (ROM) are widely used. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of a smartphone application "PT Goniometer" (PTG) and determine the correlation between PTG and universal goniometer (UG) regarding active ROMs of the hip in healthy participants. METHODS: Thirty-four healthy young participants were included in the study. Two physiotherapists performed active hip flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation ROM measurements of dominant legs of the participants by using PTG and UG. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine the intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Level of correlations between PTG and UG were used to establish concurrent validity of PTG. RESULTS: The PTG demonstrated excellent inter-observer and intra-observer reliability (ICC > 0.90) for all measured hip movements. The minimum detectable change (MDC95) was ranged from 3.29° to 5.1° for the intra-observer reliability, and from 2.55° to 3.21° for the inter-observer reliability. Additionally, the concurrent validity was found excellent (r = 0.91-0.93). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that PTG is a valid and reliable mobile technology for measuring hip ROMs.

Validation of an on-screen application-based measurement of shoulder range of motion over telehealth medium.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder range-of-motion (ROM) assessment is vital for the follow-up evaluation of operated patients and for the outcome-based research studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and reliability of a remote on-screen application (app)-based method of shoulder ROM measurement through a telehealth medium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consultant shoulder surgeon, a board-certified orthopedic resident, and a graduate medical doctor served as the examiners. The cohort consisted of 24 healthy volunteers and 16 symptomatic patients with expected shoulder ROM deficits. Shoulder ROM was first examined physically using a goniometer in the clinic and then over Zoom remote conferencing using the protractor extension app of the Chrome browser. RESULTS: Instrument validity was examined by comparing the goniometer method with the protractor app-based method of the expert shoulder consultant using Bland-Altman analysis. It showed only minor mean differences between the healthy volunteers and the patients in elevation (2.0° and 5.0°, respectively), abduction (2.0° and 3.0°, respectively), external rotation with the elbow adducted (1.9° and 0.2°, respectively), external rotation with the elbow abducted at 90° (0.4° and 4°, respectively), and internal rotation with elbow abducted at 90° (2.3° and 1.2°, respectively), with limits of agreement that were below the well-established minimal clinically important difference values. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values varied between 0.83 and 0.96 for the volunteers and between 0.90 and 0.98 for the patients, indicating excellent correlation between the 2 methods. The interobserver reliability between 2 examiners for the protractor app-based method as evaluated by ICC scores was excellent; it ranged between 0.86 and 0.98 for the volunteers and between 0.88 and 0.99 for the patients. Comparison of the protractor app-based method with the gold-standard goniometer method for the resident and the graduate doctor showed excellent ICC values. CONCLUSION: A protractor app-based method of measuring shoulder ROM over a telehealth medium is accurate and reliable compared with a clinical goniometer method. This validated method can be used during remote telehealth consultation with significant benefits of saving patients travel and time during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and even later.

Repetitive and forceful movements of the hand as predictors of treatment for pain in the distal upper extremities.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate repetitive movements and the use of hand force as causes of treatment for distal upper extremities musculoskeletal disorders METHODS: A cohort of 202 747 workers in a pension health scheme from 2005 to 2017 in one of 17 jobs (eg, office work, carpentry, cleaning) was formed. Representative electro-goniometric measurements of wrist angular velocity as a measure for repetition and expert-rated use of hand force were used in a job exposure matrix (JEM). Job titles were retrieved from the Danish registers. Outcome was first treatment in the distal upper extremities. In a Poisson regression model, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of treatment were adjusted for age, calendar-year, diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and arm fractures. In further analyses, wrist velocity or hand force was added. RESULTS: In men, wrist velocity had an IRR of 1.48 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.91) when the highest exposure level was compared with the lowest but with no clear exposure-response pattern. The effect became insignificant when adjusted for hand force. Hand force had an IRR of 2.65 (95% CI 2.13 to 3.29) for the highest versus the lowest exposure with an exposure-response pattern, which remained after adjustment for wrist velocity. Among women, no increased risk was found for hand force, while wrist velocity showed a significantly protective association with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In men, occupational exposure to hand force more than doubled the risk of seeking treatment. The results for exposure to repetition were less clear. In women, we could not find any indications of an increased risk neither for force nor for repetition.

