Smartphone Goniometer Research Articles

Reliability and validity of a smartphone goniometer application for measuring the quadriceps angle in healthy women: a cross-sectional study

Background/Aims The quadriceps angle, which depicts the quadriceps muscle's mechanical effect on the knee, is frequently used as an assessment metric when diagnosing a variety of knee-related issues. Smartphone goniometer applications have clinical assessment capabilities that can be used instead of the universal goniometer. The aim of this study was to analyse the criterion validity and inter- and intra-rater reliability of a smartphone goniometer application for measuring the quadriceps angle. Methods A total of 50 typically healthy women were included in this study. The quadriceps angle was evaluated with the universal goniometer as the gold standard and the Angulus smartphone goniometer application on each participant. The intraclass correlation coefficient and 95% confidence intervals were used to analyse reliability, while the standard error of the mean was used to calculate precision. Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement were used to establish the levels of agreement between the smartphone goniometer application and the universal goniometer. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to quantify the smartphone goniometer application criterion validity in comparison to the universal goniometer. Results The smartphone goniometer application had good intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.96–1) and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.98; 95% confidence interval 0.94–1). A strong and significant correlation was found between the universal goniometer and the smartphone goniometer application, showing good criterion validity (r=0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.98–0.99; P=0.006). Conclusions The use of the smartphone goniometer application to measure the quadriceps angle was valid and demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability levels. Implications for practice The smartphone goniometer application can be used in clinical practice as a valid and reliable quadriceps angle measurement tool.

Use of a Smartphone Digital Goniometer Combined with the Freehand Pedicle-Probing Technique for Repair of a Comminuted L6 Fracture in a 4 kg Dog

AbstractA 10-month-old, 4 kg, Bichon Frise cross was referred for surgical stabilization of a highly comminuted L6 vertebral fracture after a road traffic accident. Nonambulatory paraparesis was present, with weak voluntary motor function in both pelvic limbs. Computed tomography (CT) of T6 to Cd1 identified a highly comminuted fracture of vertebral body and cranial endplate of L6 with severe narrowing of vertebral canal. A left-sided L6 pediculectomy was performed. The cauda equina was mildly bruised. Smaller bone fragments were removed, whereas larger bone fragments were depressed ventrally. Two 1.5-mm cortical screws were inserted into pedicles of L7 and a further two 2.0-mm screws into L5 vertebral body using the pedicle-probing technique. Following exposure of underlying cancellous bone, a smartphone digital goniometer, held by a nonsterile assistant, was used to guide advancement of a blunted Kirschner wire acting as a probe according to preoperative CT-determined safe angles. Postoperative CT identified excellent vertebral column alignment with improvement in spinal cord compression and optimal placement of implants at L5 and L7 (grade 1 modified Zdichavsky). Repeat CT at 3 months postoperatively identified well-seated implants. This report highlights that use of a smartphone goniometer may be a useful adjunct to the freehand pedicle-probing technique to guide correct trajectory of the probe and may also have application in other regions of the spine.

Smartphone goniometer for reliable and convenient measurement of finger range of motion: a comparative study

**Objective**: Goniometer measurements are commonly used in hand clinics to follow progress or as an outcome measure for acute and chronic conditions. The use of a smartphone goniometer application may provide a practical alternative for clinicians. This study sought to assess accuracy in range-of-motion measurements obtained by a smartphone goniometer application compared to a traditional universal goniometer in healthy and diseased hands.**Methods**: Patients with various hand disease processes were recruited through a tertiary hospital hand clinic, as well as healthy volunteers. Middle and little fingers were assessed at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints for flexion and extension. Measurements were taken using a universal goniometer and an iPhone® smartphone goniometer application by two independent evaluators using a standardised proforma.**Results**: Twenty patients were recruited (50% male; 13 healthy volunteers and seven with hand pathology). There were no significant differences in measurements using the smartphone goniometer. The only significant difference found using the universal goniometer was for little finger PIP joint flexion; however, the difference was only 2.5°. Comparison of the average measurements using universal and smartphone goniometers found significant differences for six joints, with none of these >5° (largest 4.6°).**Conclusion**: The goniometer iPhone® application is as reliable as traditional goniometry techniques and would be a practical tool for everyday use in hand clinics. Its uptake may provide broader utility for patient self-measurement and telemedicine.

