Inter- and Intra-rater Reliability of postural assessment for scoliosis

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to assess the inter- and intra-rater reliability of a postural assessment for detecting scoliosis between 4th year physical therapy (PT) students and PT specialists by using 30 postural indices. Material and Method: Six examiners, three 4th year PT students and 3 certified PT specialists, performed the postural indices on 10 asymptomatic subjects. Results: Inter-rater reliability between 4th year students and PT specialists and intra-rater reliability ranged from poor to almost perfect. Two items that needed rectification were PSIS level and iliac crest. Conclusion: There was a variable range of values in agreement either within or between examiners for the assessment of scoliosis screening. This shows that the assessment in scoliosis screening should be used with caution by 4th year students.