Measuring Joint Range Of Motion Research Articles

The acute cross-education effect of foam rolling on the thigh muscles in patients after total knee arthroplasty

IntroductionIn the early postoperative period after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), joint range of motion (ROM) limitation and increased stiffness due to pain are commonly observed. Previous studies have reported that a single bout of foam rolling (FR) can acutely increase ROM and pain threshold on the contralateral (non-intervention) side in healthy participants. In this study, we aimed to expand this knowledge for TKA rehabilitation and investigated the acute effects of FR intervention on the non-operative side on ROM, stiffness, and pain of the operative side in postoperative patients within the first week after TKA.Materials and methodsThe study employed a randomized crossover design: 20 patients (mean age 75.0 ± 7.8 years) in the first postoperative week after TKA were divided alternately into Roll_Break and Break_Roll groups in the order of prescription. In the Roll_Break group, after the initial evaluation, a 180-s (60-s × three sets) FR intervention using a roller massager by a physiotherapist for the knee extensors was performed on the contralateral side (non-operative side), followed by the measurement. Afterwards, after 180-s of supine at rest, the measurement was performed again (i.e., control phase). In the Break_Roll group, after the initial evaluation, each patient was placed in a seated resting position for 180-s, and then another measurement was performed (i.e., control phase). After this, the FR intervention was performed for 180-s, and then the measurement was performed again. The intensity of the FR intervention was set to the maximum intensity that did not cause pain. We measured pain using the visual analogue scale at rest and during the knee joint ROM measurements, knee joint active movement ROM, knee joint passive ROM, and stiffness during the knee joint active movement.ResultsAll outcome variables showed significant improvements after the FR intervention (intervention phase) when compared pre- to post-intervention, and significantly favourable effects were found compared to the control condition.ConclusionThe results showed significant improvements in ROM, pain, and stiffness of the operative side after the FR intervention on the non-operative side. For future therapy approaches for TKA patients, FR treatment of the non-operative side should be employed in the first weeks after surgery.

The effects of thoracic mobility versus lumbopelvic stabilization exercises on lower extremity flexibility, dynamic balance and proprioception in patients with chronic ankle instability

BACKGROUND: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) presents neuromuscular control and functional performance difficulties. Although ankle-focused rehabilitation is widely practised, the relative effects of exercises targeting thoracic mobility and lumbopelvic stabilization in addressing CAI have not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to compare the effects of thoracic mobility and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises in patients with CAI. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 30 participants (mean age = 31.93 ± 7.31; 21F/9M) who scored 27 points or on the Cumberland ankle instability tool voluntarily were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. In addition to the rehabilitation protocols, each participant was given a home exercise program, including ankle-strengthening exercises (3 times a week). The first group trained with thoracic mobility (TM), while the second group did lumbopelvic stabilization (LS) exercises under supervision twice a week for eight weeks. Participants’ pre and post-treatment assessments spanned an 8-week rehabilitation period, during which ankle and hip joint range of motion measurements were obtained using an electronic goniometer. Additionally, dynamic balance was assessed through the Y balance test, while ankle proprioception was evaluated using joint position sense measurements. The flexibility was assessed with an active straight leg raise test. RESULTS: Y balance, CAIT, and active straight leg raise test scores were improved in the eighth week in the thoracic mobility group (p< 0.05), while only active straight leg raise test and CAIT scores were significantly different in the lumbopelvic stabilization group (p< 0.05) according to intra group variables. In comparing the post-treatment scores between the groups, the thoracic mobility group had superior results in the joint position sense test for the right side of the hip and plantarflexion. (hip; TM: 70.71 ± 6.80, LS: 68.76 ± 5.50, plantarflexion; TM: 44.24 ± 7.28, LS: 38.30 ± 5.08). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that while both interventions are effective in addressing various aspects of ankle instability, the thoracic mobility exercises may offer additional benefits, particularly in enhancing joint position sense, thereby providing valuable insights for the optimization of rehabilitation protocols for individuals with chronic ankle instability.