Validity and reliability of a smartphone goniometer application for measuring hip range of motions.

Mobile applications which are designed to assess the range of motion (ROM) are widely used. The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of a smartphone application "PT Goniometer" (PTG) and determine the correlation between PTG and universal goniometer (UG) regarding active ROMs of the hip in healthy participants. Thirty-four healthy young participants were included in the study. Two physiotherapists performed active hip flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation ROM measurements of dominant legs of the participants by using PTG and UG. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine the intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Level of correlations between PTG and UG were used to establish concurrent validity of PTG. The PTG demonstrated excellent inter-observer and intra-observer reliability (ICC > 0.90) for all measured hip movements. The minimum detectable change (MDC95) was ranged from 3.29° to 5.1° for the intra-observer reliability, and from 2.55° to 3.21° for the inter-observer reliability. Additionally, the concurrent validity was found excellent (r = 0.91-0.93). The results of the present study suggest that PTG is a valid and reliable mobile technology for measuring hip ROMs.

Clinical reliability and usability of smartphone goniometers for hip range of motion measurement

[Purpose] This study aimed to utilize the objective measurements and a survey questionnaire for assessing the intra- and inter-rater reliability, measurement time, and usability of a smartphone application type of goniometer to measure the hip joint angles. [Participants and Methods] Three examiners (physiotherapists) measured the hip joint range of motion using universal and smartphone goniometers on 30 daycare center rehabilitation patients. Reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation coefficient. The examiners completed a questionnaire survey for assessing the usability of the goniometers. [Results] The intra-rater reliability was high, but the inter-rater reliability was low. Measurement times using the two instruments showed no difference. The usability questionnaire findings suggested that the smartphone goniometer was easier to use than the universal goniometer. [Conclusion] Reliability within the raters was high, but reliability among the raters was low. However, both goniometric devices provided a satisfactory range of motion measurement data when a single evaluator used the same device for all measurements.

SMARTPHONE APPLICATION FOR COMPUTING JOINT RANGE OF MOTION: A RELIABILITY TEST FOR ITS EFFICACY

"Goniometry" is derived from two Greek words: Gonia, which means "angle," and Metron, which means "measure." The focus of the research is to see if a smartphone-based goniometer application for knee flexion range of motion was reliable. The technology of smartphones is one of the most often used alternatives. A literature evaluation of 12 studies showed that smartphone applications are sufficiently trustworthy to be employed in research and clinical practice. As ROM angulation is widely employed in treatment policy decisions, new measures have to be thoroughly tested before use in clinical practice. The study design used was an observational study. The participants were recruited using a simple random sampling method. The total number of participants was 100 in the age group between 20-60. With Universal Goniometer and Goniometer records, three certified physiotherapists measured maximum active knee flexion in a supine position. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS (version: 20) and the Bland Altman Test was used. Results revealed that a significant correlation was found between the application Goniometer Records (r=0.9409) and Universal Goniometer (r= 0.8149) methods for the mean of 3 trials. The application Goniometer records mean and the universal goniometer means were found to differ significantly by the two-tailed paired t-test. The ICC and 95% confidence interval (CI) for Smartphone Goniometer was 0.9409 (95% CI, 0.9133-0.9599) and that for Universal Goniometer was 0.8149 (95% CI, 0.7363-0.871). It could be concluded that the Goniometer Records demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability. The Goniometer Records exhibited high reliability.

Reliability of the weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measurement using a smartphone goniometer application.

