Reliability and concurrent validity of the BROM II for measuring lumbar mobility

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical measurement
• Spinal mobility assessment
• Chiropractic research

Background:

• Accurate measurement of lumbar mobility is crucial for diagnosing and managing spinal conditions.
• Existing methods for assessing spinal mobility may have limitations in reliability or validity.
• The BROM II ( biệt danh cho thiết bị đo lường ) is a novel device for quantifying spinal movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the BROM II for measuring lumbar mobility.
• To determine the concurrent validity of the BROM II against the established double inclinometer method.
• To assess the device's performance across sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes of motion.

Main Methods:

• A blind intra- and inter-examiner reliability study was conducted.
• Forty-seven asymptomatic chiropractic students participated in the study.
• Lumbar mobility was measured in degrees using both the BROM II and a double inclinometer.

Main Results:

• The BROM II demonstrated good intra- and inter-examiner reliability for lumbar flexion (ICC: 0.91, 0.77) and lateral flexion (ICC: 0.91, 0.85).
• Reliability for extension (ICC: 0.63, 0.35) and rotation (ICC: 0.57, 0.36) was less supported.
• Concurrent validity between the BROM II and double inclinometer showed partial support (ICC range: 0.27–0.75).

Conclusions:

• The BROM II is a reliable instrument for measuring lumbar sagittal (flexion) and coronal plane mobility.
• Its reliability in extension and rotation requires further investigation.
• Additional research on symptomatic populations is necessary before clinical recommendation.