Validity and Reliability of a Digital Inclinometer to Assess Knee Joint-Position Sense in a Closed Kinetic Chain

Abstract

Context: Knee joint-position sense (JPS) is a key parameter for optimal performance in many sports but is frequently negatively affected by injuries and/or fatigue during training sessions. Although evaluation of JPS may provide key information to reduce the risk of injury, it often requires expensive and/or complex tools that make monitoring proprioceptive deterioration difficult. Objective: To analyze the validity and reliability of a digital inclinometer to measure knee JPS in a closed kinetic chain (CKC). Design: The validity and intertester and intratester reliability of a digital inclinometer for measuring knee JPS were assessed. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: 10 athletes (5 men and 5 women; 26.2 ± 1.3 y, 71.7 ± 12.4 kg, 1.75 ± 0.09 m, 23.5 ± 3.9 kg/m 2 ). Intervention: Knee JPS was measured in a CKC. Main Outcome Measures: Absolute angular error (AAE) of knee JPS in a CKC. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated to determine the validity and reliability of the inclinometer. Data showed that the inclinometer had a high level of validity compared with an isokinetic dynamometer (ICC = 1.0, SEM = 1.39, P < .001), and there was very good intra-and intertester reliability for reading the inclinometer (ICC = 1.0, SEM = 0.85, P < .001). Compared with AutoCAD video analysis, inclinometer validity was very high (ICC = .980, SEM = 3.46, P < .001) for measuring AAE during knee JPS in a CKC. In addition, the intertester reliability of the inclinometer for obtaining AAE was very high (ICC = .994, SEM = 1.67, P < .001). Conclusion:The inclinometer provides a valid and reliable method for assessing knee JPS in a CKC. Health and sports professionals could take advantage of this tool to monitor proprioceptive deterioration in athletes.

The Validity and Reliability of Knee Proprioception Measurement Performed With Inclinometer in Different Positions

“…In studies focused on evaluating the knee joint position sense, evaluations were performed with an isokinetic dynamometer or video analysis system. However, these devices are very expensive, complicated and non-portable, or the measuring method is difficult to implement 4 .…”

“…Knee proprioception, which plays a key role in the accurate and efficient execution of movements during sport performance, is related to several sport injuries 4 . Position sense in the knee joint is affected by central and peripheral mechanisms, such as muscles, tendons, and articular, cutaneous and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) receptors 2 .…”

“…For this purpose, some studies have been conducted to evaluate the validity and reliability of an inclinometer for the shoulder 6 and hip joints 7 in the open kinetic chain position. In one study, an inclinometer was used to evaluate the knee joint position sense, and it was concluded that an inclinometer is a portable, affordable and practical device in respect to joint examinations 4 .…”

“…To prevent severe loss in knee proprioception, which may cause a new injury, it is important to evaluate the position sense of the joint during the rehabilitation period 4 . In studies focused on evaluating the knee joint position sense, evaluations were performed with an isokinetic dynamometer or video analysis system.…”

“…An angle of 50° was chosen as the proprioception evaluation angle 4 . However, this angle is greater than the knee flexion angle values observed during normal walking and daily routine activities 5 .…”