Validation of the Spin-T Goniometer, a Cervical Range of Motion Device
Received 19 May 2004; received in revised form 7 October 2004
Abstract
Objective
To test the validity of the Spin-T goniometer for the assessment of cervical range of movement.
Methods
A linear regression analysis for paired neck movements using first a foam head model and then human subjects was performed to quantify the differences between the measurements obtained from the MotionStar, a movement-tracking device, and the Spin-T. A within-subject repeated measures design using simultaneous data acquisition was completed.
Results
The coefficient of determination (R2) for all planes of cervical range of motion for both model and human data sets was higher than 0.99. The regression equations for the model data showed no significant (P > .05) intercept for flexion-extension and lateral rotation. Human data showed statistically significant intercept for flexion-extension (mean, −0.52°) and lateral flexion (mean, 0.81°) at P < .05.
Conclusion
This study quantifies the difference between the MotionStar and the Spin-T goniometer and documents the systematic error between the measures. Where the error reached statistical significance, the magnitude of the error was very small (<1.5°). The results of this study suggest that the Spin-T goniometer may be used as a valid measuring instrument for cervical range of movement.
aChief Physiotherapist, Belle Vue Clinic, Kolkata, India
bThe Centre of Musculoskeletal Studies, Perth, Western Australia
cThe Centre of Musculoskeletal Studies, Perth, Western Australia
Submit requests for reprints to: Shabnam Agarwal, MSc, Belle Vue Clinic, 9, Dr. U.N. Brahnachari St., Kolkata 700 017, India.
Sources of support: No external funds were received for this research.
ABSTRACT