Movement control tests for the lumbopelvic complex. Are these tests reliable and valid?
Hannah Granström1, Björn O Äng1,2,3, Eva Rasmussen-Barr1
1a Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
|May 25, 2017
Summary
Movement control tests show good reliability for composite scores, but poor discriminative validity. These tests are reliable for assessing movement but not for diagnosing conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Movement control tests are used to assess functional movement.
- Reliability and validity are crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate inter- and intra-observer reliability of three movement control tests.
- Assess the discriminative validity of these tests in individuals with and without low-back pain.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-eight subjects (21 with low-back pain, 17 healthy) performed standing knee-lift, static lunge, and dynamic lunge tests.
- Four physical therapists scored video recordings using a standardized protocol and composite scores.
- Inter- and intra-observer reliability (ICC, kappa) and discriminative validity (AUC) were calculated.
Main Results:
- Good inter-observer reliability (0.68-0.80) and intra-observer reliability (0.54-0.82) for composite scores.
- High reliability for specific components like back extension and arm lowering.
- Discriminative validity was low (AUC 0.47-0.56), indicating poor ability to distinguish between groups.
Conclusions:
- Movement control tests demonstrate sufficient reliability for composite scores and most components.
- The tests lack discriminative ability for diagnostic purposes.
- Further research is needed to establish predictive validity.
