Intra-Examiner and Inter-Examiner Reliability of Goniometer for Active Cervical Contra-Lateral Flexion and Algometer for Pressure Pain Threshold in Upper Trapezius Muscle in Asymptomatic Young Adult Women

Measurement of Active Cervical Contra-Lateral Flexion (ACCLF) and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) is an integral part of the patients' assessment with myofascial pain syndrome and cervical disorders. This study aimed to investigate the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of goniometer in measuring ACCLF and algometer in measuring PPT in the upper trapezius muscle.

ACCLF and PPT in upper trapezius muscle were measured in 20 healthy young adult female volunteers. Measurements were performed in two sessions one hour apart by two examiners, each consisting of 3 trials with 60-second rest periods. Data analysis was performed using the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM).

For ACCLF measurement with the goniometer, the intra-examiner reliability was as follows: first examiner in first session=0.985, first examiner in second session=0.959, and the inter-examiner reliability was first session=0.954 and second session=0.969. For PPT measurement with the algometer, the intra-examiner reliability was as follows: first examiner in first session=0.928, first examiner in second session=0.877 and the inter-examiner reliability were: first session=0.742 and second session=0.866.

Goniometer and algometer exhibited a good inter- and intra-examiner reliability in measuring ACCLF and PPT, respectively, in the upper trapezoid muscle.