Validity and Reliability of Rebee Wearable Sensor to Measure Knee Joint Range of Motion

Range of Motion (ROM) of the joint is one of the factors that determine function of the musculoskeletal system. This parameter should be measured and recorded by a valid and reliable method . It is considered to be an essential component of lower limb physical examination, which can be applied using various instruments such as goniometers and inclinometers .

Range of motion of the knee joint is one of the major factors determining the outcome after knee injuries. It is also an important measurement required by many knee scoring systems to determine the preoperative status and postoperative outcome .

Measurements are used by physical therapists to quantify limitations of motion, it used to decide an appropriate therapeutic interventions and document the effectiveness of these interventions. The ideal measuring device should give reproducible valid and reliable data .It is required an essential skill in the musculoskeletal assessments commonly performed by physiotherapists.

Two-arm digital goniometer is still widely used in measuring uniaxial ROM of the joint of extremity, there is high validity, intra- rater and inter-rater reliability of the digital goniometer. It is considered valid and reliable tool that simplify physical therapists' work .The digital goniometer is the most commonly utilized clinical tool for measuring joint range of motion, the evolution of sensors technology and applications are easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and highly accessible .

Rebee is a wearable motion sensor package of sensor with its own mobile application, which measures range of joint movement in different planes easily which the patient able to wear the sensor and move easily to measure ROM and record the measurement at the application software, that is facilitate the tele-measurement which the patients are supposed to put on the sensors and perform the actions themselves, or with assistance from physical therapist.