Reliability Analysis of In-person and Virtual Goniometric Measurements for Select Shoulder and Forearm Motions.

Only 20 adults participated, with mean age 26.2±9.6 years and mean DASH 4.8±5.9%; they were excluded if DASH was 40% or higher, so this does not show reliability in people outside this age range or with higher disability. The virtual measurement was made from a still screenshot captured before the in-person measurement, not from a live video exam, so it does not show how this would work during real telehealth care. Scapular stabilisation was not used, so shoulder internal rotation angles may include compensatory motion. The goniometer dial was covered with paper, which may have made alignment on the pisiform harder, especially for images; this may not match a real exam. Subjects had to repeat the same motion for the image and the in-person measurement, so identical position replication may not have occurred. Bulky clothing or sleeves could obscure landmarks or posture, although subjects were asked to wear tight or sleeveless clothing. The authors state the findings are specific to athletic trainers and occupational therapists, so generalisation to other disciplines is unknown.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The work was supported by a Cross College or Interdisciplinary Collaboration project fund.

Do not conclude that virtual goniometry is proven accurate for telehealth patients. The study tested 20 adults and measured still screenshots, not live video visits or people with shoulder or forearm conditions.