The purpose of this study was to estimate the accuracy and reliability characteristics of a digital photographic-goniometric measurement instrument in conjunction with a standardized measurement protocol for deriving static measures of the quadriceps angle (Q angle), tibiofemoral angle (TF angle), and femur length. Both the instrumentation accuracy and reliability and the reliability of measures extracted from human participants were examined. In Part One of the investigation, instrumentation accuracy and reliability characteristics were estimated by comparing measurements extracted from digital photographs of a measurement jig with simulated landmarks defining the Q angle (n=35), TF angle (n=35), and femur length (n=35). The accuracy of the instrumentation was extremely high (i.e., ICC(2,1)=0.97-0.99). In Part Two of the study the reliability characteristics of measures extracted from human participants were estimated using two testers and twenty (n=20) human participants. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |