Feasibility of an iPhone-based application for knee joint goniometry during gait in a stroke patient (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Nava ◽  
Patrizio Sale ◽  
Vittorio Leggero ◽  
Simona Ferrante ◽  
Cira Fundaro' ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND In recent years, different smartphone apps have been validated for joint goniometry, but none for goniometric assessment of gait after stroke. OBJECTIVE The aims of our work were to assess:1) to assess intra-rater reliability of an image-based goniometric app – DrGoniometer- in the measurement of the extension, flexion angles and range of motion of the knee during the hemiparetic gait of a stroke patient; (2) its validity comparing to the reference method (electrogoniometer) for flexion-extension excursion measurements; and the intra-rater agreement in the choice of the video frames. METHODS An left-hemiparetic inpatient following haemorrhagic stroke was filmed using the app while walking on a linear path. An electrogoniometer was fixed on the medial face of the affected knee in order to record the dynamic goniometry during gait. Twenty-one raters, blinded to measurements, were recruited to rate knee angle measurements from video acquired with DrGoniometer. Each rater repeated the same procedure twice, the second one at least one day after the first measure. RESULTS Results showed that flexion angle measurements are reliable (ICC95%=0.66, 0.34;0.85; SEM=4°), and adequately precise (CV=14%). Extension angles measurements demonstrated moderate reliability and higher degree of variation (ICC=0.51, 0.09;0.77; SEM 4°; CV=53%). ROM values were: ICC=0.23 (-0.21;0.60); CV=20%. Accuracy of DrGoniometer compared to the electrogoniometer was 7.3±4.7°. The selection of maximum extension frame revealed an accordance of 58% and 72% within a range of ±5 or ±10 frames, respectively; while the best flexion frame reported 86% of agreement for both range of 5 and 10 frames. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated moderate to good reliability concerning the maximum extension and flexion angles, while assessing ROM DrGoniometer showed poor intra-rater reliability. Flexion angle measurements seemed to be reliable according to ICC and SEM values and more precise with a limited dispersion of results DrGoniometer revealed a good accuracy in the measurement of range of motion. The agreement of the maximal extension frame was anyway adequate within 5 frames (59%) and noticeably increased within 10 frames (72%). In conclusion, DrGoniometer was found to be a valid and reliable method for assessing knee angles during hemiparetic gait. Further studies are necessary to investigate inter-rater reliability and confirm our results.

Author(s):  
Henriëtte A. W. Meijer ◽  
Maurits Graafland ◽  
Miryam C. Obdeijn ◽  
Marlies P. Schijven ◽  
J. Carel Goslings

Abstract Purpose To determine the validity of wrist range of motion (ROM) measurements by the wearable-controlled ReValidate! wrist-rehabilitation game, which simultaneously acts as a digital goniometer. Furthermore, to establish the reliability of the game by contrasting ROM measurements to those found by medical experts using a universal goniometer. Methods As the universal goniometer is considered the reference standard, inter-rater reliability between surgeons was first determined. Internal validity of the game ROM measurements was determined in a test–retest setting with healthy volunteers. The reliability of the game was tested in 34 patients with a restricted range of motion, in whom the ROM was measured by experts as well as digitally. Intraclass-correlation coefficients (ICCs) were determined and outcomes were analyzed using Bland–Altman plots. Results Inter-rater reliability between experts using a universal goniometer was poor, with ICCs of 0.002, 0.160 and 0.520. Internal validity testing of the game found ICCs of − 0.693, 0.376 and 0.863, thus ranging from poor to good. Reliability testing of the game compared to medical expert measurements, found that mean differences were small for the flexion–extension arc and the radial deviation-ulnar deviation arc. Conclusion The ReValidate! game is a reliable home-monitoring device digitally measuring ROM in the wrist. Interestingly, the test–retest reliability of the serious game was found to be considerably higher than the inter-rater reliability of the reference standard, being healthcare professionals using a universal goniometer. Trial registration number (internal hospital registration only) MEC-AMC W17_003 #17.015.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9687
Author(s):  
Vanina Costa ◽  
Óscar Ramírez ◽  
Abraham Otero ◽  
Daniel Muñoz-García ◽  
Sandra Uribarri ◽  
...  

