Validity and reliability of Internet-based physiotherapy assessment for musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this review is to systematically explore and summarise the validity and reliability of telerehabilitation (TR)-based physiotherapy assessment for musculoskeletal disorders. Method A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted using a number of electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, published between January 2000 and May 2015. The studies examined the validity, inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of TR-based physiotherapy assessment for musculoskeletal conditions were included. Two independent reviewers used the Quality Appraisal Tool for studies of diagnostic Reliability (QAREL) and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool to assess the methodological quality of reliability and validity studies respectively. Results A total of 898 hits were achieved, of which 11 articles based on inclusion criteria were reviewed. Nine studies explored the concurrent validity, inter- and intra-rater reliabilities, while two studies examined only the concurrent validity. Reviewed studies were moderate to good in methodological quality. The physiotherapy assessments such as pain, swelling, range of motion, muscle strength, balance, gait and functional assessment demonstrated good concurrent validity. However, the reported concurrent validity of lumbar spine posture, special orthopaedic tests, neurodynamic tests and scar assessments ranged from low to moderate. Conclusion TR-based physiotherapy assessment was technically feasible with overall good concurrent validity and excellent reliability, except for lumbar spine posture, orthopaedic special tests, neurodynamic testa and scar assessment.

Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Is Telerehabilitation the Answer?

“…reliability in the assessment of peripheral joints and the spine, with good to excellent psychometric properties for the different clinical outcomes (eg, pain, swelling, muscle strength, balance, gait, active and passive range of motion). [19][20] Lower validity and reliability have been identified in the assessment of the shoulder and elbow joints, for the examination of the nerve functioning around the elbow, the scar assessment of the knee, and the evaluation of lumbar spine posture. [19][20] Furthermore, the absence of reporting of standard error of measurement and coefficient of variation, and the involvement of assessors with different clinical expertise and training (eg, naïve, expert) may limit the generalization of findings.…”

“…[19][20] Lower validity and reliability have been identified in the assessment of the shoulder and elbow joints, for the examination of the nerve functioning around the elbow, the scar assessment of the knee, and the evaluation of lumbar spine posture. [19][20] Furthermore, the absence of reporting of standard error of measurement and coefficient of variation, and the involvement of assessors with different clinical expertise and training (eg, naïve, expert) may limit the generalization of findings. [19][20] On the other hand, one strength of qualitative studies investigating both patients' and physical therapists' perspectives is the good acceptability of telerehabilitation in terms of overall user experience, adherence, and satisfaction, both in MSK disorders and after elective orthopedic surgical conditions.…”

“…[19][20] Furthermore, the absence of reporting of standard error of measurement and coefficient of variation, and the involvement of assessors with different clinical expertise and training (eg, naïve, expert) may limit the generalization of findings. [19][20] On the other hand, one strength of qualitative studies investigating both patients' and physical therapists' perspectives is the good acceptability of telerehabilitation in terms of overall user experience, adherence, and satisfaction, both in MSK disorders and after elective orthopedic surgical conditions. 17,20-21 Furthermore, preliminary economic analyses have revealed that telerehabilitation enhances the quality of MSK care, which in turn impacts the total cost savings for national health care systems.…”

Providing heart failure rehabilitation in the home via telerehabilitation

“…Results also showed that the telerehabilitation assessment had excellent inter-and intra-rater reliabilities for the 6MWT, the TUGT and grip strength. These results resonate with previous research, where telerehabilitation assessments were demonstrated to be valid and reliable when compared with face-to-face assessments in other patient populations (Cox et al, 2013;Mani et al, 2017;Russell et al, 2013).…”

Design of a Kinematic and Emotional Assessment Module for the Tele-rehabilitation Platform

“…One specialized field of tele-health is telerehabilitation, which allows the implementation of a therapeutic program via an interactive multimedia webbased platform [1], [2]. A remarkable increase in the number of patients treated by tele-rehabilitation has been noticed since the beginning of the 21 st century, especially in physiotherapy [3]. Despite the several medical and economic advantages of this new paradigm, the development of a tele-rehabilitation platform has to follow specific rules to ensure safety and efficiency.…”