Intrarater reliability and interrater reliability in spinal motion assessments

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to measure the interrater and intrarater reliabilities of spinal motions using a skin-surface device (SpinalMouse; Idiag, Voletswil, Switzerland). [Methods] Spinal motion was measured in upright standing, trunk flexion, and trunk extension in 38 healthy adults. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to examine between-day and interrater reliabilities for spinal motion. [Results] For intrarater reliability of Raters 1 and 2, Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.76-0.98, and ICC was 0.73-0.98, indicating high reliability in all cases except for extension of the sacral/hip. For interrater reliability on days 1 and 2, Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.75-0.97 and ICC was 0.77-0.97 for all cases except for extension of the sacral/hip. [Conclusion] The reliability of SpinalMouse was demonstrated to be fair or higher but the measurement for extension of the sacral/hip needs further investigation.