Inter-rater, intra-rater and inter-instrument reliability of an electrogoniometer to measure wrist range of motion

Introduction: Assessment of the wrist is essential in hand rehabilitation. The flexible electrogoniometer has been used to measure joint range of motion in the wrist, although it has lack of reliability. The objectives of the study were to examine intra-and inter-examiner reliability, as well as inter-device reliability, of wrist range of motion obtained by a flexible electrogoniometer. Methods: Twenty-four right-handed individuals (12 men and 12 women) took part in the study. Participants were actively and randomly subjected to radial and ulnar deviation, flexion and extension of the right wrist. The motions were measured by both the universal goniometer (CARCI((R))) and the electrogoniometer (MIOTEC (R)). Two examiners carried out three series of measurements. One of the examiners performed repeated measurement after seven days. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, standard error of measurement and the Bland-Altman limits of agreement were used for data analysis. Results: Data showed excellent intra-and inter-examiner reliability for all movements with the electrogoniometer (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient>0.90), except for the inter-examiner analysis of wrist flexion, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.89. The correlation between the devices was deemed to be satisfactory. Even though the excellent reliability and low standard error of measurement results were presented, Bland-Altman graphs showed some discrepant data. Conclusion: Based on this sample, we suggest that this electrogoniometer is a reliable device regarding intra-and inter-examiner for clinical application when compared with a universal goniometry for wrist motion.