The Impact of Different Anterior Cruciate Ligament Status on Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Short Term Clinical and Functional Results

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to compare the short-term results of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty applied stable knees regardless of the condition of the ACL and the application of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and ACL reconstruction combined surgery applied to ACL deficient cases with anterior instability and to identify the condition and function of the ACL for success in this surgery. Patients and Methods: 80 out of the 105 patients who were operated in 2013-2015 and came for follow-up were included in the study and the patients were divided into four groups. The VAS pain score, KSS Score, WOMAC score, OKS questionnaires and joint range of motion measurements were conducted pre-operatively and post-operatively. One leg standing test, joint position sense measurement, and isokinetic muscle strength test were performed in post-operative controls. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic data and follow-up of the groups (p˃0.05). While there was a statistically significant difference in knee flexion between Group 2-Group 4 and Group 3-Group 4 in the pre-operative period, no difference was found in the post-operative period (p˃0.05). While there was no difference among the groups, knee joint range of motion in direction of extension declined in a statistically significant way in all four groups (p˂0.05). Pain felt postoperatively was the most in Group 1 and the least in Group 3. A statistically significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 3 in the test performed with the eyes closed (p˂0.05). Conclusion: The presence of a functional anterior cruciate ligament is expected to make a positive contribution to surgical results especially in young patients with high activity expectation. Whether the patient’s ACL rupture is primary or secondary and his/her activity expectation should be effective in the choice of a surgical method.

The Joint Range of Motion Measurement by Comparing a Goniometer and Machine Learning MediaPipe Pose in the Straight Leg Raise Compression Test of Sciatic Nerve Roots

The Joint Range of Motion Measurement by Comparing a Goniometer and Machine Learning MediaPipe Pose in the Straight Leg Raise Compression Test of Sciatic Nerve Roots

Characterization of orthopedic manifestations in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis II using data from 15 years of the Hunter Outcome Survey.

Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II) is a rare, life-limiting lysosomal storage disease caused by reduced iduronate-2-sulfatase activity. Patients experience broad ranging signs and symptoms, including bone and joint manifestations. This study reported on orthopedic involvement and management in patients with MPS II using 15 years of data from the Hunter Outcome Survey (HOS). Of the 245 patients in the study population, 90.2% had skeletal deformity (median onset, 2.8 years), 76.7% had upper body stiffness (onset, 4.2 years), and 61.2% had lower body stiffness (onset, 5.3 years); 63.7% of patients had at least three joint manifestations. Orthopedic manifestations were common in adults and children with MPS II, and in patients with and without cognitive impairment. Joint range of motion (JROM) was restricted in all joints assessed (shoulder, elbow, hip, wrist, knee, and ankle). Little correlation was observed between JROM measurements, subjective reports of joint stiffness and limited function, and 6-minute walk test results. Patients with joint stiffness and limited function were generally more likely to have central and peripheral nervous system, pulmonary, and cardiovascular manifestations than those without these symptoms. Carpal tunnel decompression was the most common orthopedic surgery (recorded in 49/245 patients [20.0%]), but orthopedic surgeries were uncommon overall. Our findings highlight the need for routine monitoring of orthopedic manifestations using multiple assessment types in patients with MPS II to help inform clinical decision-making and improve patient quality of life. They also underline the contribution of factors other than orthopedic manifestations to the walking ability of patients with MPS II.

Upper extremity functions and physical activity in chronic maintenance hemodialysis patients: A case-control study.

