A Reliability Study of the Universal Goniometer, Fluid Goniometer, and Electrogoniometer for the Measurement of Ankle Dorsiflexion

This study investigated the reliability of three goniometers, the universal, fluid, and electro-goniometers, in the measurement of ankle dorsiflexion. Intra- and interobserver reliability were assessed using 10 healthy volunteers and five observers. A standardized ankle position was used to measure full range of active dorsiflexion. Intraobserver reliability was assessed using one observer over two successive occasions. Interobserver reliability was assessed among five observers over five separate occasions. A one-factor analysis of variance to examine intraobserver reliability demonstrated no significant difference between each of the devices on the two occasions. A multifactorial analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences among observers and again among devices (P < 0.001). Secondary analysis for interdevice reliability demonstrated significant differences among the three devices (p<0.1). The study suggests that each device cannot be used reliably among observers or be used interchangeably, and clinical judgment based on angular changes of less than 10° are invalid if rigid protocols are not followed.

[1]  G R Johnson,et al.  Reliability of hindfoot goniometry when using a flexible electrogoniometer. , 1993, Clinical biomechanics.

[2]  W. Rheault,et al.  Concurrent validity and intertester reliability of universal and fluid-based goniometers for active elbow range of motion. , 1988, Physical therapy.

[3]  J M Rothstein,et al.  Goniometric reliability in a clinical setting. Shoulder measurements. , 1987, Physical therapy.

[4]  J. Youdas,et al.  Reliability of goniometric measurements and visual estimates of ankle joint active range of motion obtained in a clinical setting. , 1993, Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

[5]  A. Nicol,et al.  Flexible goniometer computer system for the assessment of hip function. , 1989, Clinical biomechanics.

[6]  Low Jl,et al.  The reliability of joint measurement. , 1976 .

[7]  D. Wright,et al.  ACTION OF THE SUBTALAR AND ANKLE-JOINT COMPLEX DURING THE STANCE PHASE OF WALKING. , 1964, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[8]  J. M. Rothstein,et al.  Goniometric Reliability in a Clinical Setting , 1983 .

[9]  J R Engsberg,et al.  A biomechanical analysis of the talocalcaneal joint--in vitro. , 1987, Journal of biomechanics.

[10]  J. M. Rothstein,et al.  Goniometric reliability in a clinical setting. Subtalar and ankle joint measurements. , 1988, Physical therapy.

[11]  B. Nigg,et al.  Range of Motion of the Foot as a Function of Age , 1992, Foot & ankle.

[12]  M I Root,et al.  Biomechanical examination of the foot. , 1973, Journal of the American Podiatry Association.

[13]  S. Azen,et al.  Normal range of motion of joints in male subjects. , 1979, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[14]  Richard W. Bohannon,et al.  Clinical measurement of range of motion. Review of goniometry emphasizing reliability and validity. , 1987, Physical therapy.

[15]  R L Lamb,et al.  Reliability of goniometric measurements and visual estimates of knee range of motion obtained in a clinical setting. , 1991, Physical therapy.

[16]  J. Plewes,et al.  Measurement of joint motion: A guide to goniometry , 1986 .

[17]  B. Baggett,et al.  Ankle joint dorsiflexion. Establishment of a normal range. , 1993, Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

[18]  R. N. Stauffer,et al.  Force and motion analysis of the normal, diseased, and prosthetic ankle joint. , 1977, Clinical orthopaedics and related research.

[19]  J L Low,et al.  The reliability of joint measurement. , 1976, Physiotherapy.

[20]  T. R. Garrett,et al.  Reliability of measurements of cervical spine range of motion--comparison of three methods. , 1991, Physical therapy.

[21]  D. Burdon,et al.  Clinical methods of goniometry: a comparative study. , 1992, Disability and rehabilitation.

[22]  D. Urban,et al.  Intertester reliability and concurrent validity of fluid-based and universal goniometers for active knee flexion. , 1988, Physical therapy.

[23]  A. Feinstein,et al.  Improving the reliability of orthopaedic measurements. , 1992, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume.

[24]  Ac Nicol,et al.  Measurement of joint motion , 1989 .