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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research article

The quality of evidence of psychometric properties of three-dimensional spinal posture-measuring instruments

Authors: Yolandi Brink, Quinette Louw, Karen Grimmer-Somers

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Psychometric properties include validity, reliability and sensitivity to change. Establishing the psychometric properties of an instrument which measures three-dimensional human posture are essential prior to applying it in clinical practice or research.

Methods

This paper reports the findings of a systematic literature review which aimed to 1) identify non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) human posture-measuring instruments; and 2) assess the quality of reporting of the methodological procedures undertaken to establish their psychometric properties, using a purpose-build critical appraisal tool.

Results

Seventeen instruments were identified, of which nine were supported by research into psychometric properties. Eleven and six papers respectively, reported on validity and reliability testing. Rater qualification and reference standards were generally poorly addressed, and there was variable quality reporting of rater blinding and statistical analysis.

Conclusions

There is a lack of current research to establish the psychometric properties of non-invasive 3D human posture-measuring instruments.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The quality of evidence of psychometric properties of three-dimensional spinal posture-measuring instruments
Authors
Yolandi Brink
Quinette Louw
Karen Grimmer-Somers
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-93

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