Concurrent validity and reliability of two-dimensional video analysis of hip and knee joint motion during mechanical lifting

• Published in: Physiotherapy theory and practice 2011-10, Vol.27 (7), p.521-530
• Main Authors: Norris, Beth S, Olson, Sharon L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Angles; Arthrometry, Articular; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Hip Joint - physiology; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Interrater reliability; Kinematics; Knee Joint - physiology; Lifting; Observer Variation; Range of Motion, Articular; Reproducibility of Results; Task Performance and Analysis; Test-Retest reliability; Texas; Videotapes; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.3109/09593985.2010.533745

Movement patterns used during mechanical lifting are usually assessed subjectively by clinicians as a stoop or squat based on visual estimation of joint motion and position. Two-dimensional (2D) video analysis has the potential to objectively measure joint motion during a mechanical lifting task. This study investigated concurrent validity, intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliability of 2D video analysis using Dartfish software for the measurement of sagittal plane angles at the hip and knee during mechanical lifting. Fifteen healthy female participants (mean age 27.1 ± 7.1 years) were recruited to perform mechanical lifting on 2 separate test days. Concurrent validity was determined by comparing 2D derived hip and knee flexion angles to goniometric measures. Intrarater and interrater reliability of the 2D kinematic procedures was determined by using examiners with varying experience in the use of Dartfish software. Between-day test-retest reliability of hip and knee 2D kinematics during mechanical lifting was assessed. Concurrent validity of 2D angle analysis using Dartfish software was supported by high correlations (Pearson r ≥ 0.95) and nonsignificant differences between 2D and goniometric measures of sagittal plane hip and knee motion. Both intrarater and interrater reliability values of hip and knee flexion angles were excellent (ICC ≥ 0.91). ICCs for test-retest reliability were 0.79 and 0.91 for hip and knee flexion, respectively. These findings and the ease of data capture using this system provide support for the clinical utility of 2D video analysis to provide objective measures of movement patterns at the hip and knee during a dynamic functional task.