Inter-tester reliability of active hip range of motion in patients with rheumatic diagnosis
Abstract
In clinical settings, it is important that measurements of joint range of motion (ROM) are reliable. ROM is often used to monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment in patients with problems in the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to evaluate inter-tester reliability of active hip ROM with an inclinometer (Myrin® goniometer) in a clinical setting. Twenty-four patients with rheumatic diagnosis participated in the study. Three different testers recorded five movements for active hip ROM on two occasions. The relative reliability was interpreted from ICC and absolute reliability from SEM, SEM% and Bland–Altman plots. We interpreted that measurements of extension and external rotation were reliable with the Myrin goniometer when taken by different testers. The reliability was not conclusive for the other motions. For clinical use, the reproducibility between the two sessions could be improved by using the mean value of repeated measurements of each movement.