SAT0720-HPR More precise measurements of spinal mobility when assessed with a sensor in patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: C. Fongen, C.H. Franke, D.M. Soldal, V. Berre, J.H. Relbe-Moe, J. Hagfors, A.T. Tveter, N. Østerås, K.B. Hagen
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> Rotation of the spine is one of the principal movements of spinal motion. Cervical rotation (CR) is included in the assessment for monitoring axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Thoracolumbar rotation (TLR) is also known to be a valid measure for axSpA specific changes, but is seldom used due to lack of easy feasible measures. Goniometer or myrinometer (compass) is traditionally used to evaluate rotation. A sensor with excellent criterion validity and reliability for rotation in the range of motion from 10 to 120 degrees, that are able to detect changes of ≤1 degree, has recently been developed<sup>1</sup>. <h3>Objectives</h3> To examine the concurrent validity between the sensor and compass in CR and TLR and to evaluate the usability and satisfaction with the sensor. <h3>Methods</h3> This study was part of the MOSKUS-study (Mobile mosculO Skeletal User Self-management). Patients with axSpA were included from two rheumatology outpatients' clinics and examined by experienced physiotherapists. CR and TRL were assessed three times with both the sensor and compass; mean score are used in the analyses. The measuring order was randomised. The sensor was considered gold standard. Group differences were assessed with paired sample t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test, and agreement with Bland Altman plot. Time to conduct the test (instruction, conducting and note of results) was recorded for the 10 last included patients. Satisfaction was assessed both by the patients and assessors with numeric rating scale (NRS), (0–10, 10=highest satisfaction). <h3>Results</h3> A total of 60 patients with axial SpA and 2 assessors participated. Of the included patients 60% were male, median (min-max) age was 39<sup>20–73</sup> years and 77% had radiographic axSpA. There were statistically significant differences in measure of rotation between the sensor and the compass of 3.7° in CR, p=0.01 and 9.2° in TLR, p&lt;0.001 (table 1). The Band Altman plots show that the compass systematically measured lower rotation than the sensor in both CR and TLR (figure). There was no difference in time used to conduct the measurements. Patients satisfaction in CR measured with the senor was mean (SD) 7.8 (2.4) and compass 6.7 (2.6), p&lt;0.001 and in TLR 7.8 (2.4) and 7.3 (2.3), p=0.08 respectively. Assessors satisfaction in CR measured with the senor was 9.0 (1.2) and compass 5.6 (2.8) p&lt;0.001 and in TLR 8.1 (2.2) and 3.6 (2.2) p&lt;0.001, respectively. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Measure of CR and TLR were significantly lower when measured with a traditional compass compared to a digital sensor. There were no difference in time use and both patients and assessors were more satisfied with the sensor. The results suggest that the sensor gives more precise measurements of rotation and allow a feasible way to assess TLR in daily clinical practise. <h3>Reference</h3> [1] Fongen EULAR16–4002. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared