The spinal mouse validity and reliability in measurement of thoracic and lumbar vertebral curvatures

Objective of this research was conducted to evaluate the validity of this device to measure the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles, compared with that of radiography and also to evaluate its Intera-tester reliability and Inter-tester reliability.
To evaluate the validity of spinal mouse device in measuring angle values of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, 20 subjects who referred to one of the Imaging Centers of Tehran to get full spine radiography in profile view according to prescription of specialist physician, were selected. Input and output indexes were assessed and measurements were performed by two methods in one day and no spaces. Finally, angles in the X-ray method with Cobb way and in the mouse spinal with results recorded on the screen, were compared with the Pearson correlation coefficient.To assess Intera-tester reliability 30 male students of University of Theran were randomly assigned included into the research so that measurements in three times in three consecutive days, As well as for Inter-tester reliability 15 male students of University of Tehran in two time with an interval of one minute were measured by two examiners. The result were analyzed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient.
Results of Pearson correlation coefficient test showed that the spinal mouse device has desirable validity in measuring angle values of thoracic kyphosis (r=0.81, P=0.001) and lumbar lordosis (r=0.86, P=0.001) compared with radiography image. Also Intera-tester reliability and Inter-tester reliability of spinal mouse device was desirable for measuring angle values of thoracic kyphosis (ICC=0.92, ICC=0.79) and lumbar lordosis (ICC=0.89, ICC=0.87).
spinal mouse device as a non-invasive safe device and a proper substitute for radiography image for measuring angle values of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis.