Reliability of hip joint position sense tests using a clinically applicable measurement tool in elderly participants with unilateral hip osteoarthritis

Abstract

Hip joint proprioception is vital in maintaining posture and stability in elderly individuals. Examining hip joint position sense (JPS) using reliable tools is important in contemporary clinical practice. The objective of this study is to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of hip JPS tests using a clinically applicable measurement tool in elderly individuals with unilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA). Sixty-two individuals (mean age = 67.5 years) diagnosed with unilateral hip OA participated in this study. The JPS tests were evaluated using a digital inclinometer in hip flexion and abduction directions. The absolute difference between target and reproduced angle (repositioning error) in degrees was taken to measure JPS accuracy. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC (2.k), was used to assess the reliability. The Intra rater-reliability for hip JPS tests showed very good agreement in the lying position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.88–0.92; standard error of measurement (SEM) = 0.06–0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.89–0.91; SEM = 0.06–0.07) and good agreement in the standing position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.69–0.72; SEM = 0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.66–0.69; SEM = 0.06–0.08). Likewise, inter-rater reliability for hip JPS tests demonstrated very good agreement in the lying position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.87–0.89; SEM = 0.06–0.07, hip abduction-ICC = 0.87–0.91; SEM = 0.07) and good agreement in the standing position (hip flexion-ICC = 0.64–0.66; SEM = 0.08, hip abduction-ICC = 0.60–0.72; SEM = 0.06–0.09). The results support the use of hip JPS tests in clinical practice and should be incorporated in assessing and managing elderly participants with hip OA.

Comparison and correlation of cervical proprioception and muscle endurance in general joint hypermobility participants with and without non-specific neck pain—a cross-sectional study

“…The cervical spine muscles have an abundance of muscle spindle that significantly contributes to afferent motor functionality in maintaining neck endurance ( Boyd-Clark, Briggs & Galea, 2002 ). The reasons for reduced endurance holding capability in NSNP individuals may be increased pain intensity that would reflexively inhibit the muscles and lead to a cycle of pain to weakness ( Alshahrani et al, 2022 ; Reddy et al, 2022 ; Reddy et al, 2020 ; Van Wilgen et al, 2003 ). It is also demonstrated that the type 1 muscle fiber is transformed into type 2 in neck pain individuals, resulting in decreased strength and endurance of neck muscles ( Amiri Arimi, Ghamkhar & Kahlaee, 2018 ; Kandakurti et al, 2021 ).…”

Comparisons and Associations between Hip-Joint Position Sense and Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Elderly Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Decreased hip-joint proprioceptive acuity can significantly impair postural control and increase the risk of falls [ 6 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. In addition, the effect of age on central mechanics and changes in the peripheral somatosensory system may contribute to JPS impairments in older individuals with T2DM [ 29 , 47 ]. According to studies examining the benefits of proprioceptive exercise regimens on patients with diabetes, balance and postural stability can be improved, most likely by an increase in peripheral inference, resulting in decreased falls caused by sensory deficiencies [ 48 , 49 , 50 ].…”

“…Hip JPS was assessed by measuring the reposition accuracy of actively positioning the hip to the target position using a dual digital inclinometer (J-tech, Inc. Salt Lake City, UT, USA). The principles of assessing hip JPS were adopted from Reddy et al [ 29 ]. The digital inclinometer is a reliable (ICC = 0.96, SEM = 0.04) and valid (ICC = 0.98, SEM = 0.08) tool in assessing joint position sense [ 30 ].…”

A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Study on the Effect of a Blood Flow Restriction by an Inflatable Cuff Worn around the Arm on the Wrist Joint Position Sense in Healthy Recreational Athletes

“…It should be highlighted that JPS assessment using position reproduction test is commonly used for research purposes [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. The reliability of the wrist JPS measurement using an isokinetic dynamometer has been indicated as good with an intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC, ranging from 0.763 for the nondominant limb to 0.821 [ 23 ].…”