Optimising the Validity of Shoulder Range of Motion Evaluation: A Comparative Study

Abstract

During the assessment process diachronically conceived in the initial, dynamic, and final stages, data recording is often performed by instrumental measurement using the goniometer. In Romania, the logistics equipment - hardware and software - has a very low or even absent incidence in the conceptual and applicative design of kinetic rehabilitation programmes. Some disadvantages of universal goniometry are revealed by relatively accurate measurements, given that the testing instrument may provide erroneous data when the specific rules are not followed. Moreover, the tester’s interpretation of angular values may vary; therefore, in order to objectify and validate the specific assessment and evaluation, we propose a precise angular motion measurement device called Kinesimeter, assisted by specific Labview software designed at the Human Movement Science Discipline of “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș. Our purpose was to compare the results and interpret the differences arising from the use of two specific assessment methods for the shoulder range of motion. Thus, the values recorded by two physiotherapists using the manual goniometer were compared with the values recorded with the Kinesimeter. In order to validate the results, we calculated statistical parameters such as correlation and significance. We strongly believe that the proposed hardware and software device for measuring, controlling, and analysing shoulder movements can become a modern performing tool needed by each rehabilitation institution, having a dual role - investigative and monitoring of a rehabilitation programme - both extremely important, additional to current measurements with the goniometer.

The Relationship Between Upper Extremity Functional Tests Scores With Strength, Proprioception, and Posture in Male Volleyball Players

“…To measure the range of motion using a goniometer, the universal axis of motion was marked on the prominence of the humerus head, and the axis of the goniometer was placed on it. The fixed arm was placed parallel to the participant's body, and the movable arm was placed in the middle of the midline of the arm at the end of the movement, and the number read was recorded [17].…”

“…The movable arm was placed when the participant raised their arm and the midline of the arm was in line with the midline of the movable arm of the goniometer. The range of motion was recorded [17].…”

“…The acromion was marked as the center of the goniometer, and the fixed arm was parallel to the sternum. The movable arm was placed between the participant's arm, and the number was read [17].…”

“…The center of the goniometer was placed on the olecranon, the fixed arm was perpendicular to the ground, and the movable arm was aligned with the midline of the forearm. The participant was asked to move the hand backward, and the number was recorded [17].…”

Effects of Adding Aquatic-to-Land-Based Physiotherapy Programs for Shoulder Joint Position Sense Rehabilitation

“…In a previous study, we showed lower inter-tester differences and statistically significant improvements in the error rate, when the Kinesimeter was used for assessing the shoulder’s range of motion, compared to the classical goniometer [ 39 ]. From these results, we have concluded that our device is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the precise angles and degrees of the shoulder joint.…”