The Effectiveness and Accurateness of Goniometric Devices in Lower Extremity Injuries
Date
2018
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Publisher
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry, The University of Tampa
Abstract
Background: Lower extremity injuries add up to be the leading cause of emergency room visits and trauma hospitalizations among people aged under 65 years’ old. Goniometers are the devices clinically used to measure range of motion of various joints in patients receiving treatment or therapy following an injury or procedure. Although goniometric devices allow for simple measurements and are relatively cheap to manufacture, they have limitations that need to be addressed.
Research Question and Hypothesis: The research question of this study is as follows: Do traditional and modern goniometric devices provide accurate joint range of motion measurement among adult patients with lower extremity operations and/or injuries in the United States? The hypothesis of this research study is that advanced modern goniometric devices are more accurate than traditional goniometric devices.
Objectives: This research aims to examine the accuracy of goniometric devices, to determine whether or not the accuracy of these goniometric devices impacts the recovery process of patients, and to assess if new range of motion devices are more accurate and effective than traditional devices.
Methods: This study is structured as a Quasi-experimental study which includes 4 phases. Phase 1 includes a pretest to determine overall range of motion, Phase 2 collects measurements utilizing traditional goniometers, Phase 3 collects measurements utilizing modern goniometers, and Phase 4 concludes with a post-test to reexamine overall joint range of motion. With IRB approval, 380 participants over the age of 18 will be recruited from Tampa General Hospital, Florida Hospital Tampa, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and/or Tampa Community Hospital.
Analysis: Statistical analyses will be run to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive of each goniometric device. These results will be compared amongst the two groups of goniometric assessment devices.
Description
Recommended Citation: May, Rebecca. “The Effectiveness and Accurateness of Goniometric Devices in Lower Extremity Injuries.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, 2018. https://doi.org/10.48497/JHNB-XJ03.
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Keywords
Trauma, Range of motion
Citation
May, Rebecca. “The Effectiveness and Accurateness of Goniometric Devices in Lower Extremity Injuries.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, 2018. https://doi.org/10.48497/JHNB-XJ03.