Article

PURPOSE: To investigate the reliability, minimal detectable change (MDC90) and
concurrent validity of a gravity-based bubble inclinometer (inclinometer) and
iPhone(R) application for measuring standing lumbar lordosis. METHODS: Two
investigators used both an inclinometer and an iPhone(R) with an inclinometer
application to measure lumbar lordosis of 30 asymptomatic participants. RESULTS:
ICC models 3,k and 2,k were used for the intrarater and interrater analysis,
respectively. Good interrater and intrarater reliability was present for the
inclinometer with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) of 0.90 and 0.85,
respectively and the iPhone(R) application with ICC values of 0.96 and 0.81. The
minimal detectable change (MDC90) indicates that a change greater than or equal
to 7 degrees and 6 degrees is needed to exceed the threshold of error using the
iPhone(R) and inclinometer, respectively. The concurrent validity between the two
instruments was good with a Pearson product-moment coefficient of correlation (r)
of 0.86 for both raters. Ninety-five percent limits of agreement identified
differences ranging from 9 degrees greater in regards to the iPhone(R) to 8
degrees less regarding the inclinometer. CONCLUSION: Both the inclinometer and
iPhone(R) application possess good interrater reliability, intrarater reliability
and concurrent validity for measuring standing lumbar lordosis. This
investigation provides preliminary evidence to suggest that smart phone
applications may offer clinical utility comparable to inclinometry for
quantifying standing lumbar lordosis. Clinicians should recognize potential
individual differences when using these devices interchangeably.

Langue : ANGLAIS