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Rehabilitative ultrasound (US) imaging is one of the popular methods for investigating muscle morphologic characteristics and dimensions in recent years. The reliability of this method has been investigated in different studies. As studies have been performed with different designs and quality, reported values of rehabilitative US have a wide range. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature conducted on the reliability of rehabilitative US imaging for the assessment of deep abdominal and lumbar trunk muscle dimensions. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence, Ovid, and CINAHL databases were searched to identify original research articles conducted on the reliability of rehabilitative US imaging published from June 2007 to August 2017. The articles were qualitatively assessed; reliability data were extracted; and the methodological quality was evaluated by 2 independent reviewers. Of the 26 included studies, 16 were considered of high methodological quality. Except for 2 studies, all high-quality studies reported intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intra-rater reliability of 0.70 or greater. Also, ICCs reported for inter-rater reliability in high-quality studies were generally greater than 0.70. Among low-quality studies, reported ICCs ranged from 0.26 to 0.99 and 0.68 to 0.97 for intra- and inter-rater reliability, respectively. Also, the reported standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for rehabilitative US were generally in an acceptable range. Generally, the results of the reviewed studies indicate that rehabilitative US imaging has good levels of both inter- and intra-rater reliability.

Background Context Measurement of cervical spine range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of cervical spine physiotherapy assessment. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of an iPhone application (app) (Goniometer Pro) for measuring active craniocervical ROM (ACCROM) in patients with non-specific neck pain. Study Design/Setting A cross-sectional study was conducted at the musculoskeletal biomechanics laboratory located at Iran University of Medical Sciences. Patient Sample Forty non-specific neck pain patients participated in this study. Outcome Measures The outcome measure was the ACCROM, including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Method Following the recruitment process, ACCROM was measured using a universal goniometer (UG) and iPhone 7 app. Two blinded examiners each used the UG and iPhone to measure ACCROM in the following sequences: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. The second (2 hours later) and third (48 hours later) sessions were carried out in the same manner as the first session. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models were used to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish concurrent validity of the iPhone app. Minimum detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) was also computed. Results Good intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was demonstrated for the goniometer with ICC values of ≥0.66 and ≥0.70 and the iPhone app with ICC values of ≥0.62 and ≥0.65, respectively. The MDC95 ranged from 2.21° to 12.50° for the intra-rater analysis and from 3.40° to 12.61° for the inter-rater analysis. The concurrent validity between the two instruments was high, with r valuesof ≥0.63. The magnitude of the differences between the UG and iPhone app values (effect sizes) was small, with Cohen d values of ≤0.17. Conclusions The iPhone app possesses good reliability and high validity. It seems that this app can be used for measuring ACCROM.

Objectives To evaluate Ultrasound Imaging (USI) reliability for measurement of lumbar multifidus (LMF) muscle thickness and cross sectional area (CSA) at rest and during contraction in patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation. Setting Laboratory. Design Reliability Study. Participants Thirty patients, aged 25–50 years (37.55 ± 9.55), with unilateral L4-L5 lumbar disc herniation participated in this study. Main outcome measures Thickness and CSA of LMF were measured using B-mode ultrasound by two raters in prone position. Results Same day and multiple day inter-rater and same day intra-rater reliability showed good to excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.91). Also standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for USI reliabilities ranged from 0.06 to 0.57 and 0.16 to 1.31, respectively. Conclusions Reliability of USI for measurements of LMF muscle thickness and CSA was high, and consistent with previous studies conducted on reliability of USI to measure LMF dimensions in other populations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between flexion-rotation test and ultrasound (US) thickness measurement of the antero-lateral abdominal muscles. DESIGN: Following ethical approval, a convenience sample of 55 subjects between the ages of 20 and 30 years participated in this study. Endurance of the abdominal muscles was measured using the flexion-rotation test in all subjects. US thickness measurement for the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and external oblique (EO) muscles was performed on the right side at rest in a supine position. RESULTS: The Pearson correlation coefficient between the variables of the study showed no significant relationship between the flexion-rotation test and US thickness measurements of the TrA (r = �0.03, P = 0.80), IO (r = �0.13, P = 0.32), and EO (r = �0.14, P = 0.31) muscles. The significance level of 0.05 was chosen. CONCLUSION: It seems that there is no significant relationship between the flexion-rotation test and US measurement of abdominal muscles thickness.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate lumbar lordosis during sit-to-stand (STS) and stand-to-sit (SIT) in individuals with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). The second objective was to investigate sex-related differences in lumbar lordosis. Methods Twenty-six patients with CNLBP and 26 controls were recruited. Controls were matched with cases using a frequency matching method. Reflective markers were placed over the spinous process of T12, L3, S2, and the anterior and posterior superior iliac spines. The participants were instructed to stand up at a self-selected pace and maintain their normal upright standing posture for 3 seconds, and then sit down. Kinematic data were recorded at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz using a motion capture system. Lumbar lordosis angle was calculated from the intersection between the line joining T12 and L3, and the line joining L3 to S2. Results Lumbar lordosis was decreased in patients with CNLBP during STS and SIT compared with the asymptomatic group (mean difference = 2.68°-9.32°; P ≤ .005). Furthermore, no differences were seen in lumbar lordosis at starting position between CNLBP and asymptomatic groups during STS and SIT (mean difference = 2.68°-3.75°; P ≥ .099). Interestingly, the magnitude of the effect size suggested that the difference in lumbar lordosis values between female and male participants was relatively large (Cohen's d = -1.81 to 0.20). Conclusion Decreased lumbar lordosis in patients with CNLBP during STS and SIT could be considered as an important point during rehabilitation. Moreover, the present study showed that there is a sex-related difference among women and men in lumbar lordosis during STS and SIT tasks.

