Intra/inter-rater and parallel-forms reliability of the three instruments for the assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and degree of asymmetry during the weight-bearing lunge test

Abstract

Background: This study sought to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the three instruments for the measurement of ankle dorsiflexion (ADF) range of motion (ROM) and degree of asymmetry during the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) and to examine the agreement between them in asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects. Methods: Thirty-two healthy subjects and thirty-three subjects with pathologies were measured on two occasions by two different examiners and using different methods while performing the WBLT. Results: Intra- and inter-rater reliability of Veloflex showed good to excellent values (ICC’s > 0.88) for both the measurement of ADF-ROM and degree of asymmetry in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. In addition, Veloflex and the tape measure showed acceptable agreement between their values in symptomatic subjects. Conclusion: Veloflex is reliable for the measurement of ADF-ROM and the degree of asymmetry in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. This system may be exchanged by the tape measure, however, exchanging Veloflex with the Dorsiflex app is not recommended.