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Body surface posture evaluation: construction, validation and protocol of the SPGAP system (Posture evaluation
Debora Soccal Schwertner1, Raul Oliveira2, Giovana Zarpellon Mazo3
1Department of Physiotherapy, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Pos Graduate Program of Human Kinetics Faculty, University of Lisbon (UL), Pascoal Simone, 358, 88080-350, Florianópolis, Brazil. debora.soccal@udesc.br.
A new Posture Evaluation Rotating Platform System (SPGAP) was developed to accurately measure vertebral column deviations. This validated and reliable system minimizes measurement errors for improved clinical posture analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Clinical Biomechanics
- Medical Instrumentation
Background:
- Traditional posture evaluation devices exhibit measurement errors.
- Errors stem from equipment, environment, and measurement protocols.
- Accurate vertebral column deviation detection is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop and validate the Posture Evaluation Rotating Platform System (SPGAP).
- Analyze the reliability of the SPGAP.
- Establish a standardized measurement protocol for the SPGAP.
Main Methods:
- Constructed the SPGAP, including a rotating platform, camera, and software.
- Conducted two pilot studies with 102 elderly participants to refine the protocol.
- Utilized expert judges for content validation and coefficient of variation for measurement validation.
- Assessed test-retest reliability using repeated measurements of a known object.
Main Results:
- Expert judges rated content validity highly (mean 9.4/10).
- The system demonstrated excellent validity (<1% error) and reliability for object measurement.
- 26 images were required for system stabilization; participants reported comfort.
- Analysis of individual images showed potential discrepancies, e.g., cervical index variation (CV 0.29).
Conclusions:
- The SPGAP is a valid and reliable instrument for quantitative posture analysis.
- The system effectively reduces common measurement errors, including parallax distortion.
- SPGAP has significant clinical applicability for posture assessment.
