Introduction:
The assessment and objective measurement of joint range of motion are of fundamental importance for the diagnosis, planning and monitoring treatment. With the advancement of technology, photogrammetry is beginning to be used with greater frequency in the physical therapy practice, measuring the amount of joint motion. The popliteal angle was chosen because it provides an indirect measure of flexibility of the hamstring muscles. The retraction of the hamstrings can result in significant postural problems and produce a continuous posterior tilt of the pelvis, affecting the gait and sports movements, as well as causing muscle or joint pain.
Objectives:
To confirm the reliability intra- and inter-examiner analysis of popliteal angle through computerized photogrammetry using the Postural Assessment Software (SAPO), to establish the repeatability and reproducibility of the method.
Methods:
Twenty-three patients (46 knees) were evaluated. Volunteers were positioned supine with hip and knee of the evaluated leg flexed at 90 degrees, keeping the contralateral limb in extension. Next, the knee of the tested limb was passively extended until the point at which the first resistance to stretching was perceived. At this point, the popliteal angle was recorded. Statistical analysis of inter- and intra-examiner reliability was determined by the results of the coefficient of intra-class correlation (ICC) of types 1.1 and 3.1 in the Pearson correlation test, considering a significance level of p<0.05.
Results:
The measurement of the popliteal angle by photogrammetry showed strong intra-examiner reliability (ICC=0.786) and very strong inter-examiner reliability (ICC=0.920).
Conclusion:
The photogrammetry is an appropriate method for the evaluation of the popliteal angle since the coefficient of intra-class correlation and intra and inter- examiners reached strong and very strong levels, respectively, confirming the reproducibility and repeatability of this assessment technique.
range of motion; articular; photogrammetry; evaluation
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