An inter-rater reliability study of first and third year students in assessing lumbar spine flexion range. An observational study.
Item
- Title
- An inter-rater reliability study of first and third year students in assessing lumbar spine flexion range. An observational study.
- Author(s)
- Ravishanker, P
- Abstract
- Background: Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent. Establishing a diagnosis and conducting examination is a challenge in most LBP patients Spinal active range of movement is assessed by physical therapists in examination process Reliability remains an issue with this process Objectives: To determine a) whether students more advanced in the course display greater accuracy and inter-rater reliability in assessing lumbar spine flexion range; b) correlation between student observation of lumbar spine flexion and objective measurements. Design: Comparative observational study Methods: Flexion range of subjects was recorded using Modified-modified Schober's Test and goniometer app. Year 1 and 3 students were recruited to assess lumbar spine flexion range of subjects and designate mobility category. Gwet's Agreement Coefficient 1(ACI) was used to calculate inter-rater reliability between the 2 cohorts. Examination accuracy based on scoring scheme constructed for study. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney was calculated to investigate difference in total score. Results: Inter-rater reliability flexion categorization was ‘moderate' (ACI=0.45) for Year 1 and ‘fair' (ACI=0.32) for Year 3. Total points scored, Year 1=61 and Year 3=64. Low correlation was found between objective flexion measurements and student ratings. No significant difference found between Year 1 and Year 3 scores, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney P-value=O.68. Discussion: These inter-rater reliability results are in agreement with previous findings. Experience does not necessarily correlate with improved examination reliability. Subjectivity of observation interpretation is highlighted. Conclusion: Inter-rater reliability for lumbar spine flexion assessment is low. Correlation of student's assessment and objective measurements is low. Incorporation of objective methods to determine lumbar spine flexion range is necessary. Using spinal range of motion as disability indicator has to be approached with criticality due to reliability issues.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2016
- Date Submitted
- 2.12.2016 17:29:04
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 15960
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Low back pain, Osteopathic medicine, Physical therapy, Reliability.
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Ravishanker, P, “An inter-rater reliability study of first and third year students in assessing lumbar spine flexion range. An observational study.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 6, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/521