Abstract
Gouttebarge V, Wind H, Kuijer PP, Sluiter JK, Frings-Dresen MH. Intra- and interrater
reliability of the Ergo-Kit functional capacity evaluation method in adults without
musculoskeletal complaints
Objective
To evaluate the intra- and interrater reliability of tests from the Ergo-Kit (EK)
functional capacity evaluation method in adults without musculoskeletal complaints.
Design
Within-subjects design.
Setting
Academic medical center in the Netherlands.
Participants
Twenty-seven subjects without musculoskeletal complaints (15 men, 12 women).
Interventions
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measures
Seven EK tests (2 isometric, 3 dynamic lifting, 2 manipulation tests) were each assessed
3 times (over 4 days), twice by 1 rater (R1) and once by another rater (R2). Intrarater reliability was calculated using the EK test scores assessed by R1. Interrater reliability was calculated using the EK test scores assessed by both
raters. Counterbalancing the rater order made possible the calculation of 2 interrater
reliability levels (at time intervals of 4 and 8d). All reliability levels were expressed
as intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).
Results
Intrarater and interrater reliability (8-d time interval) was high (ICC, >.80) for
the isometric lifting tests, moderate (ICC range, .50–.80) for the dynamic lifting
tests, and low (ICC, <.50) for the manipulation tests. The interrater reliability
of the isometric and dynamic lifting tests (4-d time interval) was high (ICC, >.80),
and it was moderate (ICC range, .50–.80) for both manipulation tests.
Conclusions
The isometric and dynamic lifting tests of the EK have a moderate to high level of
reliability; the manipulation tests have a low level of reliability.
Key Words
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© 2005 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
