A comparison of device measures of dorsal first ray mobility.
BACKGROUND
Devices built by Glasoe and Klaue have been used in several studies to measure first ray mobility. Both devices measure sagittal motion of the first ray in a dorsal direction. The primary difference in the devices is the method of the load imposed. This study investigates whether first ray mobility measured with the Glasoe device is similar to the amount of mobility measured with the Klaue device.


METHODS
Using the devices described by Glasoe and Klaue, dorsal first ray mobility was measured in 39 patients who had foot and ankle problems. Paired t-tests were computed to assess for differences between device measures of dorsal mobility. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and absolute difference values were computed to further assess the agreement in measures.


RESULTS
Dorsal mobility measured with the Glasoe device averaged 4.9 mm (1.8 to 9.3 mm). Dorsal mobility measured with the Klaue device averaged 5.2 mm (2.5 to 8.5 mm). Paired t-tests (p = 0.12) revealed no significant difference in measures. An ICC of 0.70 and a mean absolute difference of 0.9 mm (SD 0.8) were found between the two clinical measures further suggesting agreement.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that the two devices possess similar diagnostic accuracy in the measurement of dorsal first ray mobility.
Glasoe
Ward M
WM
University of Minnesota, Physical Therapy Program, MMC388, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. glaso008@umn.edu
Grebing
Brett R
BR
Beck
Susan
S
Coughlin
Michael J
MJ
Saltzman
Charles L
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results