R. L. Gutiérrez Candia; C. E. Bonell; M. Riveras; P. A. Catalfamo Formento
Advances in Bioengineering and Clinical Engineering
Abstract
The evaluation of the joint angle is necessary for the evaluation of the general condition of a joint and to any motor dysfunction or limitation. The measurements taken with a conventional goniometer rely on the training of the examiner, the active cooperation of the subject to be evaluated, and the manual recording of results. Several alternative techniques have been proposed for angle measurement. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of a software (Kinovea Software) and a goniometric application, which run on a mobile device (G-Pro), as alternative techniques to the conventional goniometer for the measurement of maximum angular excursion for flexion and extension of the knee, and internal and external rotation of the hip joint. Angle measurement of 15 healthy subjects was collected using the three techniques. The results showed that both alternatives techniques presented similar results and acceptable dispersions. The Bland-Altman plots showed a great agreement between the measurement tools, having for the flexion movement a dispersion of 8° with Kinovea (-1,81° ± 4,03°) and 9° with G-pro (2,97° ± 4,50°). Kinovea and the app G-Pro showed comparative usability advantages and disadvantages, so the selection of the best one will depend on the application of interest and its requirements.
Keywords:
- Goniometer
- Videographic analysis
- Joint assessment
- Accuracy
- Variability