Validity and Reliability of a Smartphone Application Versus 2D Software for Joint Range of Motion Measurement: A Cross-Sectional Validation Study

Abstract

The assessment of joint ranges is an essential component of the physical examination, enabling monitoring and follow-up. Additionally, it is a key component of muscle mobility assessment. Smartphone applications for range-of-motion assessments offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional measurement tools, reducing the need for expensive equipment while maintaining accuracy. Their portability and ease of use provide significant advantages in clinical settings, allowing for quicker assessments. This, in turn, can enhance patient care by enabling more frequent monitoring and timely interventions, ultimately improving treatment outcomes. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the PhysioMaster application in measuring knee range of motion. Twenty-nine participants performed passive knee extensions, with data collected simultaneously through the application and video recordings for posterior angle calculations. The application demonstrated excellent validity, with intraclass correlation (ICC = between 0.729 and 0.814) and the Pearson correlation values ranging from r = 0.908 to 0.974. For inter-rater reliability, ICC was 0.898 and Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.82. Additionally, the coefficient of variation was 5.18%, and the measurement error was 0.82°. The results showed that the PhysioMaster application is a valid and reliable tool for assessing passive knee extension in clinical environments, supporting efficient and accurate patient evaluations.

Keywords

• Kinovea
• PhysioMaster
• mobile phone
• reliability
• passive range of motion
• muscle mobility