Article

Clinicians commonly assess posture in persons with musculoskeletal
disorders and tend to do so subjectively. Evidence-based practice requires the
use of valid, reliable and sensitive tools to monitor treatment effectiveness.
The purpose of this article was
to determine which methods were used to assess
posture quantitatively in a clinical setting and to identify psychometric
properties of posture indices measured from these methods or tools. We
conducted a comprehensive literature review. Pertinent databases were used to
search for articles on quantitative clinical assessment of posture. Searching
keywords were related to posture and assessment, scoliosis, back pain,
reliability, validity and different body segments.
RESULTS: We identified 65
articles with angle and distance posture indices that corresponded to our search
criteria. Several studies showed good intra- and inter-rater reliability for
measurements taken directly on the persons (e.g., goniometer, inclinometer,
flexible curve and tape measurement) or from photographs, but the validity of
these measurements was not always demonstrated. CONCLUSION:
Taking measurements
of all body angles directly on the person is a lengthy process and may affect the
reliability of the measurements. Measurement of body angles from photographs may
be the most accurate and rapid way to assess global posture quantitatively in a clinical setting.

Langue : ANGLAIS