Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
Published on: June 12, 2019
Inter-rater reliability study of the modified Oxford Grading Scale and the Peritron manometer
Cristine Homsi Jorge Ferreira1, Patrícia Brentegani Barbosa, Flaviane de Oliveira Souza
1Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation of Locomotor System, Course of Physiotherapy, University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Monte Alegre, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. cristine@fmrp.usp.br
Objective:
To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the modified Oxford Grading Scale and the Peritron manometer.
Design:
All participants were evaluated twice, first by one examiner and 30 days later by a second examiner. Measurements of vaginal squeeze pressure were compared with the results from the palpation test.
Participants:
Nineteen women with a mean age of 23.7 years (range 21 to 28 years).
Results:
Inter-rater reliability for vaginal palpation was fair (κ=0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.09 to 0.57). Using the Peritron manometer, the difference between examiners was less than 10cmH(2)O in 11 of the 19 (58%) cases. The palpation test did not differentiate between weak, moderate, good and strong muscle contractions. This study found fair inter-rater reliability for the modified Oxford Grading Scale and moderate inter-rater reliability for the Peritron manometer.
Conclusions:
The inter-rater reliability of vaginal squeeze pressure measurement using the Peritron manometer is acceptable and can be used in re-evaluations performed by different examiners in clinical practice. However, for research purposes, the ideal situation would be for a single examiner to assess and re-assess the subject. Vaginal palpation is important in the clinical assessment of correctness of a pelvic floor muscle contraction, but this study does not support the use of the modified Oxford Grading Scale as a reliable and valid method to measure and differentiate pelvic floor muscle strength.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
00:54Ratio Level of Measurement
A set of data measured using the ratio scale takes care of the ratio problem and provides complete information. Ratio scale data are like interval scale data, except they have a zero point and ratios can be calculated. For...