Continuous hemodialysis (HD) treatment causes many complications in patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the upper extremity functional capacity, physical activity level, and physical functions of patients receiving continuous HD treatment. Fifty HD patients and fifty healthy subjects were included in the study. Hand grip strength with Dynamometer, range of motion of upper extremity with Digital Goniometer, functional level of the upper extremity with the Turkish version of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Problems Questionnaire (The DASH-T), physical activity levels with international physical activity questionnaire short form and physical functions with the human activity profile (HAP) were evaluated. The mean grip strength of the subjects in the control group was 23.3 ± 1.44 kg, while the mean grip strength of the HD patients with fistula was 15.75 ± 3.08 kg (P < .05). In all joint range of motion measurements; the values of HD patients were significantly lower than the control group (P < .05). The DASH symptom scores of the individuals in the HD group (mean 19.19 ± 1.41) were significantly higher than the control group (mean 5.75 ± 1.41) (P < .05). The number of individuals with low-level activity in the HD group (72%) was higher than the control group (34%) (P < .01). The maximum activity score score of the HAP (mean 68.7 ± 1.4) and the adjusted activity score of the HAP (mean 42.54 ± 3.02) were lower in the HD group (P < .0001). HD treatment adversely affects hand grip strength, the range of motion, upper extremity functions, physical activity, and physical function levels of the patients.

Is Dry Needling Treatment an Extra Contribution to Conventional Treatment for Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain? A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding dry needling (DN) treatment to conventional rehabilitation for pain, range of motion (ROM), and functionality in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP). Patients with HSP (n = 38) were divided into 2 groups. A multimodal rehabilitation protocol, including physical therapy and exercise treatments, was given to both groups (5 sessions per week for 15 sessions). In addition to this rehabilitation, 3 sessions of DN therapy were given to one of the 2 groups. Measurements were a visual analogue scale; ROM; and 2 other scales (Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand; and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity). Evaluations were made before, after, and at the third month after treatment. While a statistically significant improvement was seen in both groups in all parameters after their treatments, a statistical superiority was found in the conventional treatment+DN group (P < 0.05). However, the differences were not greater than the minimal clinically important difference values (MCID). At the 3rd month follow-up, there was no difference in pain and functionality parameters between the groups, while flexion and abduction measurements were higher in the conventional treatment+DN group (P < 0.05). Adding DN treatment to conventional rehabilitation did not show any difference except in some joint ROM measurements in the subacute time. Although the changes found were statistically significant, they were not clinically significant as they did not reach MCID values.This study was registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (ref. no: NCT04790071).

Evaluation of the effect of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on function, muscle strength, range of motion, pain level, and femoral cartilage thickness in knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled study.

This study was designed as a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain, range of motion, function, muscle strength, and femoral cartilage thickness in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Sixty patients who were admitted between November 2021 and April 2022 and diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis based on anamnesis, physical examination, and imaging methods were included in the study. The patients observed during the research were randomly divided into two groups with 30 patients in each group. Hotpack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), exercise (5days a week for a total of 15 sessions), and HILT (analgesic mode with a power of 10.0 w, energy density of 12 j/cm2, and 2min for every 25 cm2, biostimulant mode with a power of 5.0 W, energy density of 120 j/cm2, and 10min for each 25 cm2; total 9 sessions 3days a week) were applied for 3weeks for the first group, and hot pack, TENS, exercise (5days a week for a total of 15 sessions), and sham laser treatment (0 W total 9 sessions 3days a week) was applied for 3weeks for the second group. The patients were evaluated with the determined scales before the treatment, at the end of the treatment, and at the third month. A goniometer was used to measure joint range of motion measurement, a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index to assess pain and function, Biodex System 3 isokinetic device for knee flexion-extension muscle strength measurement, and ultrasonography to measure femoral cartilage thickness. There was no statistically significant difference in VAS, range of motion, WOMAC, muscle strength, and femoral cartilage thickness measurement between the groups, whether before treatment, after treatment or at the third-month follow-up (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in pain intensity, an increase in flexion range of motion, WOMAC, and femoral cartilage thickness in both groups (p < 0.005). A statistically significant increase was found in the average peak torque flexion muscle strength measurements at isokinetic 60°/s angular velocities in the post-treatment and third-month checkup compared to the pre-treatment analysis in both groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, there was no statistically significant difference between HILT + exercise and placebo laser + exercise observed. However, the exercise program performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist has been shown to be effective in improving all parameters.

