Test–retest and inter-rater reliability of lumbar range of motion procedure using back range of motion instrument

IntroductionTo investigate the test–retest and inter-rater reliability of a new protocol using the back range of motion instrument (BROM II) to measure the lumbar range of motion (LROM).MethodsFive raters and twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. Before the measurement, all raters and all subjects were asked to watch a 4-minute video clip demonstrating the rating method. The raters and the subjects were then asked to practice the testing protocol until they thoroughly understood it. The subjects were asked to move the lumbar spine in six directions, with consistent verbal instruction. The raters measured the subjects’ LROM twice and were blinded to the data. The intraclass correlation coefficients were used to estimate the test–retest and inter-rater reliability of the LROM.ResultsThe results showed that the intra-rater reliability [ICC(3,1)] was good-to-excellent, ranging from 0.82 to 0.98, except for the LROM in the right rotation, which was moderate-to-good, ranging from 0.74 to 0.97. The inter-rater reliability [ICC(2,1)] was good-to-excellent, ranging from 0.78 to 0.87.ConclusionsThe intra- and inter-rater reliability of this protocol in measuring LROM obtained by the BROM II were reliable and suitable for both teaching and research.