Translation, cross-culturally adaptation and validation of a Persian version of COOP/WONCA charts in Persian-speaking Iranians with multiple sclerosis (MS).The Persian version of COOP/WONCA charts was developed after a standard forward translation, synthesis and backward translation. A total of 197 subjects with MS participated in this study. They were asked to complete the COOP/WONCA charts and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). The COOP/WONCA charts were re-administered to 50 patients, 4 weeks after the first session. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was also scored for each subject by the referring physician. Construct validity was assessed by testing linear relationship between corresponding domains of the COOP/WONCA charts, the SF-36 and the EDSS. Test-retest reliability was examined using interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) values.Related domains of COOP/WONCA charts and SF-36 demonstrated strong linear relationships with Spearman's coefficients ranging from -0.51 to -0.75 (p 0.05). Physical fitness and daily activity charts also demonstrated strong relationships with the EDSS by Spearman's coefficients of 0.65 and 0.50, respectively (p 0.05). The ICC values for most of COOP/WONCA charts domains were acceptable (0.70) except for feelings and quality-of-life domains that were 0.50 and 0.51, respectively.The Persian version of the COOP/WONCA charts was shown to be psychometrically appropriate to evaluate the functional level and quality of life in Persian-speaking Iranians with MS. Implications for rehabilitation COOP/WONCA charts are now available in Persian and demonstrate good psychometric properties. COOP/WONCA charts demonstrate excellent reliability and construct validity in a Persian-speaking Iranian population with MS. Minimal detectable change in COOP/WONCA is now available in MS to guide within and between group analyses. Knowledge on a wide variety of physical, mental and emotional parameters as well as the status of patients' symptoms, daily activities and quality of life helps rehabilitation clinicians and service providers plan preventive and remedial interventions more effectively.

Context: Clinical evaluation of the spine is commonplace in musculoskeletal therapies, such as physiotherapy, physical medicine/rehabilitation, osteopathic, and chiropractic clinics. Sit-to-stand (STS) is one of the most mechanically demanding daily activities and crucial to independence. Difficulty or inability to perform STS is common in individuals with a variety of motor disabilities, such as low back pain (LBP). Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate available evidence in literature to determine 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional kinematics of the spine during STS in patients with LBP and healthy young adult participants using motion analysis systems (electromagnetic and marker based). Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE [National Library of Medicine], Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) were searched between January 2002 and February 2017. Additionally, the reference lists of the articles that met the inclusion criteria were also searched. Prospective studies published in peer-reviewed journals, with full text available in English, investigating the kinematics of the spine during STS in healthy subjects (mean age between 18 and 50 y) or in patients with LBP using motion analysis systems, were included. Sixteen studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All information relating to methodology and kinematic modeling of the spine segments along with the outcome measures was extracted from the studies identified for synthesis. Results: The results indicated that the kinematics of the spine are greatly changed in patients with LBP. In order to develop a better understanding of spine kinematics, studies recommended that the trunk should be analyzed as a multisegment. It has been shown that there is no difference between the kinematics of patients with LBP and healthy population when the spine is analyzed as a single segment. Furthermore, between-gender differences are present during STS movement. Conclusion: This review provided a valuable summary of the research to date examining the kinematics of the spine during STS.

