BACKGROUND: The adapted arcometer has been validated for use in adults. However, its
suitability for use in children can be questioned given the structural differences
present in these populations. OBJECTIVE: To verify the concurrent validity, repeatability, and intra- and
inter-reproducibility of the adapted arcometer for the measurement of the angles
of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in children. METHOD: Forty children were evaluated using both sagittal radiography of the spine and
the adapted arcometer. The evaluations using the arcometer were carried out by two
trained evaluators on two different days. In the statistical treatment, the
intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson's product moment correlation,
Spearman's rho, the paired t test, and Wilcoxon's test were used (α=.05). RESULTS: A moderate and significant correlation was found between the x-ray and the
adapted arcometer regarding thoracic kyphosis, but no correlation was found
regarding lumbar lordosis. Repeatability and intra-evaluator reproducibility of
the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were confirmed, which was not the case
of inter-evaluator reproducibility. CONCLUSION: The adapted arcometer can be used to accompany postural alterations in children
made by the same evaluator, while its use for diagnostic purposes and continued
evaluation by different evaluators cannot be recommended. Further studies with the
aim of adapting this instrument for use in children are recommended.