The SpinalMeter biometrical assessment to improve posture diagnosis in school-age girls: a validation study

Introduction: Assessing spinal deformities using an X-ray radiation is the method of choice for posture diagnosis. It is also used for the evaluation of the degree of correction, brace fit, and spinal balance as well as for further management decisions. However, multiple X-ray exposures during control visits could be too burdensome for children. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the precision and repeatability of measurement of the variables obtained by a fast, simple postural evaluation in children by the SpinalMeter. Material and methods: The measurements of the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and SpinalMeter posture assessments were performed 8 to 10 times in a short period of time (6 s). The overall of 300 photos (SpinalMeter) and 1020 measurements (asymmetry, distance between anthropometric points as well as ATR) were obtained from 6 girls (8–15 years old). The validation study comprised of the repeatability, interclass correlation coefficient (Qw) and relative standard deviation (rSD) measurements. Results and discussion: The measurements of the distance between acromion–popliteal fossa, acromion–iliac crest, and acromion–posterior superior iliac spine obtained by SpinalMeter were clearly repeatable (Qw > 0.9). The scapular and pelvic asymmetry in standing and sitting positions were highly repeatable and had low rSD (e.g. for scapular asymmetry 5.6%–80.3%; Qw > 0.8). Conclusions: The precise and reliable postural biometrical measurements were performed by SpinalMeter in the case of the distance between anthropometric points and asymmetry of pelvis and scapula. These measurements could be useful in the assessment of girl’s posture when visiting the pediatrician.