Reliability and concurrent validity of an alternative method of lateral lumbar range of motion in athletes

Authors

  • M Hecimovich

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2016/v28i1a1414

Abstract

Background: Cricket bowling involves combined spinal
movements of side bending and rotation and, consequently, injury
to the low back is a common problem. Therefore the assessment
of lumbar spine kinematics has become a routine component in
preseason screening. This includes static measurement of lateral
spinal flexion as asymmetrical range of motion may predispose an
athlete to low back injury.
Objectives: This study examined intra-rater reliability and
concurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floor distance test (FFD)
when compared to a criterion range of motion measure.
Methods: Thirty-four junior-level cricket players aged 13‑16
years were recruited. Lumbar spine lateral flexion was measured
simultaneously with the fingertip-to-floor distance test and digital
inclinometry methods. Relative and absolute intra-rater reliability
were investigated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,1)
of agreement, standard error of measurement (SEM) estimates,
Bland and Altman bias estimates and 95% limits of agreement,
respectively. The concurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floor
distance test, compared to digital inclinometry measures, was
examined with Pearson correlation coefficients.
Results: Intra-rater reliability demonstrated substantial agreement
for both measures (ICC3,1 > 0.84). The fingertip-to-floor distance
test SEM values ranged from 1.71‑2.01 cm with an estimated
minimum detectable change (MDC) threshold of 4.73‑5.55 cm.
The inclinometry SEM values ranged from 1.00‑1.09° with
minimal detectable change estimates of 2.77‑3.01°. There were
strong correlations between the index test and criterion measure
outcomes (r > 0.84, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: This study’s results support the intra-rater reliability
and concurrent validity of the finger-to-floor distance test,
suggesting it to be a suitable surrogate measure for lumbar lateral
flexion testing

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Published

2016-11-04

How to Cite

Hecimovich, M. (2016). Reliability and concurrent validity of an alternative method of lateral lumbar range of motion in athletes. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(1), 23–26. https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2016/v28i1a1414

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Articles