University of Hertfordshire Research Archive

        JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

        Browse

        All of UHRABy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitles

        Arkivum Files

        My Downloads
        View Item 
        • UHRA Home
        • University of Hertfordshire
        • Research publications
        • View Item
        • UHRA Home
        • University of Hertfordshire
        • Research publications
        • View Item

        Validation of the manual inclinometer and flexicurve for the measurement of thoracic kyphosis

        View/Open
        Final Accepted Version (PDF, 342Kb)
        Author
        Barrett, Eva
        O'Sullivan, Kieran
        Lewis, Jeremy
        McCreesh, Karen
        Attention
        2299/19954
        Abstract
        Introduction: Physiotherapists commonly use the manual inclinometer and Flexicurve for the clinical measurement of thoracic spinal posture. The aim of this study is to examine the concurrent validity of the Flexicurve and manual inclinometer in relation to the radiographic Cobb angle for the measurement of thoracic kyphosis. Methods: Eleven subjects (seven males, four females) underwent a sagittal plane spinal radiograph. Immediately following the radiograph, a physiotherapist measured thoracic kyphosis using the Flexicurve and manual inclinometer before the subjects moved from position. Cobb angles were subsequently measured from the radiographs by an independent examiner. Results: A strong correlation was demonstrated between both the Cobb angle and the Flexicurve angle (r = 0.96) and the Cobb angle and the manual inclinometer angle (r = 0.86). On observation of the Bland–Altman plots, the inclinometer showed good agreement with the Cobb angle (mean difference 4.8 ° ± 8.9 °). However, the Flexicurve angle was systematically smaller than the Cobb angle (mean difference 20.3 ° ± 6.1 °), which reduces its validity. Conclusion: The manual inclinometer is recommended as a valid instrument for measuring thoracic kyphosis, with good agreement with the gold standard. While the Flexicurve is highly correlated to the gold standard, they have poor agreement. Therefore, physiotherapists should take caution when interpreting its results.
        Publication date
        2018-04-03
        Published in
        Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
        Published version
        https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2017.1394411
        License
        http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
        Other links
        http://hdl.handle.net/2299/19954
        Relations
        School of Health and Social Work
        Metadata
        Show full item record
        Keep in touch

        © 2019 University of Hertfordshire

        I want to...

        • Apply for a course
        • Download a Prospectus
        • Find a job at the University
        • Make a complaint
        • Contact the Press Office

        Go to...

        • Accommodation booking
        • Your student record
        • Bayfordbury
        • KASPAR
        • UH Arts

        The small print

        • Terms of use
        • Privacy and cookies
        • Criminal Finances Act 2017
        • Modern Slavery Act 2015
        • Sitemap

        Find/Contact us

        • T: +44 (0)1707 284000
        • E: ask@herts.ac.uk
        • Where to find us
        • Parking
        • hr
        • qaa
        • stonewall
        • AMBA
        • ECU Race Charter
        • disability confident
        • AthenaSwan