Comparison of cannulated screw, tension band, and mini-fragment t-plate fixation in medial malleolus fractures

Background: The study aimed to compare the clinical results of cannulated screw (KS), tension band, and mini-fragment T-plate (MTP) fixation in medial malleolus fractures. Materials and Methods: The present study employed a retrospective cohort design to investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent treatment for medial malleolus fractures at our clinic between January 2016 and January 2019. A total of 90 patients were included in the study, and they received one of three fixation methods: cannulated screw, tension band, or mini-fragment T-plate. The evaluation of ankle and foot functions was conducted using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery score, number of fluoroscopy shots, duration of surgery, and ankle joint range of motion measurements. Results: After a 12-month follow-up, there was no significant difference between the groups (p=0,263, p=0,432 and P=0,376) in terms of the AOFAS score. The ankle joint range of motion was similar in all groups. According to the radiographs, the compression ability was weaker in the mini-plate group than in the other groups. The mean duration of surgery was shorter in the cannulated screw group (p&amp;lt;0.001). The mean number of scopy shots was not similar between the groups (p&amp;lt;0.001). One patient in the mini-fragment T-plate group developed a superficial infection and recovered with a 2-week oral antibiotic treatment. In the tension band group, one patient experienced skin problems successfully resolved with a one-week treatment regimen. Additionally, three patients treated with cannulated screws required screw removal after fracture union due to their dissatisfaction with screw prominence. No patient underwent revision surgery. Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that patients treated with tension bands and cannulated screws demonstrated better clinical outcomes. However, it was observed that these techniques were less favorable compared to the mini-plate procedure due to their potential for tissue irritation.

The reliability and validity of joint range of motion measurement using zoom and a smartphone application.

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of measuring the range of motion of joints using a remote videoconferencing system (Zoom) and a smartphone application. [Participants and Methods] This study included 16 young and healthy adults. The participants were instructed to perform shoulder joint flexion exercises in a seated position, with automatic motions, and maintain that posture throughout the measurement. Two measurements were performed: 1) angle measurement using a three-dimensional (3D) motion analyzer, and 2) angle measurement using the videoconference software, Zoom, and a smartphone application. Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The degree of agreement between the representative values of each measurer and the 3D motion analyzer was examined. [Results] ICC (1, 1) for intra-examiner reliability were 0.912 and 0.996. For the inter-rater reliability, the ICC (2, 1) was 0.945. The correlation coefficient between each examiner's value and the value of the 3D motion analyzer was 0.955 and 0.980, respectively. The Bland-Altman analysis results indicated no systematic error. [Conclusion] The method of remotely measuring joint range of motion using Zoom and a smartphone application demonstrated high reliability and validity.

Orta kolonu ilgilendiren distal radius kırıklarında artroskopik destekli fragman spesifik fiksasyon standart volar plak ile fiksasyona göre üstün müdür?

Purpose: In this study, the clinical and radiological results of volar plating and arthroscopic intervention-assisted fragment-specific fixation techniques used in patients operated for AO Type B-C distal radius fracture in which the medial colon is affected were compared.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: X-ray and clinical records of 98 patients who underwent surgical treatment for radius distal end (DER) fracture between April 2011 and January 2017. The patient groups treated with arthroscopy-assisted fragment-oriented fixation (Group A) and plate screw fixation with a volar approach without arthroscopic intervention (Group B) were compared in terms of joint range of motion, grip strength, and clinical scores. Flexion and extension, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, pronation, and supination angles measured with a standard goniometer were recorded in the joint range of motion measurement. Grip strength was measured with a Jamar dynamometer for power measurement. DASH score was used in clinical evaluation.&#x0D; Results: When the operated wrists of both patient groups were compared, there was no significant difference between the DASH score, grip strength, palmar flexion, and pronation angles of motion. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean dorsiflexion angles of 55 degrees in group A and 44 degrees in group B, mean radial deviation angles of 25 and 19 degrees, and the mean supination angles of 87 and 80 degrees, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although arthroscopic-assisted fragment-specific fixation is technically a laborious procedure that requires a learning curve in patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures, it may be beneficial to provide better postoperative results, especially in young patients with high range of motion expectations.

