ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To assess reliability and validity of a trunk deformity evaluation method expressed as rotational and lateral lean angles between the upper and the lower trunk and between the lower trunk and the pelvis using 3D positions of six front body surface landmarks. METHODS: Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of the proposed method in adults with typical development (n = 22) were assessed, and its validity was also assessed through correlations between the Cobb angle and the analyzed trunk deformity parameters in adults with severe physical disabilities (n = 22). RESULTS: The mean differences between two raters and between the initial and second measures were within 2°. Moderate correlations were found between the Cobb angle and both the upper and the lower trunk lateral lean angle and the upper trunk rotation angle. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed trunk deformity evaluation appears to be a reliable and valid approach for bedridden people with physical disabilities.
