Reliability of novice physiotherapists for measuring Cobb angle using a digital method

• Main Authors: Patcharawan Suwannarat, PT, PhD (Author), Pattra Wattanapan, MD (Author), Arpassanan Wiyanad, PT, MSc (Author), Pakwipa Chokphukiao, PT, MSc (Author), Sininat Wilaichit, PT, MPH (Author), Sugalya Amatachaya, PT, PhD (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: World Scientific Publishing, 2017-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: The Cobbâs method is the most accurate and reliable method for kyphosis measurement. Conventionally, a sagittal Cobb angle was commonly derived from a lateral plain film. With computer technology, a digital method is widely used in common clinical settings, but the existing reliability data involved only experienced raters. Objectives: To assess the interrater and intrarater reliability of a digital Cobbâs method using novice physiotherapists. Methods: Fifteen participants, with an occiput wall distance of more than 0 cm, were interviewed and assessed for their demographics. Then they were filmed for lateral spinal radiography over the area of thoracic spine in a standing position, and the Cobb angle was analyzed by four raters, including an expert physician and three novice physiotherapists, using a SurgimapSpine programme. Results: The average Cobb angles among the four raters showed no significant difference (p=0.984). Outcomes of their measurements had excellent intrarater and interrater reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,3)=0.995â0.997] with a small range of standard errors of the measurement (<1°). Conclusion: A digital Cobbâs method had excellent reliability when used by a novice health professional rater. The findings confirm the ease of using this method to detect and monitor kyphosis in general hospitals, clinics, or research facilities. Keywords: Cobb angle, spinal angle, reliability, spinal deformity, X-ray

Item Description

1013-7025
10.1016/j.hkpj.2017.01.003