Spherical frame projections for visualising joint range of motion, and a complementary method to capture mobility data.

Quantifying joint range of motion (RoM), the reachable poses at a joint, has many applications in research and clinical care. Joint RoM measurements can be used to investigate the link between form and function in extant and extinct animals, to diagnose musculoskeletal disorders and injuries or monitor rehabilitation progress. However, it is difficult to visually demonstrate how the rotations of the joint axes interact to produce joint positions. Here, we introduce the spherical frame projection (SFP), which is a novel 3D visualisation technique, paired with a complementary data collection approach. SFP visualisations are intuitive to interpret in relation to the joint anatomy because they ‘trace’ the motion of the coordinate system of the distal bone at a joint relative to the proximal bone. Furthermore, SFP visualisations incorporate the interactions of degrees of freedom, which is imperative to capture the full joint RoM. For the collection of such joint RoM data, we designed a rig using conventional motion capture systems, including live audio‐visual feedback on torques and sampled poses. Thus, we propose that our visualisation and data collection approach can be adapted for wide use in the study of joint function.

Musculoskeletal Asymmetry in Young Soccer Players: Differences between the Dominant and Nondominant Leg

The purpose of this investigation was to clarify the differences in the musculoskeletal profiles between the dominant leg (DL) and nondominant leg (NDL) of Japanese soccer players. This study included 227 young elite soccer players (121 males and 106 females with mean ages of 19.0 and 17.5 years, respectively). Anthropometric measurements were obtained. In addition, joint range of motion measurements was performed for internal rotation of the hip, ankle dorsiflexion, and knee extension. Muscle flexibility tests were performed on the iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, hamstring, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles. Moreover, isometric knee extension, flexion strength, and isometric hip abduction strength were measured. Single-leg balance tests were also performed. As a result, in male soccer players, DL's knee flexor strength and hip abductor strength were significantly stronger than in the NDL. In female soccer players, knee extension and knee flexion strength of the DL were significantly stronger than the NDL. In male soccer players, the hamstring-quadriceps ratio of the DL was significantly greater than NDL. DL demonstrated a significantly lesser center of pressure excursion in the single-leg balance test in male and female soccer players. In both male and female soccer players, the quadriceps muscle of DL was significantly more flexible than those of the NDL. There was no difference in the internal rotation angle of the hip joint between the DL and NDL in male soccer players. In contrast, the internal rotation angle of the DL was significantly (1.6°) greater than NDL in female soccer players. For some anthropometric measurements, muscle flexibility tests and joint range of motion measurements, the difference between the DL and NDL was significant but not large enough to be clinically relevant. In conclusion, the present study showed musculoskeletal asymmetry between the DL and NDL in young male and female soccer players.

Reliability and validity of lower limb joint range of motion measurements using a smartphone.

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of using a smartphone to measure the multi-joint range of motion of the lower limbs. We measured the straight leg raise angle, ankle dorsiflexion angle, and hip internal rotation angle in each of the 40 lower extremities of 20 healthy adults. Measurements were compared between a conventional method using a goniometer and a smartphone application method. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the reliability of each smartphone measurement, and Bland–Altman analysis was used to examine measurement errors. The criterion-related validity of the two methods was also examined. Intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.668–0.939) was substantial to almost perfect, with no systematic errors found for all items, and the standard errors of measurement were acceptable. Inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.701–0.936) was also substantial to almost perfect, but the straight leg raise angle and hip internal rotation angle showed fixation errors. For these two measurements, with more than one examiner, the limit of agreement of error needs to be considered. No systematic errors were found in the ankle dorsiflexion angle, and the standard error of measurement was within the acceptable range. A moderate to strong correlation (r = 0.626–0.915) was found between the conventional and smartphone methods, demonstrating good criterion-related validity. However, in the ankle dorsiflexion angle measurements, the reliability and validity were shown to be lower than the other two items. This suggested the necessity of changing the measurement conditions in order to use the ankle dorsiflexion angle in clinical practice.