BackgroundWeight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measurement (weight-bearing lunge test) is gaining in popularity because it mimics lower extremity function in daily physical activities. The purpose of the study is to assess the intra-rater and the inter-rater reliability of the weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measurement with a flexed knee using a smartphone application Spirit Level Plus installed on an Android smartphone.MethodsThirty-two young, healthy subjects participated in the study and were measured in four sessions by two examiners. One measurement was taken on each ankle in every session. Eight measurements were taken from each participant. A total of 256 were taken from all the participants. The measurements for the individual subject were repeated no sooner than 24 hours after the first session. In order to assess the reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error measurements (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) at the 95% confidence interval were calculated.ResultsStatistical data analysis revealed moderate intra-rater reliability for the right ankle (ICC = 0.72, 95% CI [0.49–0.85]) and good intra-rater reliability for the left ankle (ICC = 0.82, 95% CI [0.66–0.91]). Inter-rater reliability is moderate for the right (ICC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.52–0.86]) and the left ankle (ICC = 0.65, 95% CI [0.39–0.81]).ConclusionThe observed method is moderately reliable and appropriate when the main objective is to assess ankle dorsiflexion mobility in weight-bearing when weight-bearing is not contraindicated. The concurrent validity of the Spirit Level Plus application is excellent.

Scapular Dyskinesis, Shoulder Joint Position Sense, and Functional Level After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair.

Background:Scapular kinesia is an important component of glenohumeral rhythm and shoulder stability. No studies have evaluated scapular dyskinesis and its relationship to shoulder proprioception in patients who have undergone arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR).Purpose:To investigate scapular dyskinesis, proprioception, and functional level after ABR.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:This study included 13 male patients who underwent ABR (ABR group; mean age, 30 years; range, 24-36 years) and 13 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals (control group). The age, height, weight, and dominant side of all participants were collected. Scapular dyskinesis was evaluated using the lateral scapular slide test and the scapular dyskinesis test; proprioception was measured by the active angle reproduction test using a smartphone goniometer application, and functional level was assessed using the upper-quarter Y-balance test for dynamic stability as well as the Rowe score and Walch-Duplay score for quality of life and return to activities of daily living.Results:The presence of static scapular dyskinesis in the neutral position, at 45° of abduction, and at 90° of abduction as well as the presence of dynamic scapular dyskinesis was higher in the ABR group compared with the control group (P ≤ .04 for all). Shoulder joint position sense (absolute error) at 40° and 100° of shoulder elevation and shoulder functional level according to the Rowe score were worse in the ABR patients compared with the healthy controls (P ≤ .02 for all). Dynamic scapular dyskinesis was negatively related to shoulder joint position sense at 40° of shoulder elevation (r = –0.64; P = .01). Static scapular movement as measured on the lateral scapular slide test was moderately related to the Rowe score (r = 0.58; P = .03).Conclusion:Scapular kinematics and proprioception should be evaluated after ABR. Treatment approaches to improve scapular control and proprioceptive sense should be included in the rehabilitation program for patients after ABR.

Validity and reliability of smartphones in measuring joint position sense among asymptomatic individuals and patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundQuantifying proprioception deficit in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) may be important in evaluating treatment effectiveness. This study investigated the concurrent and known-groups validity as well as test–retest reliability of a smartphone application in assessing joint position sense (JPS) in asymptomatic individuals and patients with knee OA. MethodsSixty-four knees, from 16 asymptomatic controls and 16 patients with bilateral OA, were assessed twice with a 1-week interval in between. The smartphone Goniometer Pro application and isokinetic dynamometer simultaneously quantified JPS, in terms of absolute repositioning error (RE) angle, during active and passive limb movements at selected angles. ResultsBoth devices showed moderate to almost perfect correlations in measuring JPS; whether active (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.87) or passive (ICC >0.97). The mean RE angle differences between the two devices were <0.77° (passive JPS) and <2.76° (active JPS). Both devices were capable of distinguishing patients and asymptomatic controls at 55° and 80°. The smartphone showed moderate test–retest reliability of active JPS measurement (ICC = 0.51) in the two groups, similar to that of the isokinetic dynamometer (ICC = 0.62), but with a high measurement error. ConclusionsSmartphone application is a valid alternative to the isokinetic dynamometer in assessing JPS in patients with knee OA and asymptomatic controls. The two devices could distinguish patients and asymptomatic volunteers during passive JPS measured at 55° and 80°. Both devices have moderate reliability in quantifying active JPS, but reliability results should be considered with caution.