Background Elbow and wrist chronic conditions are very common among musculoskeletal problems. These painful conditions affect muscle function, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the joint’s Range Of Motion (ROM). Due to their portability and ease of use, goniometers are still the most widespread tool for measuring ROM. Inertial sensors are emerging as a digital, low-cost and accurate alternative. However, whereas inertial sensors are commonly used in research studies, due to the lack of information about their validity and reliability, they are not widely used in the clinical practice. The goal of this study is to assess the validity and intra-inter-rater reliability of inertial sensors for measuring active ROM of the elbow and wrist. Materials and Methods Measures were taken simultaneously with inertial sensors (Werium™ system) and a universal goniometer. The process involved two physiotherapists (“rater A” and “rater B”) and an engineer responsible for the technical issues. Twenty-nine asymptomatic subjects were assessed individually in two sessions separated by 48 h. The procedure was repeated by rater A followed by rater B with random order. Three repetitions of each active movement (elbow flexion, pronation, and supination; and wrist flexion, extension, radial deviation and ulnar deviation) were executed starting from the neutral position until the ROM end-feel; that is, until ROM reached its maximum due to be stopped by the anatomy. The coefficient of determination (r2) and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The Standard Error of the Measurement and the Minimum Detectable Change and a Bland–Altman plots were also calculated. Results Similar ROM values when measured with both instruments were obtained for the elbow (maximum difference of 3° for all the movements) and wrist (maximum difference of 1° for all the movements). These values were within the normal range when compared to literature studies. The concurrent validity analysis for all the movements yielded ICC values ≥0.78 for the elbow and ≥0.95 for the wrist. Concerning reliability, the ICC values denoted a high reliability of inertial sensors for all the different movements. In the case of the elbow, intra-rater and inter-rater reliability ICC values range from 0.83 to 0.96 and from 0.94 to 0.97, respectively. Intra-rater analysis of the wrist yielded ICC values between 0.81 and 0.93, while the ICC values for the inter-rater analysis range from 0.93 to 0.99. Conclusions Inertial sensors are a valid and reliable tool for measuring elbow and wrist active ROM. Particularly noteworthy is their high inter-rater reliability, often questioned in measurement tools. The lowest reliability is observed in elbow prono-supination, probably due to skin artifacts. Based on these results and their advantages, inertial sensors can be considered a valid assessment tool for wrist and elbow ROM.


Diagnostics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke-Vin Chang ◽  
Wei-Ting Wu ◽  
Mei-Chu Chen ◽  
Yi-Chi Chiu ◽  
Der-Sheng Han ◽  
...  

Objective: This study aimed to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and validity of a hybrid device, combining virtual reality goggles, a magnetometer and an inclinometer application for smartphones, to measure craniocervical range. Summary of Background Data: Accurate evaluation of craniocervical range of motion is important for early detection of certain diseased conditions and monitoring the progress of interventions. The universal goniometer is widely used for the measurement but it requires experienced practitioners. Whether a combination of virtual reality goggles and smartphone applications can provide the same or better performance compared with the goniometer is still unknown. Methods: Forty-one healthy adults from the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation were recruited for craniocervical range examination (flexion, extension, side-bending to the right or left and rotating to the right or left) by using the hybrid device and universal goniometer. Using the hybrid device, repeated measurements were performed twice by a primary rater and once by a second rater. The primary rater also conducted a measurement using the universal goniometer in the same cohort. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC)) were calculated using the two-way random effect model, whereas the validity was examined by the Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-and-Altman plot. The interval between the first and second sessions of the measurement for intra-rater reliability was set at 30 min. Results: Excellent intra-rater (ICC ≥ 0.925) and inter-rater (ICC ≥ 0.880) reliability was noted for the hybrid device. The minimal detectable changes from intra-observer and inter-observer comparisons ranged between 4.12° and 7.42° in all six directions. The Bland-and-Altman plot revealed small mean differences (≤1.68°) between the hybrid device and universal goniometer. Both instruments had highly correlated measurements of craniocervical motion (r values ≥ 0.918). Conclusion: For healthy participants, excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was noted for the hybrid device, and the measurements were consistent with the universal goniometer measurements. Future studies are needed to examine whether the device can perform similarly for patients with neck disorders.


Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrik Öhberg ◽  
Tomas Bäcklund ◽  
Nina Sundström ◽  
Helena Grip

Ordinal scales with low resolution are used to assess arm function in clinic. These scales may be improved by adding objective kinematic measures. The aim was to analyze within-subject, inter-rater and overall reliability (i.e., including within-subject and inter-rater reliability) and check the system’s validity of kinematic measures from inertial sensors for two such protocols on one person. Twenty healthy volunteers repeatedly performed two tasks, finger-to-nose and drinking, during two test sessions with two different raters. Five inertial sensors, on the forearms, upper arms and xiphoid process were used. Comparisons against an optical camera system evaluated the measurement validity. Cycle time, range of motion (ROM) in shoulder and elbow were calculated. Bland–Altman plots and linear mixed models including the generalizability (G) coefficient evaluated the reliability of the measures. Within-subject reliability was good to excellent in both tests (G = 0.80–0.97) and may serve as a baseline when assessing upper extremities in future patient groups. Overall reliability was acceptable to excellent (G = 0.77–0.94) for all parameters except elbow axial rotation in finger-to-nose task and both elbow axial rotation and flexion/extension in drinking task, mainly due to poor inter-rater reliability in these parameters. The low to good reliability for elbow ROM probably relates to high within-subject variability. The sensors provided good to excellent measures of cycle time and shoulder ROM in non-disabled individuals and thus have the potential to improve today’s assessment of arm function.


PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Pourahmadi ◽  
Morteza Taghipour ◽  
Elham Jannati ◽  
Mohammad Ali Mohseni-Bandpei ◽  
Ismail Ebrahimi Takamjani ◽  
...  

BackgroundMeasurement of lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of lumbar spine physiotherapy and orthopedic assessment. The measurement can be carried out through various instruments such as inclinometers, goniometers, and etc. Recent smartphones have been equipped with accelerometers and magnetometers, which, through specific software applications (apps) can be used for inclinometric functions.PurposeThe main purpose was to investigate the reliability and validity of an iPhone®app (TiltMeter©-advanced level and inclinometer) for measuring standing lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM in asymptomatic subjects.DesignA cross-sectional study was carried out.SettingThis study was conducted in a physiotherapy clinic located at School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Science and Health Services, Tehran, Iran.SubjectsA convenience sample of 30 asymptomatic adults (15 males; 15 females; age range = 18–55 years) was recruited between August 2015 and December 2015.MethodsFollowing a 2–minute warm-up, the subjects were asked to stand in a relaxed position and their skin was marked at the T12–L1and S1–S2spinal levels. From this position, they were asked to perform maximum lumbar flexion followed by maximum lumbar extension with their knees straight. Two blinded raters each used an inclinometer and the iPhone®app to measure lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM. A third rater read the measured angles. To calculate total lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM, the measurement from S1–S2was subtracted from T12–L1. The second (2 hours later) and third (48 hours later) sessions were carried out in the same manner as the first session. All of the measurements were conducted 3 times and the mean value of 3 repetitions for each measurement was used for analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models (3, k) and (2, k) were used to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish concurrent validity of the iPhone®app. Furthermore, minimum detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) was computed as 1.96 × standard error of measurement × $\sqrt{2}$.ResultsGood to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were demonstrated for both the gravity-based inclinometer with ICC values of ≥0.84 and ≥0.77 and the iPhone®app with ICC values of ≥0.85 and ≥0.85, respectively. The MDC95ranged from 5.82°to 8.18°for the intra-rater analysis and from 7.38°to 8.66° for the inter-rater analysis. The concurrent validity for flexion and extension between the 2 instruments was 0.85 and 0.91, respectively.ConclusionsThe iPhone®app possesses good to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity. It seems that the iPhone®app can be used for the measurement of lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM.Level of evidenceIIb.


Author(s):  
PJ Mulcahey ◽  
PT Knott ◽  
A Madiraju ◽  
N Haque ◽  
DS Haoson ◽  
...  

To develop a protocol for assessing spinal range of motion using an inertial sensor device. The baseline error of an inertial sensor was assessed using a bicycle wheel. Nineteen healthy subjects (12 females and 7 males, average age 18.2 ± 0.6 years) were then prospectively enrolled in a study to assess the reliability of an inertial sensor-based method for assessing spinal motion. Three raters each took three measurements of subjects’ flexion/extension, right and left bending, and right and left rotation. Afterwards, one trial from each set of measurements was excluded. Correlations and the ICC (3,1) were used to assess intra-rater reliability, and ICC (3,2) was used to assess inter-rater reliability of the protocol. The baseline error of the sensor was 1.45°. Correlation and ICC (3,1) values for the protocol all exceeded 0.888, indicating high intra-rater reliability. ICC (3,2) values for the protocol exceed 0.87, indicating high inter-rater reliability. Our study presents both a paradigm for assessing the baseline error of inertial sensors and a protocol for assessing motion of the spine using an inertial sensing device.


