This blog post is the start of our series, Athletic Training Research in Action. This series focuses on our second year graduate students' research theses and how it makes an impact on clinical practice.
My thesis examines the ImageJ software program to determine if it a valid and reliable tool for range of motion measurements at the hip. The basis of this project is to provide Athletic Trainer’s with a more accurate and reliable range of motion measurement tool that can be used during clinical practice. Data collection in the study is ongoing but we are looking forward to analyzing the data in the coming weeks. The ImageJ software program was originally developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide accurate digital measurements and has since been utilized in many interesting ways including digitizing information for accurate joint measurements. To utilize ImageJ for a goniometric measurement tool, the practitioner simply takes a picture with an iPhone, iPad, digital camera, or any other digital recording device in line with the axis of motion. The picture is then examined using the ImageJ on a tablet or computer.
The second part of my study utilizes handheld dynamometry to measure strength at the hip. We are comparing traditional manual muscle testing techniques with handheld dynamometry (clinician providing the resistance) to manual muscle testing techniques with handheld dynamometry against an immovable brace. The aim of this study is to determine a more reliable MMT technique to provide objective measures of strength.
This is important for Athletic Trainers because as we continue to lobby for insurance reimbursement we need to have specific and accurate patient outcome measurements. Without these specific measurements we have no record of patient improvement during the rehabilitation process. The current methods we utilize (standard goniometry and grading on a 1-5 strength scale) can be subjective and may not have strong inter- and intra-rater reliability. If we can demonstrate that we are providing more accurate and reliable measurements of range of motion and strength we can provide insurance companies the objectivity which they are looking for in patient outcome improvements.
The underlying theme of my thesis is that the profession should continue to adapt and utilize technology to improve patient care. Both of the aforementioned techniques help us move in that direction. When the technology is available and empirically examined, we need to adapt and give ourselves the best opportunity to provide the best patient care. I hope that this research lead to more clinicians utilizing technology appropriately in patient evaluation to improve and measure patient progress.
Justin Police, LAT, ATC
The second part of my study utilizes handheld dynamometry to measure strength at the hip. We are comparing traditional manual muscle testing techniques with handheld dynamometry (clinician providing the resistance) to manual muscle testing techniques with handheld dynamometry against an immovable brace. The aim of this study is to determine a more reliable MMT technique to provide objective measures of strength.
This is important for Athletic Trainers because as we continue to lobby for insurance reimbursement we need to have specific and accurate patient outcome measurements. Without these specific measurements we have no record of patient improvement during the rehabilitation process. The current methods we utilize (standard goniometry and grading on a 1-5 strength scale) can be subjective and may not have strong inter- and intra-rater reliability. If we can demonstrate that we are providing more accurate and reliable measurements of range of motion and strength we can provide insurance companies the objectivity which they are looking for in patient outcome improvements.
The underlying theme of my thesis is that the profession should continue to adapt and utilize technology to improve patient care. Both of the aforementioned techniques help us move in that direction. When the technology is available and empirically examined, we need to adapt and give ourselves the best opportunity to provide the best patient care. I hope that this research lead to more clinicians utilizing technology appropriately in patient evaluation to improve and measure patient progress.
Justin Police, LAT, ATC
RSS Feed
