Correlation between Measurements Using a Universal Goniometer and a Smartphone Application for Ankle Range of Motion

Background: Goniometers are commonly used to measure ankle range of motion (ROM). Recently, clinicians and physiotherapists can measure the ankle-ROM using smartphone applications. However, these measurement methods cannot be done remotely and body integration is required. For this reason, our study aim is to develop a smartphone application that can measure ankle-ROM remotely and to investigate the its correlation with the universal goniometer.
Methods: twenty-two of healthy university students with 44 feet were recruited in the study. DijiA application was developed for Android smartphone to measure ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion ROM remotely. 44 feet were evaluated by both universal goniometer and DijiA application. After completion of testing, all of the participant were filled out the system usability scale (SUS) survey for measuring usability of application.
Results: The variation in Pearson Correlation Coefficient Between the Universal Goniometer and DijiA Smartphone App result showed that there was a moderate positive relationship Between the Universal Goniometer and DijiA ( r=.323 for DF, r=.435 for PF).
Conclusions: Smartphone-based ankle ROM measurement with ‘‘DijiA’’app can be used to assess active ROM of the ankle joint without weight-bearing. The result of the study showed that usability of DijiA app is satisfactory and above the standards.

Keywords: Ankle 1; application 2; range of motion 3; smartphone 4.