Spinal mobility: sagittal range of motion measured with the SpinalMouse, a new non-invasive device

Introduction. In this paper the SpinalMouse, a new computerised external device for measuring sagittal spinal range of motion (ROM), was tested for inter-rater reliability and use in clinical practice. Materials and methods. To assess inter-rater reliability, two investigators each measured 111 subjects. Results. Correlation coefficients were found to be r=0.90 for flexion, r=0.85 for extension and r=0.90 for total inclination. Intra-class coefficients were 0.95 for flexion, 0.92 for extension and 0.95 for total inclination. A poor agreement (kappa=0.22) was found for the presence of outliers from normal values for intersegmental ROM. Conclusion. We conclude the device is a useful, reliable tool for measuring sagittal spinal ROM in clinical practice, considering the small load it confers on patients and the short amount of time the measurement involves. The SpinalMouse might be more accurate after following the recommendations we make.