Comparison of Inclinometer and Radiological Measurement in the Evaluation of Columna Vertebralis Movements

Abstract

Spinal movements can often be measured during clinical, physical and functional evaluation of individuals. One of the preferred tools for the measurement of these movements is inclinometers. Considering that valid scientific methods should be used for musculoskeletal assessment, the aim of this study is to conduct a literature review on the validity of inclinometers to measure spinal movements. The PubMed electronic database was searched using the keywords "inclinometer", "spine", "vertebrae" and "columna vertebralis". The study analysis process included reading titles, abstracts and full texts. After checking the established criteria, six articles met the criteria for inclusion in the review. The design of all included studies was a combination of radiographic measurement of the spine and angular measurements obtained by inclinometer. Variability was observed in the data collection methods used and the results of the studies. It is recommended that inclinometers be used by health professionals based on scientific evidence, and the results and methodological aspects used in validity studies of these tools should be taken into account.