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A novel objective evaluation method for trunk function
Kazuaki Kinoshita1, Masashi Hashimoto2, Kazunari Ishida3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shijonawate Gakuen University, Japan.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science
|July 10, 2015
Summary
The novel trunk righting test reliably measures trunk function. This objective evaluation method is reproducible across therapists of varying experience levels, making it suitable for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Physical Therapy Assessment
Background:
- Trunk function is crucial for mobility and daily activities.
- Objective and reliable assessment methods for trunk function are needed in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of a new objective method for assessing trunk function: the trunk righting test.
- To determine if the trunk righting test is reliable across different levels of examiner experience.
Main Methods:
- A handheld dynamometer measured trunk righting motion in five healthy subjects.
- The trunk righting test involved a 10 cm outward movement and a 5-second maximal effort hold.
- Inter-examiner reproducibility was assessed with therapists of 1 and 7 years of experience.
- Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 1.1 and ICC 2.1) were used to evaluate reliability.
Main Results:
- The trunk righting test demonstrated high test-retest reliability.
- Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 1.1) exceeded 0.90.
- Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2.1) were 0.93.
Conclusions:
- The trunk righting test is a novel, objective method for evaluating trunk function.
- The test shows high reliability and reproducibility, even with inexperienced therapists.
- This suggests the trunk righting test can be widely adopted in clinical settings.