2019 ◽  
pp. 121-131

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Brazil and in the worl. The surgical treatment procedure may cause severe morbidity in the upper limb homolateral to surgery, including the reduction of the range of motion, with consequent impairment of function. A physiotherapeutic approach has an important role in the recover range of motion and the functionality of these women, guaranteeing the occupational, domestestic, familiar and conjugated activities, and, in this way, also improving the quality of life. Objectives: To analyse chances in the shoulder's range of motion and the functional capacity of the upper limbs, promoted by the deep running procedure in women with late postoperative mastectomy. Methods: All the patients were submitted to an evaluation in the beginning and end of the treatment, including: goniometry of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation of the shoulder joint; and function capacity analysis in activities that involve the upper members by DASH questionnaire. The treatment protocol includes twelve sessions of deep running, realized twice a week, in deep pool, for 20-minute during six weeks. Results: Were submitted to treatment a total of 4 patients. Despite the improvement in the numerical values, statistically significant differences were not found on the range of movements and in the functional capacity of upper members before and after the deep running sessions in post-mastectomy women. Conclusion: Deep running had effects on the numerical values of range of movement and upper limb functionality in women in the late postoperative period of the mastectomy procedure, but without statistically significant differences.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1476718X2096985
Author(s):  
Pete King ◽  
LaDonna Atkins ◽  
Brandon Burr

The Play Cycle Observation Method (PCOM) is an observational tool developed to focus on the process of play and has shown good reliability when watching videos of children playing. This study piloted use of the PCOM in ‘real time’ in a pre-school setting where 3-year-old children play. The results from two independent observers not familiar with the concept of the Play Cycle or the PCOM found good inter-rater reliability using Cohen Kappa (k) when observing play cues to form play cycles, as well as observing play cues within established play cycles. In addition, the recording of the nature of the play cues and play returns, the play frame and how the play cycle finishes (annihilation) were shown to be consistent between the two inter-rater observers. The results of this pilot study indicate the PCOM can be used as an observational tool to record the process of play by both students and practitioners working in a range of contexts including playwork, childcare, early years and statutory education. The PCOM can also be used as a teaching and training aid for trainers and lecturers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zewen Shi ◽  
Lin Shi ◽  
Xianjun Chen ◽  
Jiangtao Liu ◽  
Haihao Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The superior facet arthroplasty is important for intervertebral foramen microscopy. To our knowledge, there is no study about the postoperative biomechanics of adjacent L4/L5 segments after different methods of S1 superior facet arthroplasty. To evaluate the effect of S1 superior facet arthroplasty on lumbar range of motion and disc stress of adjacent segment (L4/L5) under the intervertebral foraminoplasty. Methods Eight finite element models (FEMs) of lumbosacral vertebrae (L4/S) had been established and validated. The S1 superior facet arthroplasty was simulated with different methods. Then, the models were imported into Nastran software after optimization; 500 N preload was imposed on the L4 superior endplate, and 10 N⋅m was given to simulate flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation. The range of motion (ROM) and intervertebral disc stress of the L4-L5 spine were recorded. Results The ROM and disc stress of L4/L5 increased with the increasing of the proportions of S1 superior facet arthroplasty. Compared with the normal model, the ROM of L4/L5 significantly increased in most directions of motion when S1 superior facet formed greater than 3/5 from the ventral to the dorsal or 2/5 from the apex to the base. The disc stress of L4/L5 significantly increased in most directions of motion when S1 superior facet formed greater than 3/5 from the ventral to the dorsal or 1/5 from the apex to the base. Conclusion In this study, the ROM and disc stress of L4/L5 were affected by the unilateral S1 superior facet arthroplasty. It is suggested that the forming range from the ventral to the dorsal should be less than 3/5 of the S1 upper facet joint. It is not recommended to form from apex to base. Level of evidence Level IV


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