Measurement of wrist range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of wrist physical examination. The measurement can be carried out through various instruments such as goniometers and inclinometers. Recent smartphones have been equipped with accelerometers and magnetometers, which, through specific software applications (apps) can be used for goniometric functions. This study, for the first time, aimed to evaluate the reliability and concurrent validity of a new smartphone goniometric app (Goniometer Pro©) for measuring active wrist ROM. In all, 120 wrists of 70 asymptomatic adults (38 men and 32 women; aged 18–40 years) were assessed in a physiotherapy clinic located at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Science and Health Services, Tehran, Iran. Following the recruitment process, active wrist ROM was measured using a universal goniometer and iPhone(®) 5 app. Two blinded examiners each utilized the universal goniometer and iPhone(®) to measure active wrist ROM using a volar/dorsal alignment technique in the following sequences: flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation. The second (2 h later) and third (48 h later) sessions were carried out in the same manner as the first session. All the measurements were conducted three times and the mean value of three repetitions for each measurement was used for analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models (3, k) and (2, k) were used to determine the intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish concurrent validity of the iPhone(®) app. Good to excellent intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability was demonstrated for the goniometer with ICC values of ≥ 0.82 and ≥ 0.73 and the iPhone(®) app with ICC values of ≥ 0.83 and ≥ 0.79, respectively. Minimum detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC (95)) was computed as 1.96 × standard error of measurement × √2. The MDC (95) ranged from 1.66° to 5.35° for the intra‐rater analysis and from 1.97° to 6.15° for the inter‐rater analysis. The concurrent validity between the two instruments was high, with r values of ≥ 0.80. From the results of this cross‐sectional study, it can be concluded that the iPhone(®) app possesses good to excellent intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability and concurrent validity. It seems that this app can be used for the measurement of wrist ROM. However, further research is needed to evaluate symptomatic subjects using this app.

Introduction Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common condition in adults and can impose a heavy burden on both the individual and society. It is defined as displacement of disc components beyond the intervertebral disc space. Various conservative treatments have been recommended for the treatment of LDH and physical therapy plays a major role in the management of patients. Therapeutic exercise is effective for relieving pain and improving function in individuals with symptomatic LDH. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of motor control exercise (MCE) for symptomatic LDH. Methods and analysis We will include all clinical trial studies with a concurrent control group which evaluated the effect of MCEs in patients with symptomatic LDH. We will search PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, CENTRAL and EMBASE with no restriction of language. Primary outcomes of this systematic review are pain intensity and functional disability and secondary outcomes are functional tests, muscle thickness, quality of life, return to work, muscle endurance and adverse events. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers. The assessment of risk of bias will be implemented using the PEDro scale. Publication bias will be assessed by funnel plots, Begg9s and Egger9s tests. Heterogeneity will be evaluated using the I 2 statistic and the χ 2 test. In addition, subgroup analyses will be conducted for population and the secondary outcomes. All meta-analyses will be performed using Stata V.12 software. Ethics and dissemination No ethical concerns are predicted. The systematic review findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will also be presented at national/international academic and clinical conferences. Trial registration number CRD42016038166.

BackgroundMeasurement of lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of lumbar spine physiotherapy and orthopedic assessment. The measurement can be carried out through various instruments such as inclinometers, goniometers, and etc. Recent smartphones have been equipped with accelerometers and magnetometers, which, through specific software applications (apps) can be used for inclinometric functions.PurposeThe main purpose was to investigate the reliability and validity of an iPhone®app (TiltMeter©-advanced level and inclinometer) for measuring standing lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM in asymptomatic subjects.DesignA cross-sectional study was carried out.SettingThis study was conducted in a physiotherapy clinic located at School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Science and Health Services, Tehran, Iran.SubjectsA convenience sample of 30 asymptomatic adults (15 males; 15 females; age range = 18–55 years) was recruited between August 2015 and December 2015.MethodsFollowing a 2–minute warm-up, the subjects were asked to stand in a relaxed position and their skin was marked at the T12–L1and S1–S2spinal levels. From this position, they were asked to perform maximum lumbar flexion followed by maximum lumbar extension with their knees straight. Two blinded raters each used an inclinometer and the iPhone®app to measure lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM. A third rater read the measured angles. To calculate total lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM, the measurement from S1–S2was subtracted from T12–L1. The second (2 hours later) and third (48 hours later) sessions were carried out in the same manner as the first session. All of the measurements were conducted 3 times and the mean value of 3 repetitions for each measurement was used for analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models (3, k) and (2, k) were used to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish concurrent validity of the iPhone®app. Furthermore, minimum detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) was computed as 1.96 × standard error of measurement × $\sqrt{2}$.ResultsGood to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were demonstrated for both the gravity-based inclinometer with ICC values of ≥0.84 and ≥0.77 and the iPhone®app with ICC values of ≥0.85 and ≥0.85, respectively. The MDC95ranged from 5.82°to 8.18°for the intra-rater analysis and from 7.38°to 8.66° for the inter-rater analysis. The concurrent validity for flexion and extension between the 2 instruments was 0.85 and 0.91, respectively.ConclusionsThe iPhone®app possesses good to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity. It seems that the iPhone®app can be used for the measurement of lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM.Level of evidenceIIb.

