Scientific Reports (Aug 2024)

Validity and reliability of a finger training tool for assessing metacarpal phalangeal joint ranges of motion in asymptomatic participants

  • P. Kuvijitsuwan,
  • J. Klaphajone,
  • P. Singjai,
  • T. Kumpika,
  • N. Thawinchai,
  • C. Angkurawaranon,
  • C. Aramrat,
  • K. Utarachon

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71094-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract This pilot study aims to evaluate concurrent validity using the goniometer as a reference tool and test–retest reliability of flexion of metacarpal phalangeal joint (MCP) measurements taken from a finger training device (air-guitar system) in healthy participants. There were ten self -reported asymptomatic participants recruited to test the devices. The measurements of all metacarpophangeal joints of the dominant hands were conducted using a finger goniometer and the air-guitar system. Two measuring sessions were conducted on the same day. The concurrent validity of the air-guitar indicated by strong concordance correlation coefficient (0.62–0.90) with the goniometer and mean difference (approximately 1°) between the two instruments are well below the limit of 5°. The test–retest reliability of MCP measurements from the air-guitar glove (0.82–0.99) was acceptable as a clinically meaningful measurement tool as the intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than 0.7. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change of the air-guitar are similar to those of the goniometer. The air-guitar tracking features, when used as a home-based therapy tool, may assist in monitoring change of MCP flexion over a time course with good reliability and strongly associated with the measurements from the goniometer.

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