Abstract

Background: The Linear Excursion Measurement Device (LEMD) is used to detect and objectively record changes in cervical posture over time and in quantifying the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for posturerelated problems.
Objective: The study investigated the temporal stability and reliability of measurements obtained from the LEMD; and the influence of time of day on the measurements obtained.
Methods: The study involved 46 volunteering apparently healthy undergraduates (mean age 22.3 ± 2.26years). Vertical and horizontal movements at the selected landmarks were obtained from the LEMD (morning and afternoon) for four consecutive days, and the excursion angles computed for each day. Data obtained was presented using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, and analyzed using inferential statistics of Paired t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Level of significance was set at <0.05.
Results: Average total time of measurement per participant for the 4 days was 145 seconds. No significant difference was found between morning and afternoon values for computed excursion angles at both landmarks; and in the average daily computed excursion angles within the 4 days (p>0.05 in each case). A significant correlation existed between day 1 and 2 (r=0.247, r=0.316), day 1 and 3 (r=0.425, r=0.478), and day 1 and 4 (r=0.274, r=0.592) at both landmarks respectively.
Conclusions: LEMD is time efficient and reliable with temporal stability. It can be used by physiotherapists for assessing and quantifying improvement in patients with cervical spine problems.

Keywords: Cervical excursion angles; Linear excursion measurement device; Temporal stability