Test–Retest and Interrater Reliability of Goniometric Tibial Rotation Range of Motion Measurements

Abstract

Purpose: Although suggested to be an important component of physiologic knee function, the ability to accurately assess tibial rotation range of motion (ROM) is currently limited by a lack of reliability data for clinically practical measurement tools. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the reliability of tibial rotation ROM measurements taken with subjects in sitting and supine positions. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (mean age 37 ± 12 years) completed maximal active internal and external tibial rotation movements in sitting and supine positions. ROM was assessed on two occasions and by two raters using a gravity- and magnetic-referenced goniometer. Results: There were significant differences between internal and external rotation ROM values (p < .05) and between values obtained with subjects in sitting and supine positions (p < .05). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) suggested that test–retest reliability for all measurements was excellent (ICC = 0.83–0.93), whereas interrater reliability was poor to excellent (ICC = 0.39–0.81). Standard errors of measurement ranged from approximately 1 to 2°. Conclusions: These findings suggest that tibial rotation ROM can be assessed reliably by one rater using one test position. However, caution must be adopted when comparing ROM measurements assessed by different raters or in different test positions.