A Systematic Review of Methods to Measure Posture

Author: Tyson, Sarah

Source: Physical Therapy Reviews, Volume 8, Number 1, March 2003 , pp. 45-50(6)

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Abstract:

The restoration of normal posture is an important aspect of stroke physiotherapy, because normal activity is thought essential for effective function. However, there is little evidence to support (or refute) this belief. To test this, suitable measurement tools are needed. They need to be reliable, valid, sensitive, and suitable for all settings applicable to a wide range of stroke severity. A systematic review of methods to measure posture was undertaken to identify suitable measurement tools. CINAHL, Medline and Embase databases were searched for measurement tools which measured posture and could be used in clinical settings with stroke patients. Four groups of tools were identified: (i) ordinal scales; (ii) goniometry; (iii) devices to measure the distance between bony points; and (iv) miscellaneous others. All had some information about their psychometric properties, but few had been rigorously tested. None fulfilled all the assessment criteria. Therefore, future studies will attempt to devise a measurement tool which does meet all required criteria.

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Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/108331903225001390

Publication date: 2003-03-01

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