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P. Pillastrini1, C. Vanti2, A. Alvisi3, S. Bianchin3, P. Pessotto3, R. Verza3
1University of Bologna (Italy), Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bologna, Italy, 2University of Bologna, Department of Biological and Neuromotor Sciences, Bologna, Italy, 3University of Padua, Padova, Italy
Background: The Schober Test and its derived tests are largely used in clinical practice. However, their accuracy is still under discussion.
Purpose: To measure, on asymptomatic subjects, the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the Schober Test and the Modified Schober Index.
Methods: The investigators were two experienced Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists, supported by two physical therapist assistants. The tests were performed on 32 healthy people (aged 20-33 years), attending the Degree in Physical Therapy at the Padua University (Conegliano Educational Center). A fine-point marker and a millimeter tape were employed for the measurements and the landmarks were removed between first and second measures. Subjects were randomized for tests and examiners order. Each measure was performed by two examiners and repeated after 1.30 minutes. Each examiner was blinded to the results of the other examiner and to previous results on the same subject.
Results: The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) concerning intra-examiner reliability for the two assessors were: Original Schober Test=0.89 and 0.91; Original Schober Test-extension variant=0.89 and 0.85; Modified Schober Index=0.94 and 0.88; Modified Schober Index–extension variant=0.82 and 0.83. ICC results for inter-examiner reliability were: Original Schober test=0.90 in flexion and 0.78 in extension; Modified Schober Index=0.88 in flexion and 0.79 in extension.
Conclusion(s): This study showed a good to excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the Schober Test and the Modified Schober Index on asymptomatic subjects.
Implications: Further studies are suggested, involving wider samples and more investigators.
Funding, acknowledgements: No conflict of interest to declare
Keywords: lumbosacral region, physical examination, range of motion
Topic: Musculoskeletal: spine
Did this work require ethics approval? No
Institution: University of Bologna
Committee: Comitato Etico di Area Vasta Emilia Centro
Reason: Ethics approval was not required because this study was conducted within a Post-graduate Educational Program on asymptomatic subjects.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
