Concurrent Validity of Equine Joint Range of Motion Measurement: A Novel Digital Goniometer versus Universal Goniometer

Anna Bergh, Nicole Gandre Lauridsen, Amie Lamoreaux Hesbach, Anna Bergh, Nicole Gandre Lauridsen, Amie Lamoreaux Hesbach

Abstract

Goniometry is the measurement of joint angles with a conventional universal goniometer (UG) or a digital goniometer (DG). The UG is validated for use in dogs and cats. However, it demands both of the user's hands when measuring. To avoid this, a novel type of DG has been developed, simplifying measurement by offering single-hand usage. The objective of this study is to examine the concurrent validity of the DG. The study consists of measurement with the DG and UG for flexion of the carpus and fetlock on ten horses, and with the DG in flexion and neutral positioning of the fetlock on a sedated horse and corresponding radiographs, intra- and inter-tester reliability and a survey on user-friendliness. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with a significance of p < 0.05. The study showed significant differences in range of motion for the carpus and fetlock joint, a 2-3° difference comparing measurements on a sedated horse with corresponding radiographs, a "fair" to "excellent" inter-tester reliability and a "fair" to "almost perfect" intra-tester reliability, and the DG was easier to use than the UG. In conclusion, the novel DG may serve as a simple tool for measuring joint motion in equine rehabilitation patients.

Keywords: digital; equine; goniometry; joint range of motion; physiotherapy; rehabilitation; universal.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Digital goniometer, EasyAngle. (Photo: Nicole Gandre Lauridsen).
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Measurement of the fetlock joint with a universal goniometer. Measurement of the fetlock joint with a digital goniometer for the (b) start and (c) end positions (photo: Nicole Gandre Lauridsen).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Radiographic images of the fetlock joint in a (a) neutral position and in (b) flexion (photo: Nicole Gandre Lauridsen).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Concurrent validity of the digital goniometer, using the universal goniometer as the reference standard.

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