A Reliability of Active and Passive Knee Joint Position Sense Assessment Using the Luna EMG Rehabilitation Robot

Abstract

Joint position sense (JPS) is the awareness of joint location in space, indicating accuracy and precision of the movement. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine the reliability of active and passive JPS assessment regarding the knee joint. This was carried out using the Luna EMG rehabilitation robot. Further analysis assessed whether the examination of only the dominant site is justified and if there are differences between sites. The study comprised 24 healthy male participants aged 24.13 ± 2.82 years, performing sports at a recreational level. Using the Luna EMG rehabilitation robot, JPS tests were performed for the right and left knees during flexion and extension in active and passive mode, in two separate sessions with a 1-week interval. Both knee flexion and extension in active and passive modes demonstrated high reliability (ICC = 0.866–0.982; SEM = 0.63–0.31). The mean JPS angle error did not differ significantly between the right and left lower limbs (p < 0.05); however, no between-limb correlation was noted (r = 0.21–0.34; p > 0.05). The Bland–Altman plots showed that the between-limb bias was minimal, with relatively wide limits of agreement. Therefore, it was concluded that the Luna EMG rehabilitation robot is a reliable tool for active and passive knee JPS assessment. In our study, JPS angle error did not differ significantly between left and right sides; however, the slight asymmetry was observed (visible in broad level of agreement exceeding 5° in Bland–Altman plots), what may suggest that in healthy subjects, e.g., active athletes, proprioception should always be assessed on both sides.

A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Study on the Effect of a Blood Flow Restriction by an Inflatable Cuff Worn around the Arm on the Wrist Joint Position Sense in Healthy Recreational Athletes

“…It should be highlighted that JPS assessment using position reproduction test is commonly used for research purposes [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. The reliability of the wrist JPS measurement using an isokinetic dynamometer has been indicated as good with an intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC, ranging from 0.763 for the nondominant limb to 0.821 [ 23 ].…”

Evaluation of Reliability of the Luna EMG Rehabilitation Robot to Assess Proprioception in the Upper Limbs in 102 Healthy Young Adults

“…During exercises with Luna EMG, reactive electromyography is used to train the sensory-motor cortex. The patient’s movement is active, based on bioelectrical signals (EMG) obtained from the patient’s muscles [ 23 , 25 ].…”

“…One of the objective methods based on precise physiological measurements that provide more accurate and measurable results in the upper limb is electromyography (EMG). EMG technology allows recording of electrical muscle activity, which enables the analysis of signals and detection of possible irregularities in controlling hand movement [ 23 ]. In addition, advanced cinematographic systems are also used, which allow tracking hand movement in space and analyzing kinematics of the joints.…”

“…In addition, advanced cinematographic systems are also used, which allow tracking hand movement in space and analyzing kinematics of the joints. The use of a camera or sensors to track movement allows accurate monitoring of the trajectory of movements and measurement of the range of motion in different planes [ 22 , 23 ].…”

“…One of the advanced solutions is the Luna EMG diagnostic and rehabilitation robot, which offers innovative methods of assessing and training proprioception. Luna EMG uses EMG technology to monitor muscle activity, thus enabling objective assessment and precise monitoring of progress in movement control and upper-limb stability [ 23 ].…”