Reliability and Validity of Goniometer, Inclinometer, and Goniometer Pro Smartphone Application in Evaluating Elbow Proprioception
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s43465-026-01969-x
- Dergi Adı: Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Asymptomatic, Joint position sense, Proprioception, Reliability, Smartphone, İnclinometer
- Kayseri Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır
Özet
Background: Proprioception is a regulator of motor control and is essential for moving our bodies and elbows dexterously and effortlessly. Current proprioception measurements are usually costly, complex, non-portable, and challenging to implement. Valid, reliable, and accessible assessment methods for elbow proprioception are needed in clinical practice. This study investigates the reliability and validity of the universal goniometer, inclinometer, and Goniometer Pro (G Pro) smartphone application in evaluating elbow proprioception in asymptomatic adults. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional research design on a consecutive sample of 17 asymptomatic adults. Elbow proprioception was evaluated by active joint position sense (JPS) errors, with a goniometer, inclinometer, and the G Pro, 30 min apart at 70 and 110° of elbow flexion. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC 2,1) were calculated at a 95% confidence level to determine test–retest reliability. The Gage R&R analysis and Spearman’s correlations were used to identify the concurrent validity. Results: The point estimates indicated moderate-to-excellent intra-rater test–retest reliability at 110° (ICC 2,1=0.82, 0.64, and 0.62, respectively) and poor test–retest reliability at 70° (ICC 2,1=0.43, 0.33, and 0.41, respectively) (p<0.05) and no correlation between the devices for both of the degrees (p>0.05). The Gage R&R analysis revealed that 99.43% of the total variability is attributable to the assessment method. Conclusion: The results support the intra-rater test–retest reliability of the goniometer, inclinometer, and G Pro, especially at 110°elbow flexion, in asymptomatic adults. These techniques may be utilized to repeatedly assess the same individual over time when the same method is applied consistently. However, because agreement between methods was poor, measurements obtained with different devices should not be directly compared or interpreted as interchangeable. All assessments were performed by a single experienced physiotherapist, and intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated to determine intra-rater test–retest reliability.