Affiliations: Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Alessandra Del Felice, Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy. Tel.: +39 0498211270: Fax: +39 0498211271; E-mail:alessandra.delfelice@unipd.it
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Radiographic examination is the gold standard to
evaluate spine curves, but ionising radiations limit routine use.
Non-invasive methods, such as skin-surface goniometer
(IncliMed®) should be used instead. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intra- and interrater reliability to assess
sagittal curves and mobility of the spine with IncliMed®. METHODS: a reliability study on agonistic football players.
Thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and mobility of the spine were assessed
by IncliMed®. Measurements were repeated twice by each
examiner during the same session with between-rater blinding. Intrarater and
interrater reliability were measured by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient
(ICC), 95% Confidence Interval (CI 95%) and Standard Error of
Measurement (SEM). RESULTS: Thirty-four healthy female football players (19.17 ±
4.52 years) were enrolled. Statistical results showed high intrarater (0.805-0.923) and interrater (0.701-0.886) reliability (ICC > 0.8). The
obtained intra- and interrater SEM were low, with overall absolute
intrarater values between 1.39° and 2.76° and overall interrater
values between 1.71° and 4.25°. CONCLUSIONS: IncliMed® provides high intra- and
interrater reliability in healthy subjects, with limited Standard Error of
Measurement. These results encourage its use in clinical practice and
scientific research.
Keywords: Spine mobility, non-invasive spinal sagittal curves measure, reliability, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Standard Error of Measurement