Smartphone goniometer has excellent reliability between novice and experienced physical therapists in assessing knee range of motion

IntroductionSmartphone app-based goniometer (SG) are emerging as an alternative to Universal Goniometers (UG) in assessing joint range of motion (ROM). This study examined whether the experience level of examiner affected the reliability of assessing knee flexion (KF) and knee extension (KE) ROM using UG and SG. MethodsParticipants with osteoarthritis of the knee or following total knee replacement were recruited. KF and KE ROM using UG and SG were assessed twice by an experienced physical therapist (PT) and a student PT (SPT). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) examined the interrater (experienced PT vs SPT) and intrarater reliabilities (for experienced PT and SPT) in assessing KF and KE ROM for UG and SG. Concurrent relationships were examined between the knee ROM with pain and physical function using Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r). ResultsThe interrater reliability in assessing KF and KE ROM was excellent (ICC>0.90) between novice and experienced examiners. The standard error of measurement (SEM) for novice examiner in assessing KF was 1° and 2° while using UG and SG respectively; whereas the SEM for experienced examiner in assessing KF was 1° irrespective of which device was used. The concurrent relationships between KF and KE ROM with measures of pain and function were divergent (moderate to low correlations; r <0.7; p > 0.05). ConclusionBoth UG and SG have smaller measurement error in assessing KF and KE ROM irrespective of experience level of examiner and therefore no one tool is superior than the other for assessing knee ROM in clinical practice.

Validity and reliability of smartphone inclinometer applications for measurement of elbow range of motion in paediatric patients.

PurposePrecise measurement of elbow range of motion (ROM) post-injury or surgery forms an important part of determining prognosis and the need for further intervention. Clinicians are increasingly incorporating smartphone use in our medical practice; we sought to determine if a smartphone goniometer application is a valid and reliable tool for assessment of elbow ROM in the paediatric patient, compared to visual and goniometer assessment.MethodsIn total, 20 paediatric patients (40 elbows) between six and 15 years of age with an elbow or forearm injury were included in this prospective series. Elbow flexion, extension, pronation and supination were measured independently by two orthopaedic clinicians. Measurements were taken from injured as well as unaffected side using a standardized technique, first with visual estimation and then using a universal goniometer (UG) and smartphone goniometer application Angle Meter via Google Play store (Smart Tool Factory, Istanbul, Turkey).ResultsThere was excellent interobserver reliability for all three modalities, with average intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values greater than 0.90. Visual estimation had the lowest average ICC of 0.92, compared to 0.97 for UG and smartphone. Overall, there was excellent intraobserver reliability between the smartphone application and the gold standard UG for all elbow movements with ICCs ranging between 0.98 to 0.99 and mean absolute difference ranging from 1.1 ± 1.0° to 2.6 ± 1.9°. The smartphone application showed superior agreement over visual estimation when compared to the gold standard UG with lower mean differences and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) falling within 10°.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that a smartphone application is a valid and reliable assessment tool for measurement of elbow ROM in paediatric patients, and better than visualization alone.Level of evidenceIII

A Study to Analyse the Reliability and Validity of the Smartphone Goniometer Application (G-PRO) by Measuring the Elbow Joint Range of Motion

