422247

A Narrative Review on the Validity and Reliability of Smartphone Inclinometer Applications in Cervical Range of Motion Assessment

Article

Last updated: 27 Apr 2025

Subjects

-

Tags

Physiotherapy

Abstract

The cervical spine's range of motion (ROM) is vital for daily activities and musculoskeletal health. Accurate assessment of cervical ROM is essential for diagnosing and managing neck pathologies, such as whiplash-associated disorders and cervical spondylosis. Traditional tools like goniometers and inclinometers, though reliable, face limitations such as inter-examiner variability and accessibility. Objective: This narrative review explores the anatomical and biomechanical foundations of cervical ROM, evaluates traditional and modern measurement techniques, and examines the validity, reliability, and clinical applications of smartphone-based tools for cervical ROM assessment. Methods: A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on studies comparing traditional measurement tools (e.g., goniometers, inclinometers, and 3D motion capture systems) with smartphone-based applications. Key themes included the biomechanics of cervical ROM, the reliability and validity of measurement tools, and the potential of smartphone applications in clinical practice. Results: Smartphone applications demonstrate good to excellent validity and reliability for measuring cervical ROM, particularly for flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. They offer a portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternative to traditional tools. However, challenges such as variability in sensor accuracy, user error, and lack of standardized protocols limit their widespread adoption. Conclusion: Smartphone-based applications show significant promise for enhancing cervical ROM assessment in clinical and research settings. However, further research, standardization, and validation across diverse populations are needed to optimize their accuracy and integration into routine practice.

DOI

10.21608/dijms.2025.368462.1011

Keywords

Validity, Reliability. Smartphone Inclinometer Applications, Cervical Range of Motion Assessment

Authors

First Name

Haitham

Last Name

Saleh

MiddleName

Mahmoud

Affiliation

Assistant professor of physical therapy at Deraya University

Email

haitham.mahmoud@deraya.edu.eg

City

Minia

Orcid

0000000333863542

First Name

Hesham

Last Name

Ezzat

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Vice dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research of physical therapy college at deraya university

Email

hesham.ezzat@deraya.edu.eg

City

Minia

Orcid

-

First Name

Aya Allah

Last Name

Mahmoud

MiddleName

Ahmed

Affiliation

Instructor of Physical Therapy, Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Sphinx University, Asyut, Egypt.

Email

ayaahmedmahmoud1@outlook.com

City

Asyut

Orcid

-

First Name

Alaa

Last Name

Mohammed

MiddleName

Abdelraheem

Affiliation

Lecturer of Physical Therapy, Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Sphinx University, Asyut, Egypt.

Email

dralaa650@gmail.com

City

Asyut

Orcid

-

Volume

1

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

54220

Issue Date

2025-04-01

Receive Date

2025-03-18

Publish Date

2025-04-01

Online ISSN

3062-5572

Link

https://dijms.journals.ekb.eg/article_422247.html

Detail API

http://journals.ekb.eg?_action=service&article_code=422247

Order

422,247

Type

Review Article

Type Code

3,409

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

Deraya International Journal for Medical Sciences and Rehabilitation

Publication Link

https://dijms.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

A Narrative Review on the Validity and Reliability of Smartphone Inclinometer Applications in Cervical Range of Motion Assessment

Details

Type

Article

Created At

27 Apr 2025