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Keywords

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Abstract

Context: Clinicians use a traditional goniometer or a quick visual estimate to measure range of motion (ROM) in patients, these methods can be time consuming or inaccurate. The purpose of this study is to assess the reliability and validity of the iPhone Measure app to measure hip internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER). Methods: 20 participants were recruited; they were physically active and aged 18-28 years old. Hip IR and ER was measured prone with the subject on a table. The measures were taken three times and bilaterally for each, then recorded. The ROM was measured by 2 student clinicians using the iPhone Measure app, and one clinician using the traditional goniometer. The clinician using the goniometer is a certified athletic trainer, preceptor, and professor that has taught students how to use this tool. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), coefficients of variation (CV) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were utilized to assess reliability. To assess validity of the Smartphone application against the bubble inclinometer intraclass correlation coefficients were utilized. Results: There was excellent reliability for IR (ICC=.992) and excellent for ER (ICC=.988). The iPhone Measure app interrater reliability in IR was excellent (ICC = .993), and ER interrater reliability was excellent (ICC = .990). The iPhone when compared to the goniometer in IR had excellent validity (ICC= .983-.989). The validity of the iPhone compared to the goniometer in ER was excellent (ICC=.972-.983). Conclusions: Smartphones, specifically iPhones are often very accessible for clinicians and could be a great tool to quickly and easily measure joint ROM. Clinicians should be consistent with their choice of ROM measure and avoid switching back and forth with one specific measure or one patient.

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