Reliability and reproducibility of a clinical application of a simple technique for repeated circumferential leg measurements

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and reproducibility of repeated tape measurements to assess the leg circumference during a long period. Methods A tape measure is a simple instrument that is applicable in the presence of oedema. Measurements were performed by four observers on 11 volunteers. Four measurements were done in the first week (short term), a fifth measurement at two weeks (medium term) and a sixth measurement was done at 12 weeks (long term). Results The short-, medium- and long-term intra-class correlation coefficients for repeated measurements were 0.90, 0.89 and 0.78, respectively. The short-term and long-term reproducibility indices equalled 4.4% and 6.5%. If only a single observer would be involved, the short-term intra-class correlation coefficients would improve to 0.94 (reproducibility index 3.3%). Conclusion Tape measurements have been proved to be a reliable and reproducible method to asses the lower limb circumference.