Shoulder Range of Motion Measurement Using Inertial Measurement Unit-Concurrent Validity and Reliability

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Accurate measurement of shoulder active range of motion (ROM) is crucial for diagnosis and rehabilitation.
• Traditional goniometers and newer sensor technologies require validation for clinical use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability and validity of the RSQ Motion sensor for measuring shoulder active ROM.
• To compare the RSQ Motion sensor's performance against a Propriometer and an electronic goniometer.

Main Methods:

• 15 healthy volunteers participated in the study.
• Shoulder active ROM was measured for flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation.
• Measurements were taken three times by two testers to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and validity.

Main Results:

• RSQ Motion sensors demonstrated moderate to excellent correlation with goniometers (ICC 0.61-0.97).
• Inter-rater reliability was good to excellent (ICC 0.74-0.97), and intra-rater reliability was moderate to good (ICC 0.7-0.88).
• The sensor showed high inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for shoulder internal and external rotation.

Conclusions:

• The RSQ Motion sensor is a valid and reliable tool for measuring shoulder active ROM, particularly for internal and external rotation.
• The sensor exhibits high inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, comparable to other established measurement devices.