The between-day and inter-rater reliability of a novel wireless system to analyse lumbar spine posture

Abstract

Lumbar posture is commonly assessed in non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP), although quantitative measures have mostly been limited to laboratory environments. The BodyGuard™ is a spinal position monitoring device that can monitor posture in real time, both inside and outside the laboratory. The reliability of this wireless device was examined in 18 healthy participants during usual sitting and forward bending, two tasks that are commonly provocative in NSCLBP. Reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM), the mean difference and the minimal detectable change (MDC90). Between-day ICC values ranged from 0.84 to 0.87, with small SEM (5%), mean difference (<9%) and MDC90 (<14%) values. Inter-rater ICC values ranged from 0.91 to 0.94, with small SEM (4%), mean difference (6%) and MDC90 (9%) values. Between-day and inter-rater reliability are essential requirements for clinical utility and were excellent in this study. Further studies into the validity of this device and its application in clinical trials in occupational settings are required.

Statement of Relevance:A novel device that can analyse spinal posture exposure in occupational settings in a minimally invasive manner has been developed. This study established that the device has excellent between-day and inter-rater reliability in healthy pain-free subjects. Further studies in people with low back pain are planned.

Keywords:

• back pain
• posture
• reliability

Acknowledgements

The Health Research Board of Ireland, for sponsoring the lead author (K.OS). The University of Limerick seed funding scheme facilitated the research collaboration.