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Reliability of accessory motion testing at the carpal joints
Filip Ferdinand Staes1, Kevin James Banks, Luc De Smet
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. filip.staes@faber.kuleuven.be
Manual Therapy
|June 17, 2008
Summary
Accessory motion testing of carpal joints demonstrates acceptable reliability for both intra- and interrater assessments. This manual therapy technique is valuable for training and clinical practice in evaluating joint mobility.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Manual Therapy
- Musculoskeletal System
Background:
- Accessory motion testing is crucial in manual therapy for assessing joint mobility.
- Limited evidence exists on the reliability of accessory motion testing, particularly for carpal joints.
- Previous research primarily focused on spinal accessory motion testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the intra- and interrater reliability of accessory motion testing for carpal joints.
- To assess the reliability of motion and end-feel assessments in the carpal joints.
- To determine the clinical applicability of carpal joint accessory motion testing.
Main Methods:
- Two experienced therapists performed accessory motion and end-feel testing on carpal joints of 30 students and 15 patients.
- Testing was conducted on two separate occasions to assess intra- and interrater reliability.
- Pain scores were recorded during the assessments.
Main Results:
- Moderate to good agreement (67-97%) for motion testing in students.
- Agreement for patients ranged from 60% to 100%, with weighted kappa values between 0.33 and 1.0.
- Intrarater reliability surpassed interrater reliability in both groups; end-feel agreement was very good.
Conclusions:
- Accessory motion testing of carpal joints shows acceptable reliability.
- The findings support the utility of this testing in manual therapist training.
- Reliable accessory motion testing can be a valuable tool in clinical practice for evaluating carpal joint function.
