Affiliations: [a] Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran | [b] Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran | [c] Biomechanics Lab, Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Rehabilitation Basic Sciences, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran | [d] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shafa Yahyaiian hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Mojtaba Kamyab, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Madadkaran Avenue, Shahnazari St., Madar Square, Mirdamad Blvd., Tehran, Iran. Tel.: +98 21 2222 0947 (Ext 255); Fax: +98 21 2222 0946; E-mail: kamyab.m@iums.ac.ir.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence in reliability of the modified sphygmomanometer to measure the brace-interface pad pressure in adolescents with Scheuermann’s kyphosis (SK). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the intra- and inter-observer reliability of modified sphygmomanometer for measuring interface pad pressure in the Milwaukee brace. METHODS: Two observers measured the pressure of the shoulder and kyphosis pads in Milwaukee brace on 33 adolescents with SK with an average age of 14.67 ± 1.72 years and Cobb angle 64.48∘± 7.53∘. All measurements were obtained in one day. The measurements were done in the inhalation and exhalation of tidal breathing during standing and sitting positions. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), 95% confidence interval (CI), and linear mixed model ANOVA effects were calculated. RESULTS:The intra-observer reliability varied from a good ICC of 0.81 (0.66–0.90) to an excellent of 0.97 (0.95–0.98). The inter-observer reliability also varied from a good ICC of 0.82 (0.67–0.91) to an excellent of 0.96 (0.93–0.98). The linear mixed model ANOVA analysis showed that the rater, position, and breathing had a significant effect on the pad pressure measurements. CONCLUSIONS:The modified sphygmomanometer is a reliable tool to measure the pad pressure of the Milwaukee brace for adolescents with SK.
