Intra-instrument reliability of 4 goniometers

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Device Evaluation

Background:

• Accurate measurement of cervical spine range of motion (ROM) is crucial for assessing outcomes and disability.
• Reliable measurement tools are essential for consistent and valid clinical assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the active cervical spine ROM measurements obtained using four different goniometers in healthy young adults.
• To evaluate the reliability and potential validity of various measuring devices.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven healthy young adults (mean age 27.6 years) participated.
• Active cervical spine ROM was measured using a single hinge inclinometer, carpenter's inclinometer, dual bubble goniometers, and Cybex EDI 320 electrical inclinometer.
• Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Bonferroni adjusted T-test to determine reliability and significance.

Main Results:

• The Cybex EDI 320 electrical inclinometer demonstrated the highest reliability.
• The single hinge inclinometer was reliable but potentially not valid.
• Two intermediate-cost devices showed reliability comparable to the more expensive Cybex unit.

Conclusions:

• The Cybex EDI 320 is recommended as the best measuring device for active cervical spine ROM.
• Both expensive and cost-effective devices can be reliable for student training in ROM measurement.
• Further research is needed to explore age and gender differences in ROM.