Fiabilidad y validez de las mediciones en hombro y codo: análisis de una aplicación de Android y un goniómetro

Abstract

IntroductionPrecise assessment of joint range is an essential task in daily practice in order to properly assess treatment progress. The aim of this study was to analyse the reliability and safety of an Android application to evaluate its characteristics and its usefulness as a clinical goniometer to measure joint angles. Previous studies have assessed the utility of the clinometer and compass applications of the iPhone to evaluate cervical and lumbar mobility. Material and methodThe same goniometer and smartphone Clinometer application were used to measure passive bilateral flexion and rotation of shoulder and elbow flexion in 32 participants who tolerated the supine position. ResultsInter- and intra-observer reliability were obtained using the intraclass correlation coefficient, which ranged from 0.87 to 0.99. The minimal detectable change was between 2° and 5°. Validity was concurrent between the goniometer and the application. With an ICC=0.88 and 95% agreement, a difference of up to 8° was observed when the two devices were used interchangeably. DiscussionThe use of information technologies has revolutionised both our daily work and leisure activities. The results obtained in this study show that these devices provide an additional resource to evaluate range of motion. However, due to the optimal ranges of operation inherent in these instruments, it is not recommended to use them interchangeably in a single assessment of the same patient.