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

Objective: to determine the reliability and the concurrent validity of the Spineangel((R)) lumbo-pelvic postural monitoring device. Methods: the dynamic lumbo-pelvic posture of 25 participants was simultaneously monitored by the Spineangel((R)) and Fastrak(TM) 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((R)) measurements. Concurrent validity of the Spineangel((R)) 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((R)) were found to be excellent (>0.93). The Spineangel((R)) and Fastrak(TM) pelvic measurements were found to have a good correlation (R=0.77). Conclusion: the Spineangel((R)) 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((R)) 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.