JOINT MOBILITY MEASUREMENTS - RELIABILITY OF A STANDARDIZED METHOD

Assessment of hypermobility and hypomobility is frequently performed v isually with all its limitations. In this study, a standardized joint mobility measurement method is suggested, and its reliability is teste d. The maximal range of motion of passive digit five hyperextension, p assive thumb apposition to the wrist, active elbow and knee hyperexten sion, active ankle dorsal flexion and trunk flexion was measured in 30 healthy subjects. All measurements were performed bilaterally, except for trunk flexion. Three experienced observers performed the measurem ents according to a rigidly standardized protocol, using appropriate g oniometers and rulers. During one measurement session each observer me asured each subject. Two consecutive measurement sessions were organiz ed. Analysis of variance, with subject and time as explaining variable s, was performed on the data obtained. The inter-observer variability ranged from 1.42 degrees (left knee hyperextension) to 4.05 mm (right thumb apposition) in the first measurement session and from 1.35 degre es (left knee hyperextension) to 4.58 degrees (right digit five hypere xtension) in the second measurement session. The intra-observer variab ility ranged for observer A from 0.75 degrees (left knee hyperextensio n) to 3.67 mm (left thumb apposition), and from 0.93 degrees (left kne e hyperextension) to 3.88 degrees (left digit five hyperextension) for observer B. Observer C ranged from 0.71 degrees (left knee hyperexten sion) to 4.01 mm (right thumb apposition). Based on the results of thi s study, the authors conclude that joint mobility can be measured reli ably and accurately with the presented simple tools. The joint mobilit y measurement method reveals the mobility for each separate joint and provides a basis for comparison between individuals and between groups of individuals, both in the case of single and generalized joint mobi lity assessment.