A novel goniometer method for representing perceived standing position in the anteroposterior direction

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Posture Analysis
• Measurement Consistency Studies

Background:

• Accurate assessment of body posture is crucial in biomechanics and clinical settings.
• The goniometer method is a tool used to quantify body positions, but its consistency needs evaluation.
• Understanding the relationship between perceived and actual body tilt is important for posture assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the consistency of the goniometer method for expressing Standing Positions in the Anteroposterior direction (SPAP).
• To compare perceived (Expressed Body Tilt Angle) and actual (Actual Body Tilt Angle) body tilt.
• To determine the reliability of the goniometer method across different SPAP conditions.

Main Methods:

• Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between SPAP, Expressed Body Tilt Angle, and Actual Body Tilt Angle.
• Coefficients of determination (R²) were calculated for pooled and individual data.
• Analysis of covariance was performed to identify inter-individual differences in measurement slopes.

Main Results:

• Significant linear correlations were found between all evaluated relationships (SPAP vs. Expressed Angle, SPAP vs. Actual Angle, Expressed vs. Actual Angle).
• Median individual R² values were higher than pooled R² values, indicating significant inter-individual variability.
• No significant relationship was observed between SPAP and the error between measured and Actual Body Tilt Angles.

Conclusions:

• The goniometer method demonstrates a stable, consistent linear relationship between Body Tilt Angle and SPAP.
• While the method is consistent, significant inter-individual differences in posture perception and measurement exist.
• The established relationship remains consistent across various SPAP conditions, supporting its utility in posture assessment.