Intra- and Inter-Evaluator Reliability of Hip Range of Motion Measurements Using the ROM-SPORT I Method: Influence of Evaluator Experience

The purpose of this study was to analyze the intra- and inter-evaluator reliability hip adduction (HAD), internal rotation (HIR) and external rotation (HER) range of motion (ROM) tests as well as the level of agreement between evaluators with different experience levels in young adults. Fifty-four physically active adults participated. Passive HAD, HIR and HER ROM were assessed using the ROM-SPORT I method on four occasions. ROM was measured with an inclinometer by two evaluators (expert and novice). Good-to-excellent intra- and inter-evaluator reliability was observed for all tests (ICC = 0.81–0.97; TEM = 1.09º-2.60º; CVTE = 3.3–6.0%; MDC95 = 2.99º–7.1º). Agreement analyses showed low systematic bias and acceptable limits of agreement between evaluators, indicating good measurement consistency. Overall, the ROM-SPORT I method provides reliable and consistent passive hip ROM assessment in physically active adults, even when applied by evaluators with different levels of experience.