Validity and reliability of the Spineangel lumbo-pelvic postural monitor.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the reliability and the concurrent validity of the Spineangel lumbo-pelvic postural monitoring device.

METHODS: the dynamic lumbo-pelvic posture of 25 participants was simultaneously monitored by the Spineangel and Fastrak devices. Participants performed six different functional tasks in random order. Within-task, within-session and between-day intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(3,1), ICC(3,5), ICC(2,5), respectively) reliability were calculated for Spineangel measurements. Concurrent validity of the Spineangel was assessed by means of a Bland and Altman plot and by means of Pearson's correlation coefficient and paired t-test.

RESULTS: within-task, within-session and between-day ICC for the Spineangel were found to be excellent (>0.93). The Spineangel and Fastrak pelvic measurements were found to have a good correlation (R = 0.77).

CONCLUSION: the Spineangel is a reliable and valid device for monitoring general lumbo-pelvic movements when clipped on the belt or waistband of workers' clothing during various occupational activities.

PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: The Spineangel can be used for assessing lumbo-pelvic posture during work or daily-life activities. This device was found to provide reliable and valid measurements for lumbo-pelvic movements. Further research is required to determine whether the use of this device is clinically relevant for patients presenting with low back pain.