Criterion Validity and Inter-Method Reliability of a Smartphone Sensor-Based Application for Lower-Limb Range of...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

Background:

• Telerehabilitation necessitates reliable remote measurement tools.
• Smartphone sensors offer a potential solution for assessing joint range of motion (ROM).
• Validation of these tools against traditional methods is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the criterion validity of the PhysioMaster smartphone application against a universal goniometer for hip, knee, and ankle ROM.
• To evaluate the inter-method reliability of PhysioMaster between in-person and online assessments.
• To determine the suitability of PhysioMaster for remote musculoskeletal monitoring in telerehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Thirty healthy adults participated in standardized hip, knee, and ankle ROM assessments.
• Measurements were taken using the PhysioMaster app and a universal goniometer.
• Inter-method reliability was assessed by comparing in-person and online PhysioMaster ROM data.

Main Results:

• PhysioMaster showed limited criterion validity for most joints, with poor agreement for hip and knee ROM compared to goniometry.
• Ankle plantarflexion demonstrated the highest validity, and dorsiflexion showed moderate association.
• PhysioMaster exhibited moderate to good inter-method reliability for hip and knee ROM, indicating consistency across assessment modes.

Conclusions:

• The PhysioMaster app is not a direct replacement for in-person goniometry due to limited criterion validity for most joints.
• PhysioMaster demonstrates potential as a reliable tool for consistently tracking joint ROM changes remotely, especially for hip and knee.
• The application may support remote musculoskeletal monitoring in telerehabilitation settings requiring repeated, standardized assessments.