SynthesisPloS one2019
Reliability and validity of clinically accessible smartphone applications to measure joint range of motion: A systematic review.
Synthesis in PloS one, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT06086860 (Effects of Mulligan Mobilization With and Without Dry Needling in Runner's Knee), which is not on this map. Cited by 64 papers, 7 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Effects of Mulligan Mobilization With and Without Dry Needling in Runner's Knee
Who cites it
64 citing papers in PubMed, 7 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Smart device-assisted telerehabilitation versus conventional rehabilitation after total nee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2025Pooled it
- Smartphone-Based Hand Function Assessment: Systematic Review.Journal of medical Internet research · 2024Pooled it
- Smartphone Apps for Domestic Violence Prevention: A Systematic Review.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Pooled it
- Measurement properties of smartphone applications for the measurement of neck range of motion: a systematic review and meta analyses.BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2022Pooled it
- The Reliability of the Microsoft Kinect and Ambulatory Sensor-Based Motion Tracking Devices to Measure Shoulder Range-of-Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021Pooled it
- Validity and Reliability of Mobile Applications for Assessing Strength, Power, Velocity, and Change-of-Direction: A Systematic Review.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021Pooled it
- Mobile applications addressing violence against women: a systematic review.BMJ global health · 2020Pooled it
- Effect of Knee Angle Specific (60°-90°) Combine versus Isolated Kinetic Chain on Post ACL Recovery Outcomes: A Randomized Control Trial.Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare · 2025Trial
- Acute Effects of Tissue Flossing on Knee Flexion Range of Motion in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Article
- Comparison of hip and knee range of motion measurements using Azure Kinect and a digital goniometer in elite female weightlifters.Scientific reports · 2026Article
- Article
- Criterion Validity and Inter-Method Reliability of a Smartphone Sensor-Based Application for Lower-Limb Range of Motion: In-Person vs. Tele-Assessment.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Biomechanical assessment of grasping postures in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis when holding adaptive silverware.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences · 2026Article
- The Effect of Motor Imagery Ability on Function and Proprioception in Myoelectric Prosthesis Users: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study.JMIR research protocols · 2025Article
- Musculoskeletal Digital Therapeutics and Digital Health Rehabilitation: A Global Paradigm Shift in Orthopedic Care.Journal of clinical medicine · 2025Review
- Agreement Between a Wireless Sleeve and a Goniometer in Measuring Elbow and Knee Range of Motion.Cureus · 2025Article
- Assessment of Pelvic Motion During Single-Leg Weight-Bearing Tasks Using Smartphone Sensors: Validity Study.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies · 2025Article
- Test-Retest Reliability and Validity of TecnoBody D-Wall to Assess the Range of Motion During Overhead Squat in Healthy Individuals.Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Validity of smartphone sensors to assess selected kinetic and kinematic outcomes during single-leg landing stabilization tasks.PloS one · 2025Article
- Evaluation of joint and muscle function of paediatric upper and lower extremities.Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology · 2025Article
4 more citing papers are in PubMed but not listed here.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Measuring joint range of motion is an important skill for many allied health professionals. While the Universal Goniometer is the most commonly utilised clinical tool for measuring joint range of motion, the evolution of smartphone technology and applications (apps) provides the clinician with more measurement options. However, the reliability and validity of these smartphones and apps is still somewhat uncertain. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding the intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity of smartphones and apps to measure joint range of motion. Eligible studies were published in English peer-reviewed journals with full text available, involving the assessment of reliability and/or validity of a non-videographic smartphone app to measure joint range of motion in participants >18 years old. An electronic search using PubMed, Medline via Ovid, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTSDiscus was performed. The risk of bias was assessed using a standardised appraisal tool. Twenty-three of the eligible 25 studies exceeded the minimum 60% score to be classified as a low risk of bias, although 3 of the 13 criteria were not achieved in >50% of the studies. Most of the studies demonstrated adequate intra-rater or inter-rater reliability and/or validity for >50% of the range of motion tests across all joints assessed. However, this level of evidence appeared weaker for absolute (e.g. mean difference ± limit of agreement, minimal detectable change) than relative (e.g. intraclass correlation, correlation) measures; and for spinal rotation than spinal extension, flexion and lateral flexion. Our results provide clinicians with sufficient evidence to support the use of smartphones and apps in place of goniometers to measure joint motion. Future research should address some methodological limitations of the literature, especially including the inclusion of absolute and not just relative reliability and validity statistics.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.