Smartphone Application Measurement Methods and Their Validity and Reliability of Joint Range of Motion Measurements: A Systematic Review

[Purpose] To conduct a systematic review of smartphone application measurement methods, and their validity and reliability of joint range of motion (SG) measurements. [Participants and Methods] The PubMed, Cochrane and medical databases were searched, and studies meeting the eligibility criteria were qualitatively analyzed using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL) to confirm their quality. [Results] Out of the 612 studies retrieved, 57 studies met the eligibility criteria. The quality of the studies was moderate. Thirty-seven studies used manual fixation, 16 armband fixing, and 8 image sensor-based methods. There were no studies in which all joints were measured with a single application. [Conclusion] It was clear that methodologies differed between studies even when the same application was used.

Reliability and Validity of Clinically Accessible Smart Glove Technologies to Measure Joint Range of Motion.

Capturing hand motions for hand function evaluations is essential in the medical field. For many allied health professionals, measuring joint range of motion (ROM) is an important skill. While the universal goniometer (UG) is the most used clinical tool for measuring joint ROM, developments in current sensor technology are providing clinicians with more measurement possibilities than ever. For rehabilitation and manual dexterity evaluations, different data gloves have been developed. However, the reliability and validity of sensor technologies when used within a smart device remain somewhat unclear. This study proposes a novel electronically controlled sensor monitoring system (ECSMS) to obtain the static and dynamic parameters of various sensor technologies for both data gloves and individual sensor evaluation. Similarly, the ECSMS was designed to closely mimic a human finger joint, to have total control over the joint, and to have an exceptionally high precision. In addition, the ECSMS device can closely mimic the movements of the finger from hyperextension to a maximum ROM beyond any person’s finger joint. Due to the modular design, the ECSMS’s sensor monitoring board is independent and extensible to include various technologies for examination. Additionally, by putting these sensory devices through multiple tests, the system accurately measures the characteristics of any rotary/linear sensor in and out of a glove. Moreover, the ECSMS tracks the movement of all types of sensors with respect to the angle values of finger joints. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of sensory devices, the ECSMS was first validated against a recognised secondary device with an accuracy and resolution of 0.1°. Once validated, the system simultaneously determines real angles alongside the hand monitoring device or sensor. Due to its unique design, the system is independent of the gloves/sensors that were tested and can be used as a gold standard to realise more medical equipment/applications in the future. Consequently, this design greatly enhances testing measures within research contact and even non-contact systems. In conclusion, the ECSMS will benefit in the design of data glove technologies in the future because it provides crucial evidence of sensor characteristics. Similarly, this design greatly enhances the stability and maintainability of sensor assessments by eliminating unwanted errors. These findings provide ample evidence for clinicians to support the use of sensory devices that can calculate joint motion in place of goniometers.

Concurrent Validity of Equine Joint Range of Motion Measurement: A Novel Digital Goniometer versus Universal Goniometer.

