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Interrater and intrarater reliability of finger goniometric measurements
Erika Lewis1, Lynn Fors, William J Tharion
1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Environment, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA. Erika_Lewis@uml.edu
Abstract:
Intrarater and interrater reliability were determined for middle finger range of motion (ROM) using the Rolyan finger goniometer. Seven raters measured ROM 3 times (trials) on 20 healthy adults. Intraclass reliability analysis and analysis of variance was used to assess the consistency and stability of measures. Level of significance was set at p < or = .05. Significant differences (p < .05) existed between raters for metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal active finger ROM measurements and for metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal passive range of motion. Intrarater reliability ranged from .43 to .99 (single measure intraclass coefficient). Interrater reliability ranged from .24 to .95, with passive measures lower than active measures. These results provide clinicians with evidence for using this specific goniometer and issues associated with various therapists assessing finger ROM.
