Reliability of range of motion measurements obtained by goniometry, photogrammetry and smartphone applications in lower limb: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives

To systematically review studies involving the reliability of the lower limbs joint range of motion (ROM) by goniometer, photogrammetry and smartphone applications in young and healthy subjects.

Data sources

The search was conducted between December 2020 and January 2021 in PubMed, Embase, LILACS, OVID, and SciELO databases.

Study selection or eligibility criteria

Studies that evaluated the reliability of the lower limb joints ROM measurements.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

The studies were independently selected and classified by two reviewers according to the COSMIN checklist. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was performed.

Results

Twelve studies were included. The intraclass correlation coefficient of ROM measurements ranged from 0.18 to 0.99 for goniometer; 0.78 to 1.00 for photogrammetry and 0.33 to 0.98 for smartphone.

Limitations

Number of goniometry studies included was higher than photogrammetry and smartphone applications studies.

Conclusion

The goniometry showed the lowest reliability values. Photogrammetry obtained the highest reliability values, but its clinical application is not widely used. Smartphone applications are relatively new and have average reliability values.

Systematic review registration number

CRD42021225396.

Contribution of paper

1) Goniometry reliability is variable but could be useful in clinical field due accessibility and acquisition time; (2) Smartphone apps reliability range median-excellent but depends of cell phone size and acess/validation in some countries; (3) Photogrammetry is recommended for researchers due to better reliability but for clinicals require software’ knowledge and time; 4) We recommend familiarization of ROM techniques to reduce reliability variability.