Qualitative analysis of lumbar stabilization using point light and normal video displays

Professionals in many fields use qualitative analysis to improve human movement. In previous research examining the reliability of physical therapists' qualitative assessments of lumbar stabilization, three experienced observers showed substantial agreement when viewing point light displays, but only moderate agreement when observing normal video displays. Replication of these findings in a larger group of less experienced observers would strengthen the notion that point light displays enhance qualitative analysis. The present study examined the reliability of qualitative assessments of lumbar stabilization when novice observers made judgments from two types of video displays. 50 fourth-year physical therapy students viewed either normal or point light video displays to judge lumbar stabilization of individuals performing a floor to waist lift. Multirater kappa coefficients for assessments made from normal displays and point light displays were .30 and .46, indicating fair and moderate agreement, respectively. These results suggest that point light displays may enhance observers' visual perception of human movement.