JOINT ANGLE MEASUREMENT - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF THE RELIABILITY OF GONIOMETRY AND WIRE TRACING FOR THE HAND

Objectives: To compare the inter-and intra-rater reliability of goniom etry and wire tracing in the assessment of finger joint angles: metaca rpo-phalangeal (MCPJ), proximal (PIPJ) and distal interphalangeal join ts (DIPJ). Design: Twenty occupational therapists and 20 physiotherapi sts with a range of clinical experience were recruited from nine diffe rent centres. Using a masked goniometer and wire tracing they carried out repealed assessments of the MCPJ, PIPJ and DIPJ of a normal subjec t fixed in two different positions. Results: The two assessment method s did not produce comparable angle measurements. Goniometry showed gre ater inter-and intra-rater reliability than wire tracing. Regardless o f the assessment tool, the repeatability coefficient indicated that DI PJ measurement was less reliable than the other joints. Clinical and s pecialist experience did not affect reliability, Conclusion: Although both goniometry and wire tracing show limitations as reliable assessme nt tools, it is recommended that where possible goniometry should be u sed.