An investigation to examine the inter-tester and intra-tester reliability and sensitivity of the Rolimeter® knee tester

Hatcher, JO; Hatcher, A; Arbuthnot, J; McNicholas, M

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Rolimeter® knee tester (Aircast®, Europe) as reliable and clinically sensitive tool for identifying and quantifying knee joint laxity utilising a sample of both known ACLD and normal knees.

Methods
Thirty matched subjects (15 known ACLD and 15 normal subjects) were tested for knee joint laxity using the Rolimeter®. Each subject was measured at both 90° and 30° of knee flexion, by each of the six investigators. This was then repeated again by all six investigators so that inter-tester and intra-tester reliability could be examined.

Results
Results showed that there was good reliability between testers, and intra-tester reliability was good for both left and right knees in both 90° and 30° of flexion. Results also demonstrated a high level of sensitivity for determining knee joint laxity in ACLD compared to normal knees.

Conclusion
The Rolimeter® knee tester is a reliable device for quantifying knee joint laxity, and is sensitive enough to identify anterior cruciate ligament deficiency.

Citation

Hatcher, J., Hatcher, A., Arbuthnot, J., & McNicholas, M. (2005). An investigation to examine the inter-tester and intra-tester reliability and sensitivity of the Rolimeter® knee tester. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 23(6), 1399-1403

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 10, 2005
• Online Publication Date: Aug 3, 2005
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Aug 6, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Orthopaedic Research
• Print ISSN: 0736-0266
• Electronic ISSN: 1554-527X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1399-1403
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orthres.2005.06.003
• Related Public URLs: https://www-sciencedirect-com.salford.idm.oclc.org/science/journal/07360266