An example of end-digit preference in physiotherapy practice
Paul W Stratford1, Amy V Wainwright2, Deborah M Kennedy3
1School of Rehabilitation Science ; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton ; Department of Surgery.
Purpose:
Standardizing and improving the validity of range of motion (ROM) measurements is of clinical relevance to physiotherapists. The purpose of this study was to assess whether end-digit preference exists in the measurement of knee ROM in people after knee replacement.
Method:
Following total knee replacement, 100 people underwent active-assisted knee ROM measurements using a goniometer calibrated in 1° increments.
Results:
The data showed strong end-digit preferences for 0s and 5s (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
End-digit preference does exist in the measurement of knee ROM. This has the potential to influence both the validity of ROM measurements and clinical decisions.