Universal goniometer (UG) is commonly utilized as a standard evaluation tool to assess range of motion(ROM) as portion of joint movements. It has certain imperatives, such as including both hands of thetherapist, which leads to precariousness of hands and blunder. In the modern era the smart phones usagehas been increasing due to its accessibility. Hence, a trial version of goiniometer application in smart phoneis used for this study. The reason of the research was to analyze the unwavering quality and legitimacy ofthe smart phone goniometer app. and Universal Goniometer in evaluation of range of motion of elbow.The maximum Range Of Movement of elbow in position of flexion was examined for 100 healthy subjectswith Universal goniometer and smart phone.Data was analyzed and synthesized by statistical analysisusing kappa score and specificity and sensitivity were calculated to find the specificity and validity of thegoniometer applicationThe findings of this research showed equal Universal goniometer reliability and validity of the smartphone.The strength agreement of Kappa score is considered to be “GOOD” Smart phones can be excellent optionsfor Universal Goniometer owing to easy access and use for the therapist and the patient.

Evaluation of the effect of biomechanical plantar stimuli of different thicknesses (INTERNAL BAND) on knee flexion and postural control

Introduction The flat foot (FF) is a very frequent reason for consultation in clinical posturology. The aim of FF management is to refocus the anteroposterior axis of the foot and to minimize the effects of pronation on stability. In this context, we hypothesized that biomechanical plantar stimuli such as “Internal Band” (BI®) could change knee flexion and postural control by correcting the FF. Methods Fourteen healthy subjects (33 ± 7 years) were evaluated in the Navicular drop test: 5 were classified as abnormal PP (NDTA) and 9 as normal foot (NDTN). Four conditions were compared: BI® 0 (Ctrl), 1 (BI1), 3 (BI3) and 6 mm (BI6). Knee flexion was measured with a smartphone (Goniometer pro®) and four variables were computed from the CoP displacements. Results A difference between conditions (ANOVA) was observed for three of the four variables computed: the LFS, the sagittal (Y) mean position of CoP and the variance of speed of CoP. Post-hoc tests showed a difference in BI 3 condition for all subjects, and in BI 3 and BI 6 for NDTA subjects. In addition, a change in knee flexion was observed between Ctrl and BI 1 conditions, and between BI 3 and BI 6 conditions. Conclusion Using BI® contributes to changing knee flexion and postural control in correcting the FF.

Laser goniometer: smartphone goniometer with laser guidance for range of motion measurement in musculo- skeletal medicine

Laser goniometer: smartphone goniometer with laser guidance for range of motion measurement in musculo- skeletal medicine

The Reliability of a Smartphone Goniometer Application Compared With a Traditional Goniometer for Measuring Ankle Joint Range of Motion.

Evaluation of range of motion (ROM) is integral to assessment of the musculoskeletal system, is required in health fitness and pathologic conditions, and is used as an objective outcome measure. Several methods are described to check ROM, each with advantages and disadvantages. Hence, this study introduces a new device using a smartphone goniometer to measure ankle joint ROM. To test the reliability of smartphone goniometry in the ankle joint by comparing it with the universal goniometer (UG) and to assess interrater and intrarater reliability for the smartphone goniometer record (SGR) application. Fifty-eight healthy volunteers (29 men and 29 women aged 18-30 years) underwent SGR and UG measurement of ankle joint dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Two examiners measured ankle joint ROM. Descriptive statistics were calculated for descriptive and anthropometric variables, as were intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). There were 58 usable data sets. For measuring ankle dorsiflexion ROM, both instruments showed excellent interrater reliability: UG (ICC = 0.87) and SGR (ICC = 0.89). Intrarater reliability was excellent in both instruments in ankle dorsiflexion: UG and SGR (mean ICC = 0.91). For measuring ankle plantarflexion, both instruments showed excellent interrater reliability: UG (ICC = 0.76) and SGR (ICC = 0.82). Intrarater reliability was excellent in both instruments in ankle plantarflexion: UG (mean ICC = 0.85) and SGR (mean ICC = 0.82). Smartphone-based goniometers can be used to assess active ROM of the ankle joint because they can achieve a high degree of intrarater and interrater reliability.

