Reliability and criterion validity of two applications of the iPhone™ to measure cervical range of motion in healthy participants

Abstract

Summary of background dataRecent smartphones, such as the iPhone, are often equipped with an accelerometer and magnetometer, which, through software applications, can perform various inclinometric functions. Although these applications are intended for recreational use, they have the potential to measure and quantify range of motion. The purpose of this study was to estimate the intra and inter-rater reliability as well as the criterion validity of the clinometer and compass applications of the iPhone in the assessment cervical range of motion in healthy participants.MethodsThe sample consisted of 28 healthy participants. Two examiners measured cervical range of motion of each participant twice using the iPhone (for the estimation of intra and inter-reliability) and once with the CROM (for the estimation of criterion validity). Estimates of reliability and validity were then established using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsWe observed a moderate intra-rater reliability for each movement (ICC = 0.65-0.85) but a poor inter-rater reliability (ICC < 0.60). For the criterion validity, the ICCs are moderate (>0.50) to good (>0.65) for movements of flexion, extension, lateral flexions and right rotation, but poor (<0.50) for the movement left rotation.ConclusionWe found good intra-rater reliability and lower inter-rater reliability. When compared to the gold standard, these applications showed moderate to good validity. However, before using the iPhone as an outcome measure in clinical settings, studies should be done on patients presenting with cervical problems.

Reliability of Kinovea Computer Program in Measuring Cervical Range of Motion in Sagittal Plane

“…Reliability estimates very important psychometric properties since before an instrument can be considered valid, it needs to be reliable [6]. Examiner B was chosen for the intrarater reliability because he is the most experienced one.…”

“…Laflame et al, [6] who investigate the reliability and validity of i phone in measuring cervical ROM. The results of that study revealed moderate inter-rater reliability for movements in the sagittal (ICCs = 0.48 -0.49).…”

“…The CROM is one of the most used and recent tools among clinicians which has a good validity and reliability. However, it is a relatively expensive instrument [6] [7].…”

Accuracy and Precision of an Accelerometer-Based Smartphone App Designed to Monitor and Record Angular Movement over Time

“…The apps used by Yamada et al 26 and Nishiguchi et al 13 demonstrated ''remarkable consistency'' during gait analysis (e.g., peak frequency and acceleration peak intervals) and correlated significantly (r > 0.82) with more traditional triaxial accelerometers. Likewise, the iPhone app used by TousignantLaflamme et al 27 demonstrated good inter-rater reliability and validity when measuring cervical range of motion. The use of these mobile devices has become a growing trend in the field of rehabilitation due to their small size, significant processing power, portability, prevalence in the general population, long battery life, and low cost.…”

Present Situation of Mobile Medical Applications

“…The results show that almost no App can provide a better way to manage chronic disease. Tousignant-Laflamme Yand others [10] was used to analyze the internal and external reliability of two App. The results show that the two App's internal reliability is general, external reliability is low.…”