Postural Assessment Software (PAS/SAPO): Validation and Reliabiliy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:This study was designed to estimate the accuracy of the postural assessment software (PAS/SAPO) for measurement of corporal angles and distances as well as the inter- and intra-rater reliabilities.INTRODUCTION:Postural assessment software was developed as a subsidiary tool for postural assessment. It is easy to use and available in the public domain. Nonetheless, validation studies are lacking.METHODS:The study sample consisted of 88 pictures from 22 subjects, and each subject was assessed twice (1 week interval) by 5 blinded raters. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. To estimate the accuracy of the software, an inanimate object was marked with hallmarks using pre-established parameters. Pictures of the object were rated, and values were checked against the known parameters.RESULTS:Inter-rater reliability was excellent for 41% of the variables and very good for 35%. Ten percent of the variables had acceptable reliability, and 14% were defined as non-acceptable. For intra-rater reliability, 44.8% of the measurements were considered to be excellent, 23.5% were very good, 12.4% were acceptable and 19.3% were considered non-acceptable. Angular measurements had a mean error analisys of 0.11°, and the mean error analisys for distance was 1.8 mm.DISCUSSION:Unacceptable intraclass correlation coefficient values typically used the vertical line as a reference, and this may have increased the inaccuracy of the estimates. Increased accuracies were obtained by younger raters with more sophisticated computer skills, suggesting that past experience influenced results.CONCLUSION:The postural assessment software was accurate for measuring corporal angles and distances and should be considered as a reliable tool for postural assessment.

Influence of different types of seat cushions on the static sitting posture in individuals with spinal cord injury

“…The measures provided by PAS/SAPO are generated in the form of distances and angles considering a plane of movement, in a two-dimensional analysis, related to a previously defined and calibrated scale. 13 In postural assessment, each individual had his/her photographs taken in a sitting position, in frontal-, right-side and left-side views. Each view was photographed once in three types of seats: wheelchair-seat of the wheelchair itself (without additional cushion); gelgel cushion (viscous gel, 40Â45 cm 2 , 10 cm thick); and foam-foam cushion (egg crate seat pad, 45Â45 cm 2 , thickness¼10 cm and density¼28 g dm À3 ).…”

“…13,15 All individuals were photographed using markers consisting of polystyrene spheres in the following anatomical points: greater right trochanter, greater left trochanter, right and left anterior-superior iliac spine (ASIS), right and left acromion, angle of the sternum, mentum and tragus. 13,15 Data analyses The photos were analyzed through PAS/SAPO.…”

“…13,15 All individuals were photographed using markers consisting of polystyrene spheres in the following anatomical points: greater right trochanter, greater left trochanter, right and left anterior-superior iliac spine (ASIS), right and left acromion, angle of the sternum, mentum and tragus. 13,15 Data analyses The photos were analyzed through PAS/SAPO. 13,15,16 The alignment was evaluated between the ASIS (frontal plane) (Figure 1) and the angle formed between the ASIS and the greater trochanter (GT) of the corresponding side (sagittal plane) (Figure 2).…”

“…13,15 Data analyses The photos were analyzed through PAS/SAPO. 13,15,16 The alignment was evaluated between the ASIS (frontal plane) (Figure 1) and the angle formed between the ASIS and the greater trochanter (GT) of the corresponding side (sagittal plane) (Figure 2). …”

Fidedignidade de um protocolo de avaliação postural

“…Mais recentemente, softwares de avaliação postural (MERCADANTE et al, 2005;PEREIRA, 2003; COSTA et al, 2007;SILVA, 2005;SINGER, 1990;NORMAND et al, 2007;FERREIRA et al, 2010) têm procurado suprir esta lacuna, mas muitas vezes estes softwares não apresentam um protocolo rigoroso a ser seguido, além de não fornecerem uma classificação da postura de cada indivíduo. Em vista destas questões, entende-se que ainda urge a necessidade do desenvolvimento de ferramentas que permitam uma avaliação postural menos subjetiva, com identificação quantitativa das alterações posturais, de maneira que englobe um rigoroso protocolo de avaliação a ser seguido.…”