Validity and reproducibility of methods and variables telerehabilitation instruments for static postural assessment: a scoping review

Abstract

The objective of this scoping review was to identify, examine and describe the instruments used to assess static body posture through telerehabilitation, whose measurement properties are described. Due to the pandemic, it has become common to carry out postural assessments remotely, as a different approach to face-to-face assessments has become necessary. The review was performed according to the steps recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA-ScR method for scoping review. The Pubmed, Embase and Scopus databases were searched during March and April 2022. Studies could be published in English, Spanish or Portuguese, and there was no deadline for the chosen studies. Only three studies were found that performed static postural assessments remotely and described their measurement properties. The main limitations reported were technical issues, use of a simulated environment and the tendency of people evaluated to be ashamed to undress. The results of this review suggest that there is limited evidence to help physical therapists perform static posture assessments remotely. More research is needed to determine the validity and reproducibility of postural assessment methods by telerehabilitation.