Reliability and validity of the modified range of motion assessment for frozen shoulder with a smartphone

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common disease which may cause restricted shoulder range of motion (ROM). Recently, studies have indicated that the smartphone goniometer apps could be reliable tools for shoulder ROM assessment. Nevertheless, patients with FS could not use most of these apps in normal measurement position due to shoulder capsular pattern. Hence, if we can design a new method in modified position to measure ROM with smartphones, it will be a helpful assessment for them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the smartphone goniometer app to measure shoulder ROM in modified position for healthy subjects. Ten healthy subjects (5 male, 5 female; age = 26.6 ± 3.6 y/o) were recruited. Two physical therapists utilized the universal goniometer (UG) and ASUS Zenfone 4 smartphone with an accelerometer-based goniometer app to conduct various active shoulder ROM [flexion, abduction, external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) at 0° abduction]. The smartphone was stabilized at the hand with an armband to reduce measurement errors. All measurements were taken for 3 times (2 measurements on the first day and 1 on the next day). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Pearson's correlation coefficients (PCC) were used for statistical analysis. Significance level was set as α < 0.05. Both the UG and smartphone demonstrated high within-day and between-day reliability (ICC > 0.800, P < 0.001) except the flexion for which the ICC values was 0.622 ( P = 0.023, first day) and 0.787 ( P = 0.002, second day). The validity between the UG and the smartphone showed significant correlation (PCC > 0.800, P < 0.001) among all shoulder motions. The smartphone goniometer app has good reliability and validity for shoulder ROM assessment in modified position, which indicates that the method is feasible to evaluate the restricted ROM for patients with FS.

Validity and Reliability of 'On Protractor' Smartphone Application for Measurement of Craniovertebral and Cranio-Horizontal Angle

Background: Measuring angles and movement is an important aspect of clinical assessment. Over the years, various methods have been used to measure the angles. Image based smartphone goniometer offers an easy and non-invasive method for measuring craniovertebral and cranial horizontal angle. However, the validity of this approach has not been established yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of a smartphone based application, by comparing the results of the application and ‘AutoCAD®’ software.Methods: Convenient sampling of asymptomatic participants (Males=4 and females =16) who met the inclusion criteria were examined by two researchers for craniovertebral (CVA) and cranial horizontal angle (CHA) using ON Protractor smartphone application and ‘AutoCAD®’ software. The third examiner analyzed the anthropometric and descriptive data. Validity and reliability were measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and p-value.Result: Good to excellent Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was demonstrated for CVA and CHA when ON Protractor mobile application and AutoCAD® were compared, with ICC values 0.879 and 0.991 respectively.Conclusion: Smartphone mobile application-ON Protractor is a reliable tool to measure craniovertebral and cranial horizontal angle.

Strength, Flexibility, And Balance Asymmetries In Adolescent Long- and Short-track Speed Skaters

Both long- (400m) and short-track (111.12m) speed skating are a racing competition on ice but their skating mechanics are different, especially on curves. Hence, skating types may have bilateral asymmetries in the lower extremity. PURPOSE: To examine bilateral asymmetries of strength, flexibility, and balance in the lower-extremity in long- and short-track speed skaters. METHODS: Adolescent long- (n=18) and short-track (n=20) speed skaters (age: 17.6±3.0 yrs; career: 9.1±3.8 yrs) underwent measurements of strength on a dynamometer (sampling rate: 100 Hz), joint flexibility using a smartphone goniometer, and one-leg balance using a digital balance system. To test strength, subjects performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions for 5s (knee extension at 60°, hip flexion/extension at 45°, and hip adduction/abduction at 15°). Sampled data from 2s through 4s were averaged, then normalised by each subject’s body mass (N·m/kg). For joint flexibility, end points of completed active range of motion were measured (ankle dorsi-/plantar-flexion, knee flexion, hip flexion/extension, and hip adduction/abduction). To test balance, Fall Risk Screening Programme was used for 20s. Three successful trials on both sides were recorded and averaged to quantify each measurement. To test bilateral symmetries across skating type, we performed 2×2 mixed model ANOVAs. RESULTS: We did not find any significant difference in all strength tests. Regardless of skating type, subjects had 3.9° less in the left side compared to the right side in hip abduction flexibility (48.4° vs. 52.3°; F1,36=6.65; p<0.01). Short-track speed skaters showed 2.5° greater hip adduction (23.3° vs. 20.8°; p<0.05) but 7.5° less hip abduction (45.3° vs. 52.8°; p<0.01) on the left side. Regardless of skating type, subjects had a better balance score on the left side compared to the right side (0.79 vs. 1.15; F1,36=15.66; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Skating mechanics on curves are thought to cause bilateral differences in balance and hip joint flexibility which should be addressed when training and conditioning speed skaters. Future studies should attempt to test the relationship between the asymmetries and performance. Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning (NRF-2014M3C1B1033324)

