Correlation among Non-radiological Measurements for Thoracic Kyphosis

Correlation among Non-radiological Measurements for Thoracic Kyphosis

Background: Although there are many measurements for thoracic kyphosis using non-radiological, correlation between the continuous measurement and selective measurement is unclear. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation among Spinal Mouse (continuous measurement), Flexicurve and Arcometer (selective measurement). Study design: Correlation study Methods: 89 healthy participants were measured by non-radiological measurement tools (Spinal Mouse, Flexicurve and Arcometer) for thoracic kyphosis. Results: The correlation between the Spinal mouse and Flexicurve measurements of thoracic kyphosis was good (ICC=0.53, 95% CI=0.37–0.67). And the correlation between the Spinal Mouse and Arcometer measurements of thoracic kyphosis was good (ICC=0.58, 95% CI=0.42–0.70). The mean difference between the Spinal Mouse and Arcometer was 12.70 degree (difference between Spinal Mouse and Arcometer), between the Spinal mouse and Flexicurve was 23.83 degree (difference between Spinal Mouse and Flexicurve). Conclusions: While Flexicurve, Arcometer are highly correlated to the Spinal Mouse, they have poor agreement. Therefore, physical therapists should take caution when interpreting its results.