Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of asymptomatic subjects' thoracolumbar range of motion using the OSI CA...

Because spinal range of motion (ROM) is assessed routinely in clinical and research settings, a technique is needed that can be performed comfortably, quickly, and reliably. The purpose of this study was to determine if ROM data from asymptomatic subjects measured with the OSI CA 6000 Spine Motion Analyzer (OSI SMA) are reliable within and between observers. Thoracolumbar ROM, from approximately T7 to S2, was measured in all three planes in eight male and 13 female asymptomatic adult subjects (mean age = 29.7 years, SD = 5.6; mean height = 1.7 m, SD = 3.4, mean weight = 78.25 kg, SD = 34.6). A standardized protocol was used to fit each subject with appropriate hardware. Foot placement at a comfortable foot angle was standardized by the use of a template. Subjects performed three practice trials of flexion, extension, right and left sidebending, and right and left rotation. During testing, subjects performed four trials of each maximal pain-free motion. The hardware was completely removed and replaced by the same examiner, and ROM trials in all three planes were repeated. The same procedure was completed by a second examiner. Repeated measures analysis of variance and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [2,1] were used to analyze intra- and interobserver data. Intraobserver ICCs were 0.89 or higher for all motions. Interobserver ICCs were 0.85 or higher for all motions. Measurements of thoracolumbar ROM using the OSI SMA are sufficiently reliable within and between observers for clinical assessment and research purposes.