The reliability of a smartphone goniometer application compared with a traditional goniometer for measuring first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion.

BackgroundAdequate sagittal plane motion of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint (1st MTPJ) is important during normal gait and goniometric measurement is commonly used as a diagnostic and outcome assessment tool. We aimed to determine the intra and inter-rater reliability together with the concurrent validity of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and a smartphone applicationlication (Dr G) for the measurement of dorsiflexion at the 1st MTPJ.MethodsMeasurement of joint position and passive range of motion of the 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion was compared using a UG and DrG goniometer. A double-blind repeated measures design was utilized, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) used to determine levels of reliability.ResultsFor joint position good intra-rater reliability (ICC >0.861) and good inter-rater reliability (ICC >0.823) was noted. However, the Dr G application consistently measured lower angles (mean 27.8° (SD 8.37)) than the UG (mean 32° (SD 11.7)) and these associations were significant (r = 0.399, p < 0.001). For passive range of motion, the mean total range of dorsiflexion motion (from maximum plantarflexed position to maximum dorsiflexed position) was 82.8° (SD 12.2) for the UG and 82.9° (SD 11.3) for the Dr G application. Both instruments demonstrated high levels of intra-rater reliability (ICC >0.809). Inter-rater reliability was moderate to good for the UG (ICC 0.693 (95 % CI 0.580 to 0.788)) and good for the Dr G application (ICC 0.708 (95 % CI 0.597 to 0.799)).ConclusionsModerate to high intra and inter-rater reliability of joint position and passive 1st MTPJ motion can be achieved with traditional and smartphone-based goniometric measurement. The Dr G application may provide a slightly higher reliability, but devices should not be used inter-changeably as significant variation in measurement between devices may occur.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13047-015-0088-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Reliability of a smartphone goniometer app compared with traditional goniometer for measuring passive motion at the first metatarsophalangeal joint

Adequate sagittal plane motion of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint (1st MTPJ) is important during normal gait and goniometric measurement is commonly used as a diagnostic and outcome assessment tool. We aimed to determine the intra and inter-rater reliability together with the concurrent validity of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and a smartphone applicationlication (Dr G) for the measurement of dorsiflexion at the 1st MTPJ. Methods Measurement of joint position and passive range of motion of the 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion was compared using a UG and DrG goniometer. A double-blind repeated measures design was utilized, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) used to determine levels of reliability. Results For joint position good intra-rater reliability (ICC >0.861) and good inter-rater reliability (ICC >0.823) was noted. However, the Dr G application consistently measured lower angles (mean 27.8° (SD 8.37)) than the UG (mean 32° (SD 11.7)) and these associations were significant (r = 0.399, p 0.809). Inter-rater reliability was moderate to good for the UG (ICC 0.693 (95% CI 0.580 to 0.788)) and good for the Dr G application (ICC 0.708 (95% CI 0.597 to 0.799)). Conclusions Moderate to high intra and inter-rater reliability of joint position and passive 1st MTPJ motion can be achieved with traditional and smartphone-based goniometric measurement. The Dr G application may provide a slightly higher reliability, but devices should not be used inter-changeably as significant variation in measurement between devices may occur.