Simple SummaryWith the growth of the field of equine rehabilitation, there is an increased demand on rehabilitation clinicians to utilize simple and reliable objective outcome assessment tools. Goniometry, the measurement of joint angles, traditionally performed with a universal goniometer (UG), is a commonly utilized assessment tool in monitoring problems of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the progression of rehabilitation interventions. Goniometry has been demonstrated to be of value, being both reliable and valid, in humans and other animal species. There are different types of goniometers, each of which has some benefit, but varies in accessibility, cost, and user-friendliness. This study examined the use of a novel digital goniometer (DG) in the measurement of angles of two joints in a horse, and comparing the measurements to those taken with a UG. The study demonstrated significant differences in range of motion for the carpus and fetlock joint, a 2–3° difference comparing measurements on a sedated horse with corresponding radiographs, a “fair” to “excellent” inter-tester reliability and a “fair” to “almost perfect” intra-tester reliability. The novel DG was found to be easier to use than the UG. In conclusion, the novel DG may serve as a simple tool for measuring joint motion in equine rehabilitation patients.Goniometry is the measurement of joint angles with a conventional universal goniometer (UG) or a digital goniometer (DG). The UG is validated for use in dogs and cats. However, it demands both of the user’s hands when measuring. To avoid this, a novel type of DG has been developed, simplifying measurement by offering single-hand usage. The objective of this study is to examine the concurrent validity of the DG. The study consists of measurement with the DG and UG for flexion of the carpus and fetlock on ten horses, and with the DG in flexion and neutral positioning of the fetlock on a sedated horse and corresponding radiographs, intra- and inter-tester reliability and a survey on user-friendliness. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with a significance of p < 0.05. The study showed significant differences in range of motion for the carpus and fetlock joint, a 2–3° difference comparing measurements on a sedated horse with corresponding radiographs, a “fair” to “excellent” inter-tester reliability and a “fair” to “almost perfect” intra-tester reliability, and the DG was easier to use than the UG. In conclusion, the novel DG may serve as a simple tool for measuring joint motion in equine rehabilitation patients.

Wearable wireless low-cost electrogoniometer design with Kalman filter for joint range of motion measurement and 3D modeling of joint movements.

Joint movements are the key factor for the mobility of the people during daily activities. The evaluation of the joint movements is determined by the range of motion (ROM) parameters. The ROM might change due to age, gender, and some diseases. Therefore, it is essential to measure ROM accurately and compare it with the normal values of the healthy people. In this study, a low-cost, wireless, and wearable electrogoniometer was designed for highly precise and accurate measurements. The stability of the measurements is guaranteed with the quaternion based Kalman filter. The measurements of the developed system are compared with the traditional goniometer. The concordance correlation coefficient is calculated as a similarity metric, and the result is obtained as . In addition, a GUI was prepared to present 3D visualization of the movements in real-time with the ROM measurements and give visual feedback to the physiotherapists during physical examinations and to the patient during the home therapy sessions. The measurements also can be recorded using the GUI for retrospective analysis.

Usability and Reliability of Smart Phone Application on Joint Range of Motion Measurement

Usability and Reliability of Smart Phone Application on Joint Range of Motion Measurement

Determining the Reliability of a New Method for Measuring Joint Range of Motion Through a Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveTo compare the reliability and validity of the Korean range of motion standard protocol (KRSP) for measuring joint range of motion (ROM) with those of the conventional ROM measurement using a goniometer.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 91 healthy elderly individuals. We compared two strategies of measuring joint ROM to evaluate the reliability and validity of each standardized protocol: first, the KRSP based on the Chungnam National University guidelines and second, handheld goniometric measurement. In the first strategy, 3 examiners (1 rehabilitation doctor, 1 physical therapist, and 1 physical therapy student) independently measured joint ROM in 46 randomly selected subjects; in the second strategy, another 3 examiners (1 rehabilitation doctor, 1 physical therapist, and 1 physical therapy student) measured joint ROM in 45 randomly selected subjects. The reliability of each protocol was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC(2,1), and root mean square error (RMSE).ResultsBoth protocols showed good to excellent intra-rater reliability. With goniometer use, the inter-rater reliability was low—ICC(2,1), 95% confidence interval ranged from 0.643 (0.486–0.783) to -0.078 (-0.296–0.494)— and RMSE was high. With the KRSP, the inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.846 (0.686–0.931) to 0.986 (0.972–0.994) and RMSE was low.ConclusionROM measurements using the KRSP showed excellent reliability. These results indicate that this protocol can be the reference standard for measuring ROM in clinical settings as an alternative to goniometers.