Intra- and inter-examiner reliability of head alignment assessment in sitting and standing positions

摘要

To verify the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the head anteriorization and inclination angles in the front and side views in sitting and standing positions and whether or not the measurements differ from the positions used. 78 people participated, aged 23.5?±5.8 years old, 63.7 ?± 10.3 kg of weight, and 166.5 ?± 8.2cm of height. The people were photographed in standing and sitting positions, following the protocol of Postural Assessment Evaluation Software (PAES). The horizontal head alignment was analyzed in anterior and lateral views (HHA_A; HHA_L). The vertical head alignment was analyzed in lateral view (VHA_L). Three evaluators analyzed the images, repeating the analysis seven days later. Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and paired t-test were applied with significance level of pa?¤0.05. From the inter-examiner reliability analysis, 3 out of the 6 evaluated angles were rated as excellent, 1 as acceptable and 1 as unacceptable. Regarding the level of intra-examiner reliability, in 10 assessments the ICC was rated as excellent, in 6 as very good, in 1 as acceptable and in 1 as unacceptable. No differences were observed between sitting and standing positions in the assessments made. The evaluations of head anteriorization and inclination angles in anterior and lateral views in sitting and standing positions were reliable when made by different examiners or by the same examiner in different days. Additionally, it was confirmed that evaluation results do not depend on the position used.