Intrarater and interrator reliability of the modified Thomas Test

Kathrine Cady, Molly Powis, Kirsty Hopgood

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction
The modified Thomas Test (MTT) is a method of assessing flexibility of the iliopsoas, rectus femoris and tensor fascia Latae. The aim of this study is to identify the intra and inter-rater reliability of the pass/fail scoring for the Modified Thomas Test (MTT) using digital photographs.
Methods
Six raters varying between 1 and 13years of clinical experience were used to review digital photographs of 20 semi-professional rugby players performing the /MTT. Raters were asked to score each muscle of the MTT either with 0 (fail) or 1 (pass). Digital photographs were allocated in a randomized order. Each rater reviewed each photograph three times at two week intervals.
Results
Cronbach's alpha (Cα) revealed a mean result of high reliability for both iliopsoas (Cα = 0.95) and rectus femoris (Cα = 1.00) flexibility. TFL flexibility values ranged from 0.64 to 0.95, demonstrating some inconsistencies within some of the 6 raters. Fleiss kappa (Fк) revealed a high mean reliability result across the 3 testing sessions for both iliopsoas (Fк = 0.78) and rectus femoris (Fк = 0.80) flexibility, along with a moderate reliability mean result for TFL (Fк = 0.56).
Conclusion
High intra and inter rater reliability was found for iliopsoas and rectus femoris flexibility with those for TFL found to be moderately reliable.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)86-91
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume29
Early online date12 Oct 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Thomas test
  • flexibility
  • reliability

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