Reliability And Validity Of Smartphone Application For The Measurement Of Sagittal Shoulder Angle, Cranio Horizontal Angle And Cranio Vertebral Angle

Abstract

Background: In terms of measuring angles there is much clinical significance to the use of angle measurements to monitor the objective physical characteristics of a patient, track their rehabilitation and to prevent injuries with work activities. A number of software applications are available for the purpose listed above; one of these; the APECS Smartphone Application, and the application will be discussed in this study. FHP is defined as the forward displacement of the head in relationship to the body's plumbline (center of gravity) and often associated with excessive extension of the upper cervical spine; flattening of the lower cervical spine; rounding of the upper back; and elevation and forward displacement of the shoulders. There are many complications associated with forward head posture; therefore, accurately measuring head posture has become a critical part of everyday clinical practice when assessing a patient and developing & implementing a successful treatment plan., therefore it was the purpose of this study to develop and validate a cost effective & reliable method that is readily available to measure all 3 types of angles (sagittal shoulder angle, cranio-horizontal angle, cranio-vertebral angle) associated with forward head posture and to allow for easy evaluation of patients' forward head posture. Subjects & method: A total of 50 subjects (30 Males and 20 Females) were recruited in this study. Subjects were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All angles were measured in the standing position. Sagittal plane Measurements for each participant were recorded to objectively evaluate SSA, CHA, & CVA using APECS smartphone application and Surgimap system software. Results: Intra-rater reliability of each reading of APECS showed good results, i.e. ICC value of SSA = 0.98, CHA=0.97 and CVA=0.98 and this study revealed that APECS Smartphone application were highly significant for measuring sagittal shoulder angle, cranio-horizontal angle and cranio-vertebral angle in standing position. Conclusion: A significant correlation was found between postural angles measured using the APECS smartphone application and Surgimap system software which supports that APECS is a highly reliable and valid clinical tool for assessing and evaluating sagittal shoulder angle, cranio horizontal angle and cranio vertebral angle in standing position.