Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of cervical active range of movement in young asymptomatic adults using inertial sensors

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Current literature is scarce about the use of an inertial sensor to measure cervical active range of motion (aROM). The objective of the present study is to determine inter- and intra-reliability in the measurement of cervical aROM using inertial sensors in asymptomatic individuals.

Materials and methods: Twenty asymptomatic individuals participated in the study. Two different physiotherapists measured each participant for cervical aROM (6 movements). The sequence of movements and the explanations given were standardized. The rater’s order of measurement was randomized.

Results: For the intra-rater results, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values for all cervical movements were good for Rater A (ICC >0.90) and Rater B (ICC >0.90). For the inter-rater results, the ICC values were above 0.75 for all movements, indicating a good level of reliability. Also, values obtained in SEM, MDC₉₀ and LOA indicate good agreement.

Conclusion: The data obtained in this study suggest that inertial sensors can be used in clinics due to their high intra- and inter-rater ICC (>0.80). Also, its low economic cost, easy handling, and various utilities make this tool a useful alternative in the measurement of cervical aROM.

KEYWORDS:

• Cervical aROM
• inertial sensor
• reliability
• diagnosis
• assessment

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.