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Inclinometer Reliability for Shoulder Ranges of Motion in Individuals With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
Marcela C Tozzo1, Walter Ansanello2, Jaqueline Martins2
1Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|April 30, 2021
Summary
A digital inclinometer demonstrates moderate to excellent reliability for measuring shoulder range of motion in individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome. This tool is dependable for both active and passive shoulder mobility assessments in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Subacromial impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction.
- Accurate measurement of shoulder range of motion (ROM) is crucial for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
- Traditional goniometers can be cumbersome, leading to interest in digital measurement tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the intra- and interrater reliability of a digital inclinometer for assessing active and passive shoulder ROM.
- To determine the measurement error associated with digital inclinometer use in this population.
Main Methods:
- Fifty individuals with unilateral subacromial impingement syndrome participated.
- Active and passive ROM were measured in multiple shoulder movements (flexion, abduction, etc.) by two examiners.
- Measurements were repeated by one examiner after a 2-4 day interval.
- Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze reliability.
Main Results:
- Moderate to excellent interrater reliability (ICC = 0.50-0.95) and intrarater reliability (ICC = 0.74-0.94) were found.
- Standard error of measurement (SEM) ranged from 4.1° to 10° for interrater and 4° to 9.2° for intrarater.
- Minimum detectable change ranged from 9.5° to 23.4° (interrater) and 9.3° to 21.4° (intrarater).
Conclusions:
- Digital inclinometers offer reliable measurements for shoulder active and passive ROM in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.
- The tool demonstrates good consistency for both single-examiner (intrarater) and different-examiner (interrater) assessments.
- These findings support the use of digital inclinometers in the clinical evaluation of shoulder impingement.
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