Concurrent validity of a universal goniometer and a double meter inclinometer for passive range of motion in beagle dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the double meter inclinometer (DMI) for passive joint range of motion (ROM) in beagle dogs and to compare these results to a universal plastic goniometer (UPG). Fifteen beagle dogs were recruited for this study. Joint ROM was evaluated twice with each device to calculate the intraobserver reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of the UPG were good to excellent (> 0.75) for all joint ROM tests. Similar results were obtained with the DMI. The ICC values of the DMI were good to excellent (> 0.75) except in extension of the tarsal joint (ICC = 0.69). The majority of the ICC results between each device were poor (< 0.50) with the exception of six joints. Our findings suggest that the inclinometer can be used for passive joint ROM in veterinary medicine. However, caution should be taken when comparing measured values of passive joint ROM obtained utilizing both the DMI and UPG.