Three-dimensional analysis of cervical spine motion: reliability of a computer assisted magnetic tracking device compared to inclinometer

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the reliability and reproducibility of a magnetic tracking technique for the assessment of overall cervical spine motion (principal and coupled movements). Ten asymptomatic male volunteers with a mean age of 29.3 years (range 20-37 years) were included in the study. Flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending and left and right axial rotation were measured using a magnetic tracking device (MTD) mounted onto a custom head-piece. For rotational movements in the frontal and sagittal planes the results were compared with the measurements of two standard inclinometers. Intra-observer, inter-observer and intrainstrument reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient method. There were no significant differences for all motion measurements between the MTD and the inclinometer. High inter-observer reliability was found in flexion, extension, axial rotation and lateral bending indicating that the testing routine is applicable for different examiners. The intra-observer variability was high in flexion and extension, whereas in lateral bending the reliability coefficients were lower and displayed a fair to good reliability for most of the measurements with the MTD. The results of the MTD were found to be highly comparable with the inclinometer results with an interinstrument correlation coefficient ranging from 0.88 to 0.99. The MTD is a reliable, reproducible method for three-dimensional motion analysis of the cervical spine and therefore a valuable method both for the clinical assessment of various degenerative and traumatic disorders and as a supplement of different therapeutic procedures and rehabilitation.

Reproducibility of the cervical range of motion (CROM) device for individuals with sub-acute whiplash associated disorders

“…The main barriers to widespread clinical use may be the current cost of the CROM device and its use being limited to measuring cervical spine ROM, although the CROM is as reliable as more expensive and complex cervical ROM measurement systems [26].…”

Video raster stereography back shape reconstruction: a reliability study for sagittal, frontal, and transversal plane parameters

“…For the examination of spinal mobility and back surface reconstruction by means of inclinometers, there exist satisfying reliability studies [11][12][13][14]. But for raster stereography, there is still a lack of reliability studies that are covering all parameters offered for a three-dimensional spinal form analysis.…”

Concurrent validity of photogrammetric and inclinometric techniques based on assessment of anteroposterior spinal curvatures

“…In the literature, we can find studies designed to compare concurrent validity of two methods, e.g. Metrecom System and Saunders mechanical inclinometer [5], X-ray with photogrammetry [10], liquid-based inclinometer and phone application [11], photogrammetry and liquid-based inclinometer [12], or computer-assisted magnetic tracking device compared to inclinometer [13]. The first three reported high concurrent validity, contrary to the latter study.…”