Introduction: Cirtometry or thoraco-abdominal measurements of perimetry is used to measure the range of motion of the chest and abdomen. The range of motion is measured with a measuring tape at different levels of chest at rest, maximal inspiration and maximal expiration. Measurements are simple and affordable. Purpose: The aim of the diploma work was to evaluate the repeatability and reliability of measurements of the thoraco-abdominal range of motion. Methods: 30 subject were included in the research. The measurements were performed in two sessions, between which there was a one-week break. During the measurements, subject stood with their arms relaxed by their sides. Measurements were made at the height of the third rib and fifth thoracic vertebra (axillary), the xiphoid and tenth thoracic vertebra (xiphoidal) and the belly button and the forth lumbar vertebra (umbilical). We placed a measuring tape on the marked anatomical points and measured circumference at rest, at maximum inhalation and at maximum exhalation. The repeatability and reliability of the measurements were evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: There were statistically significant differences in axillary measurements in all sessions. The biggest difference was between the first and third measurements of the second session at rest. Differences of range of motion on xiphoidal and umbilical level were not statisticaly significant. Between the first and second sessions, the largest differences occurred in the xiphoid measurements at rest and after the maximum inspiration. The repeatability of measurements was excelent at all levels. The lowest value of the intraclass correlation coefficient was observed in the axillary measurements of the first session at rest and the second session after maximal exhalation (ICC = 0.991). The highest value of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.999) was detected in all umbilical measurements. Reliability was excellent at all levels and intraclass corelation coefficient was always above 0,981. Discussion and conclusion: The measuring of thoraco-abdominal circumferences with a measuring tape was repeatable and reliable. The largest deviations occured in measurements at the axillary level, which was probably influenced by subjects perspiration. Before starting the measurement it is necessary to familiarize th subjects with the procedure of the measurement.
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