The reliability of knee joint position testing using electrogoniometry
2008

Reliability of Knee Joint Position Testing with Electrogoniometry

Sample size: 55 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Piriyaprasarth Pagamas, Morris Meg E, Winter Adele, Bialocerkowski Andrea E

Primary Institution: The University of Melbourne

Hypothesis

The study investigates the inter- and intra-tester reliability of knee joint angle measurements using electrogoniometry.

Conclusion

Reliable measures of knee joint angles can be obtained in various positions using a standardized protocol with a flexible goniometer.

Supporting Evidence

  • Inter-tester reliability ranged from 0.57 to 0.80 across different positions.
  • Intra-tester reliability ranged from 0.75 to 0.88.
  • Measurement error was less than 3.55° between testers and less than 1.7° for repeated measures.

Takeaway

This study shows that using a special tool called an electrogoniometer can help doctors measure knee angles accurately, which is important for checking how well knees work.

Methodology

The study involved two phases: one with 35 participants measuring knee angles in different positions and another with 20 participants using a detailed protocol after walking.

Potential Biases

Measurement errors could arise from the electrogoniometer itself, the user, and the participant.

Limitations

The study used a fixed-length plinth which may not have suited all participants, potentially affecting measurement accuracy.

Participant Demographics

Participants included healthy adults aged 19-45, with a mix of genders.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-9-6

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