Assessing the Validity and Reliability of a New Video Goniometer App for Measuring Joint Angles in Adults and Children

Abstract

Objective: To assess the convergent validity and reliability of joint angle measurements from a new video goniometer iPhone/iPad application separately in adults, older and young children.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Child care and university environments.

Participants: Fifty-four adults (mean ± SD=22.5±4.5y), 20 older children (mean ± SD=10.9±2.2y), 20 younger children (mean ± SD=1.6±0.8y) (N=94).

Interventions: Adults and older children performed both standardized static positions and functional activities. Younger children performed only a functional activity protocol.

Main outcome measures: Joint angle measurements using the app were validated against a commercially validated two-dimensional goniometric software program. In addition, validity of the app was compared to a standard mechanical goniometer for the measurement of angles drawn on a white board. Intra- and interrater reliability were assessed through independent rescoring of videos.

Results: Correlations between joint angle estimates obtained from the app and goniometer software or a mechanical goniometer were positive and very strong (r>.900; P<.0001). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for repeated scoring from the app indicated excellent intra- and interrater reliability (ICC>.900).

Conclusions: High correlations for repeated measures and comparison to gold standard angle measurement instruments suggest that the new app is a valid and reliable tool for assessing joint angles during functional activity. This tool may provide clinicians an inexpensive yet accurate method for quantification of movements and immediate feedback on range of motion during tasks in a natural environment.

Keywords: Range of motion; Rehabilitation.