Musculoskeletal physical examination motion assessment techniques

The inter-rater reliability for 3 basic maneuvers of the Total Body Functional Profile is good among musculoskeletal health care providers of various disciplines, according to the results of a study conducted by Prather and associates¹ in the section of physical medicine and rehabilitation, department of orthopedic surgery, at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. In the prospective observational study, the authors measured 28 adult volunteers aged 18 to 51 years on both the left and right sides. Each examiner assessed the distance of frontal and sagittal plane lunge and angle of motion for transverse plane testing. All participants completed University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Harris hip questionnaires.

The UCLA and Harris hip scores showed no significant activity restrictions or pain limitations in all participants. The inter-rater reliability and rater reliability between disciplines for sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane matrix testing were good. The authors concluded that the maneuvers may be used consistently as part of a musculoskeletal examination.

References:

1. Prather H, Hunt D, Steger-May K, et al. Inter-rater reliability of three musculoskeletal physical examination techniques used to assess motion in three planes while standing. PM R. 2009;1:629-635.