Abstract

HECIMOVICH, Mark D  and  HEBERT, Jeffrey J. Reliability and concurrent validity of an alternative method of lateral lumbar range of motion in athletes. SA J. Sports Med. [online]. 2016, vol.28, n.1, pp.23-26. ISSN 2078-516X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2016/v28i1a745.

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 (ICC_3>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 (ICC_3>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.

Keywords : authenticity; efficacy; range of motion; lumbar spine.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )