Ann Physiother Clin | Volume 3, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access
James M O’Donohue, and Christopher H Wise
James M O’Donohue, and Christopher H Wise
*Correspondance to: Dawn T Gulick
Fulltext PDFBackground: Within a joint, linear translation is a key component of arthrokinematic, or accessory, motion that is required for normal osteokinematic motion. A reduction in accessory motion, due to injury or dysfunction, can result in hypomobility and a loss of function. Limitations in posterior glide may result in a loss of Glenohumeral Joint (GHJ) rotation and limitations in volar glide may result in a loss of Radiocarpal Joint (RCJ) extension. Quantifying accessory motion is challenging, even for the experienced clinician. Objective quantification of joint linear translation is necessary during assessment of accessory motion, in directing patient care, and when developing psychomotor performance of joint mobilization procedures. The Mobil-Aider® is a newly-developed device designed to measure linear translation that can be adapted for assessment of multiple joints. The reliability of the Mobil-Aider® for measurement of linear translation of the GHJ and RCJ has not yet been established. Aim: To investigate the intra-rater reliability of the Mobil-Aider® for assessment of end-range (Grade IV) linear translation of posterior glide and volar glide for the GHJ and RCJ, respectively. Methods: The intra-rater reliability of a single, blinded investigator experienced in manual interventions was explored using the Mobil-Aider® device to assess GHJ posterior glide and RCJ volar glide in 21 and 24 participants, respectively. Results: Intra-rater reliability (ICC3, K) for posterior glide of the GHJ was 0.771 and for volar glide of the RCJ was 0.904, indicating good and excellent reliability, respectively. Discussion: The results of this study suggest that the Mobil-Aider® has clinical utility for assessment of linear translation of the GHJ and RCJ. Further evidence is needed to establish inter-rater reliability and the effectiveness of this device in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the development and performance of joint mobilization procedures.
Joint Mobilization; Manual Therapy; Accessory Motion
O’Donohue JM, Wise CH. Measurement of Accessory Motion of the Glenohumeral and Radiocarpal Joints: Intra-Rater Reliability of the Mobil-Aider® Device for Measurement of Linear Translation. Ann Physiother Clin. 2021; 3(1): 1014..