Examine the accuracy of visual estimates of various joint angles by physical therapists at various levels of education and clinical practice, taking into account years of experience, areas of practices and specialty certifications.
Physical therapists oftentimes will estimate rather than measure joint range of motion. The accuracy of visual estimates of various joint measurements has not been previously assessed. No comparison has been done for years of experience and accuracy of estimations. This study will create a survey with pictures of joints at previously measured angles and therapists and students will be asked to estimate the range of motion. Various statistical analyses will be performed to determine accuracy and comparisons.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
522
No interventions separated the groups. Each group reviewed pictures and wrote down their estimated ROM of the joint pictured.
Methodist University, North Carolina
Fayetteville, North Carolina, United States
Comparison of estimated ROM to actual ROM
Compare the estimated ROM provided by the student/clinician to the actual measured ROM of the joint of the model.
Time frame: 6 months after completion of survey
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