The reliability of card-based and tablet-based left/right judgment measurements

• Published in: Musculoskeletal science & practice 2018-02, Vol.33, p.105-109
• Main Authors: Zimney, Kory J, Wassinger, Craig A, Goranson, James, Kingsbury, Tarkenton, Kuhn, Taylor, Morgan, Sarah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Card-based measurement; Left/right judgement; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Reliability; Table-based measurement
• ISSN: 2468-7812; 2468-7812
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.09.002

Abstract Background Left/right judgment (LRJ) measurement is a potential way to identify dysfunction in cortical body maps, and to measure improvement related to corresponding treatments. Few studies have explored the reliability of various methods for LRJ measurement. Objectives To determine measurement reliability of LRJ utilizing two methods: card-based (CB) and tablet-based (TB). Establish minimal detectable difference (MDD) for accuracy and reaction time for both assessments. Methods Testing was done over two different days. Session 1 consisted of testing LRJ utilizing CB assessment with photos of left and right hands over two trial periods. The TB format was also tested over two trial periods. Session 2 tested with the CB assessment for two trial periods. 40 images were used in the basic upright position for both CB and TB formats. Results Fifty participants (N = 50; female = 35) with an average age of 24.3 (range 19–35) were studied. ICC (2,k) for reaction time for both methods were >0.84. The MDD for reaction time was between 0.19 and 0.49 s for various test points for both methods. Combined left and right accuracy ICC (2,k) for both methods were >0.51, with MDD between 5 and 14%. Conclusions This study examined the reliability and MDD for the LRJ measurement for card and tablet-based assessments. Generally, LRJ reaction time had good reliability, while accuracy had moderate reliability and varied between testing methods.