Reliability of a Goniometer Watch to Measure Forearm Rotation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Inter-rater and Intra-rater Reliability of a Goniometer Watch to Measure Pure Forearm Rotation
IRAS ID
239585
Contact name
Daniel Harte
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Manager
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 20 days
Research summary
Research Summary
This study aims to investigate if a new goniometry device (used to determine how far a human joint can move in degrees) is more accurate at measuring forearm movement compared to existing methods. Two assessors will carry out measurements using the new device and an existing device on 80 volunteers with a history of upper limb trauma or disease that has affected forearm rotation. The results will help identify if either method is superior. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliablity will be examined.
Summary of Results
Introduction Innovative tools have been designed to assess forearm rotation, an anatomically challenging motion to measure. This study assessed the concurrent validity, interrater reliability and responsiveness of a novel goniometer watch (GoWatch) to measure pure forearm rotation. The modified finger goniometer (MFG) was the criterion reference.
Methods
Forty participants with restricted forearm rotation were recruited. Two raters measured supination (palm up) and pronation (palm down) using the GoWatch and MFG before and after a hand therapy session.Results
The GoWatch demonstrated acceptable agreement (difference between tools) with the MFG with a mean difference for supination 1.19° and pronation 0.20°. Interrater reliability (difference between raters) was also within acceptable limits with a mean difference GoWatch supination 4.43° and pronation 2.23°. Interrater reliability for GoWatch supination and pronation were categorized as excellent (ICC = 0.94) and good (ICC = 0.85) respectively. Systematic bias was observed in the instrument by rater interaction with rater two consistently underestimating GoWatch measures (p<.05). GoWatch supination showed small to medium responsiveness 9ability to measure change after treatment session) (Rater 1: d = 0.14; Rater 2: d = 0.29) and pronation very small to medium responsiveness (Rater 1: d = 0.29; Rater 2: d = 0.05).
Conclusion
The GoWatch is a viable and user-friendly alternative to measure forearm rotation with demonstrable validity, interrater reliability and responsiveness. Further research is required to ensure systematic bias is not endemic when used across multiple raters.REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
18/NI/0142
Date of REC Opinion
13 Sep 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion