| Abstract [eng] |
Research problem Diagrammatic evaluation of finger joint angles by using two folded paper strips could be a quick alternative to the standard goniometry and a means for self-evaluation. Reliability of the paper strip technique has not been explored. Methods This research compared reliability characteristics of repeated measurements obtained with both tools by employing (1) 24 healthy medical students to act interchangeably as subjects and raters and (2) 61 patients and a professional rater. The healthy subjects used special guides to position their ring finger joints at varying angles. The patients, without considerable preparation, self-evaluated active extension of the filth finger with paper strips, and the practitioner performed parallel evaluations with both tools. The diagrams of joint angles were scanned and measured. Results In the non-clinical study, reliability was similar for both tools. Intrarater and interrater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged from 0.69 to 0.93, and the standard errors of measurements ranged from 2.4º to 4.9º. In the clinical study, for proximal interphalangeal joints, intrarater ICCs were above 0.99, and Interrater (patient versus rater) ICCs were below 0.033. However, the proportions of the acceptable absolute ≤5 differences between all paired practitioner’s measurements were equivalent. The proportions of interrater ≤5 differences were nonequivalent for the interphalangeal joints. Conclusions The paper strip and standard goniometry can be used interchangeably for finger joints. Patients’ performance in extempore self-evaluation is clinically inadequate. Further studies are necessary to explore whether appropriate training of patients can improve consistency of diagrammatic self-evaluation. |
