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E.J. Petil1, N.A. Alamillo1, N. Aguilar1, J. Ambag1, R. Ambrocio1, J.V. Buenagua1, P.F. Caguiat1, K.C. Mutia1
1Far Eastern University - NRMF, School of Physical Therapy, Quezon City, Philippines
Background: The digitalized telescoping goniometer (DTG) is an innovative tool in goniometry that can measure range of motions of the large joints of the body such as the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints with low margin of error. The telescoping capacity of DGT can be placed exactly in its anatomical body landmarks that provide a more reliable measurement of the range of motion.
Purpose: This study aimed to create an alternative tool that will provide measurements of the range of motion of larger joints with higher level of confidence and minimal error. Further, this intends to improve the demonstration of skills in both academic and clinical practice.
Methods: This study determines the inter-rater reliability of the DTG as a measurement device in goniometry. 25 healthy individuals were selected using Slovin’s Formula. The researcher utilized the SPSS version 24 in analyzing the reliability and validly of the tool. The inter-rater reliability of the device is described by Intra class coefficient (ICC) and Limits of Agreement (LOA). The references for the interpretation of the ICC in the present study were: poor reliability for values < 0.5, moderate reliability for values 0.5-0.75, good reliability 0.75-0.90, and excellent reliability for > 0.90. To quantify variability and measurement error, standard error of measurement and smallest real difference, also known as the minimally detectable change were calculated. The Bland-Altman plots was used to investigate systematic differences and assess 95% limits of agreement (LOA) as a second, visual indication of agreement. In LOA is calculated as LOA= mean difference + 1.96 (SD).
Results: The ICC result of the DGT had good reliability for shoulder joint (0.8835); moderate reliability for elbow (0.7395) and hip joint (0.66525), while poor reliability on the knee joint (0.48175). The SEM taken using DGT ranged from 1.40 to 7.27. The result of the study showed moderate reliability on three joints: shoulder (0.7055), elbow (0.5215) and knee joint (0.576) while the hip joint (0.4825) showed poor reliability based on the ICC result. As for the LOA, DTG has a wider limit than universal goniometer for all ranges of motion except for four ROM- Right Shoulder and Elbow flexion and, Right and Left Hip extension As for the standard error of measurements taken, it ranges from 1.27 to 20.18 which was due to irregularities within the data wherein High SEM using the DTG was observed on Left Shoulder Abduction.
Conclusion(s): The study indicates that the DGT showed significant reliability results from the two raters, therefore it is a reliable tool in measuring the range of motion of larger body joints.
Implications: The utilization of DTG can be suggested as an alternative tool in measuring the range of motions of larger joints. Clinically, this will help the clinicians to measure and record accurate when measuring of ROM. Academically, this will ensure proper demonstration on the use of goniometer placement during class laboratory training. Finally, students will have learn and achieved proper placement on anatomical landmark a less margin of error in studying goniometry.
Funding, acknowledgements: no funding
Keywords: Digital Telescoping Goniometer, Inter rater reliability, Healthy individuals
Topic: Education: methods of teaching & learning
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Far Eastern University- Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF)
Committee: FEU-NRMF Institutional Ethics Review Committee (FEU-NRMF IERC)
Ethics number: NRMF IERC 2019
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