The reliability of smartphone goniometry technology in measuring postural changes in South African female youths carrying head loads

Background: Four empirical studies have measured the impact of head-loading on female African porters posture using expensive radiography and manual kin anthropometry and goniometry. The reliability of cheaper, pragmatic smartphone goniometric technology as an alternate clinical tool to assess posture is needed. Objectives: This study was designed to test the inter-rater reliability of smartphone goniometry technology against manual goniometry in measuring selected sagittal postural angles in South African female youth who habitually head-load. Methods: Female South African youth who habitually headload voluntarily participated in the study (N = 100) and were randomly allocated into experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50) groups. An observational randomized control design involving a pre-test post-test crossover was used, after which the control group crossed over into the experimental group and vice versa. The control group stood in the unloaded phase without a head load, while the experimental group carried the head load. The daily head loads and body mass were measured on an electronic scale. Demographic characteristics (age, body mass, and stature) were recorded and selected biomechanical angles were measured on the right side. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 12.3 ± 2.5 years; average body mass was 44.5 ± 13.7 kg. The average head load habitually carried was 8.0 ± 2.5 kg. The inter-rater reliability between the smartphone goniometry technology and manual goniometry was 0.9. Conclusion: The findings support the use of smartphone goniometry as a pragmatic method for assessing sagittal plane postural changes among rural South African youth who habitually head-load. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.

Assessing the knee flexion range of motion after total knee arthroplasty: Technology versus senses.

INTRODUCTION: Following total knee arthroplasty surgery, attention should be paid to post-operative knee range of motion to achieve daily activities. Goniometer assessment is widely used to assess the range of motion in the post-operative period. This study aimed to determine the inter-rater ability of a smartphone application and visual estimation of the knee joint after total knee arthroplasty among different professions that commonly work together and compare whether any method is superior to another. METHOD: Range of motion measurements was performed by four clinicians as two physiotherapists and two orthopedic fellows. They utilized the Goniometer Reports application for smartphones, universal goniometer, and visual estimation to measure angles of knees which was operated. A two-way mixed model of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with a 95% confidence level was used to assess inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (11 female) and 20 knees (10 right) were assessed. The ICCs were found excellent both for between methods and between raters. CONCLUSION: Our results show that technology seems a more accurate way to determine the knee range of motion after knee arthroplasty compared to senses. However, in lack of technological resources or time, or to avoid possible infection, visual estimation also could provide useful information.

Confiabilidad test-retest de goniometría estándar y G-pro smartphone en el movimiento flexo-extensión del hombro / Test-retest reliability of standard goniometry and the G-pro smartphone in shoulder flexion-extension

Antecedentes y objetivos En la actualidad la falta de herramientas para el fisioterapeuta y la calidad que se le da al momento de evaluar no permite hacer un buen diagnóstico. La evaluación precisa del rango articular conforma una tarea esencial en la labor diaria de los fisioterapeutas, para poder valorar correctamente la progresión del tratamiento. En esta investigación nos planteamos analizar la fiabilidad y la seguridad de una aplicación G-Pro smart bajo el sistema Android, para evaluar sus características y observar su utilidad como goniómetro en la clínica para medir los ángulos articulares. Materiales y métodos Se empleó el goniómetro estándar por un tecnólogo médico en terapia física y rehabilitación y la aplicación G-pro smartphone para medir de manera pasiva y bilateral la flexión y rotación de hombro, y la flexión de codo de 30 sujetos que toleraran la bipedestación. Resultados Existe una confiabilidad de buena a excelente (r=0,998 a 0,896; p<0,01), utilizando la aplicación G-pro smartphone, mientras que con el goniómetro universal esta confiabilidad es de aceptable a cuestionable (r=0,757 a 0,609) en el movimiento activo de flexo-extensión del hombro. Conclusiones Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio nos muestran que estos dispositivos aplicativos a través de un smartphone suponen un recurso adicional para evaluar los rangos de movilidad articular. Gracias al avance tecnológico podemos mejorar, innovar y objetivar el resultado de valoración articular para que este sea preciso, y por lo tanto los tratamientos brindados sean adecuados y diferenciados para cada paciente. Esta herramienta es de bajo costo y está al alcance del personal de salud, fácil de utilizar, dado que cuenta con un inclinómetro que es confiable tanto visual como valorativo (AU)

Background and objective Currently, the lack of tools for physiotherapists, and the quality of these tools when physiotherapists assess patients does not allow a good diagnosis. Accurate joint range evaluation is an essential task in the daily work of physiotherapists in order to correctly assess treatment progress. In this study, we examined the reliability and safety of an Android system application called G-Pro to evaluate its characteristics and observe its usefulness as a goniometer to measure joint angles in a clinic. Material and methods The standard goniometer and G-pro smartphone with the application were used to passively and bilaterally measure shoulder flexion and rotation and elbow flexion in 30 participants able to tolerate standing. Results The G-pro smartphone application showed good to excellent reliability (r=0.998 to 0.896, P<.01), while the universal goniometer showed acceptable to questionable reliability (r=0.757 to 0.609) in active shoulder flexion-extension movement. Conclusions The results obtained in this study show that these devices represent an additional resource to assess joint mobility ranges. Due to technological progress, we can improve, innovate, and demonstrate the results of joint assessments to ensure their accuracy. This, in turn, ensures that the treatment provided is appropriate and specific to each patient. This tool is low cost and is accessible for health care professionals; moreover, it is easy to use since it has an incliniometer that is reliable both visually and evaluatively (AU)