Interrater reliability of the Cybex EDI-320 and fluid goniometer in normals and patients with low back pain.

We compared the interrater reliability of the Cybex Electronic Digital Inclinometer-320a (EDI) and the fluid goniometer for measuring lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) in flexion, extension, and prone extension in adults not experiencing back pain and low-back pain patients. We also investigated whether prior palpation training improves reliability of lumbar ROM measurements using these tools. A repeated measures factorial design was used with a 6 x 6 Latin square to balance the order of testing. Twelve adults not experiencing back pain and six subacute low-back-pain patients were measured by two trained and one untrained therapist in all positions with both tools. The L1 and S2 spinous processes were palpated and marked for each measurement. Results of several three-way ANOVAs indicate that no significant differences exist between the tools for nonpatients or patients regardless of position. Using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient both tools exhibited acceptable reliability under most conditions. The fluid goniometer exhibited better reliability for patients than nonpatients, although this pattern was not present with the EDI. With the exception of extension, prior palpation training did not improve measurement with either tool.