Shoulder and elbow joint position sense assessment using a mobile app in subjects with and without shoulder pain - between-days reliability

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine between-days reliability and the minimal detectable change for shoulder and elbow joint position sense assessment using a validated mobile app, in subjects with and without shoulder pain. DesignReliability study. SettingClinical measurement. ParticipantsSubjects with (n = 25) and without shoulder pain (n = 29). Main outcome measuresSubjects were assessed by the same examiner in two sessions, with one-week interval. Active joint repositioning tests of shoulder flexion and scaption and elbow flexion were assessed at the target-angles of 50°, 70°, 90° and 110°. Intra-class correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were calculated for constant, absolute, total and variable errors. ResultsGood to excellent reliability was found for constant, absolute and total errors at the target-angle of 50° of scaption for healthy subjects; at 110° of shoulder flexion and all target-angles for elbow for both groups. ConclusionsThe mobile app is a reliable tool and may be useful for assessing shoulder joint position sense mainly at 110° of flexion and for elbow between 50° and 110° of flexion in subjects with and without shoulder pain. Minimal detectable changes were demonstrated and may help clinicians to follow-up rehabilitation and researchers to interpret findings of studies.