Introduction/Background Measurement of cervical spine range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of cervical spine physiotherapy assessment. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of an iPhone application (app) (Goniometer Pro) for measuring active craniocervical ROM (ACCROM) in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Material and method A cross-sectional study was conducted at the musculoskeletal biomechanics laboratory located at Iran University of Medical Sciences. Forty nonspecific neck pain patients participated in this study. The outcome measure was the ACCROM, including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Following the recruitment process, ACCROM was measured using a universal goniometer (UG) and iPhone 7 app. Two blinded examiners each used the UG and iPhone to measure ACCROM in the following sequences: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. The second (2 hours later) and third (48 hours later) sessions were carried out in the same manner as the first session. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models were used to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish concurrent validity of the iPhone app. Minimum detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) was also computed. Results Good intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was demonstrated for the goniometer with ICC values of ≥ 0.66 and ≥ 0.70 and the iPhone app with ICC values of ≥ 0.62 and ≥ 0.65, respectively. The MDC95 ranged from 2.21° to 12.50° for the intra-rater analysis and from 3.40° to 12.61° for the inter-rater analysis. The concurrent validity between the two instruments was high, with r values of ≥ 0.63. The magnitude of the differences between the UG and iPhone app values (effect sizes) was small, with Cohen d values of ≤ 0.17. Conclusion The iPhone app possesses good reliability and high validity. It seems that this app can be used for measuring ACCROM.

Background Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder in the different societies. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the side-lying endurance test and ultrasound thickness measurement of the anterolateral abdominal muscles. Patients and Methods A convenience sample of 55 subjects, aged 20 - 30 years, participated in this study. Endurance of abdominal muscles was measured using side-lying endurance test in all subjects. Ultrasound thickness measurement for the Transverses Abdominis (TVA), Internal Oblique (IO), and External Oblique (EO) muscles was performed on the right side at rest in supine position. Results The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the variables of the study showed no significant relationship between the side-lying endurance test and ultrasound thickness measurements of TVA (r = 0.06, P = 0.65), IO (r = 0.06, P = 0.62), and EO (r = 0.08, P = 0.54) muscles. The significance level of 0.05 was chosen. Conclusions It seems that there is no significant relationship between the side-lying endurance test and abdominal muscles thickness.

Background: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is among the most prevalent health problems. Lumbar spine and hips kinematics and coordination can be affected in CNLBP. The effects of exercises on the kinematics and coordination of lumbar spine and hips during sit-to-stand (STS) and its reverse have not been evaluated. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of core stabilization exercise on the kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hip during STS and its reverse in CNLBP patients. Methods: COSCIOUS is a parallel randomized double-blind controlled trial. A total of 30 CNLBP patients and 15 asymptomatic participants will be included. The kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hips will be evaluated during STS and its reverse using a motion capture system. The participants will be asked to sit in their usual posture on a stool. Reflective markers will be placed over the T12, S2, anterior and posterior superior iliac spines, greater trochanters, and lateral femoral epicondyles of both legs. The participants will be instructed to stand up at natural speed, remain in the erect posture for 3 seconds, and then sit down. Kinematic variables of the lumbar spine and hip will be computed. Afterward, the CNLBP participants will be allocated at random to receive one of 2 interventions: core stabilization or general exercise. Treatment sessions will be held 3 times per week for 16 sessions. After intervention, CNLBP participants will be assessed again. Results: Funding for the study was provided in 2016 by Iran University of Medical Sciences. The study is expected to last approximately 12 months, depending on recruitment. Findings on the study’s primary outcomes are expected to be finalized by December 2017. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusions: This investigation will evaluate the effects of core stabilization exercise on the kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hip during STS and its reverse in patients with CNLBP. In addition, the effects of CNLBP on STS and its reverse will be investigated in COSCIOUS. Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2016080812953N2; http://en.search.irct.ir/view/32003?format=xml (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qjTWd4Az) [JMIR Res Protoc 2017;6(6):e109]