COMPARISON OF THE REPEATABILITY AND DIAGNOSTIC OBJECTIVITY OF TWO METHODS OF MEASURING THE RANGE OF MOTION IN THE JOINTS

The objective of this study was to compare the repeatability and diagnostic objectivity of two methods of measuring the range of motion. 30 people took part in the study - 15 men and 15 women aged 21-26. In each person under the study, the range of motion was measured 4 times in the given joints of the upper and lower limbs. Two measurements were made with a goniometer and two with the Hippocrates Sensor, and the measurements were made by 2 physiotherapists. The goniometric test showed a smaller measurement error compared to the Hippocrates Sensor test. Both the universal goniometer test and the Hippocrates Sensor test were characterized by high repeatability of the measurement, independent of the person performing the test. However, the results of measuring the range of motion in the joints obtained by one therapist, but with different methods, were statistically significantly different. The universal goniometer test was characterized by greater measurement precision in relation to the standards compliant with the ISOM.

Automated summary

This study compared the repeatability and diagnostic objectivity of two methods of measuring the range of motion, showing that the goniometric test had smaller measurement error compared to the Hippocrates Sensor test. Both methods demonstrated high repeatability, but results showed statistically significant differences in measuring the range of motion in the joints when using different methods by the same therapist. The universal goniometer test exhibited greater measurement precision in accordance with ISOM standards.