Test-retest reliability of static EMG scan configural profiling

Measurement techniques or instruments are typically evaluated along the dimensions of reliability and validity. The focus of this investigation was to assess the test-retest reliability of a static EMG scan profile (sESP) method using 64 chronic pain participants. The test-retest interval was 30-33 days. Reliability coefficients were expressed using the Profile Similarity Coefficient (rp) in place of the more traditional Pearson Product Moment Correlation. sESP reliabilities were calculated for posture laterality for the head and neck, back, and overall profiles (head, neck, and back combined). The reliability coefficients ranged from .57 to .80. The back profile was the least reliable with a range of .55-.59 whereas the overall profiles were the most reliable, .78-.80. The analysis method was judged to be very conservative with its use of rp, a protracted intertest interval period, and weighting the data by their variances. These results can be viewed as setting the lower reliability limit for sESP.