Reliability Analysis of In-person and Virtual Goniometric Measurements for Select Shoulder and Forearm Motions

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Previous studies confirmed reliability of virtual sagittal plane upper extremity range of motion (ROM) measures.
• Transverse plane motions (rotation, supination, pronation) also require reliable virtual assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the test-retest, inter-rater, and intra-rater reliability of virtual goniometric measurements.
• Assessments included shoulder internal rotation and forearm pronation/supination.

Main Methods:

• Observational cohort reliability study involving 18-60 year olds with no upper extremity injuries.
• Goniometric measurements of shoulder internal rotation and forearm pronation/supination were taken in-person and from static images.
• Reliability analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC).

Main Results:

• Excellent inter-rater (ICC≥0.94) and intra-rater (ICC≥0.91) reliability for all in-person and virtual measurements.
• Statistically significant difference found between in-person and virtual internal rotation measurements (p=0.001).
• No significant differences between examiners for virtual pronation/supination measurements.

Conclusions:

• Virtual goniometric measurements demonstrate excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability, comparable to in-person assessments.
• Clinicians can confidently use virtual platforms for goniometry after appropriate training.
• Supports the integration of virtual assessments in upper extremity ROM evaluations.