Reproducibility of the photometric measuring foot dorsiflexion in children involved in sports

The aim of the study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the photometric method for measuring foot dorsiflexion angles in children involved in sports compared to traditional goniometry.

Materials and methods: The study included 30 children (6–12 years old) involved in sports without identified orthopedic diseases. Dorsiflexion measurement was performed by two independent specialists using goniometry and photometry. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using ICC. The agreement of methods was analyzed using the Bland–Altman diagram, and SEM and MDC were additionally calculated.

Results: Photometry showed higher inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.91) compared to goniometry (ICC = 0.78).

Conclusion: The photometric method of measuring dorsiflexion in children is a reliable and reproducible tool that can be recommended for practical use and monitoring of children involved in sports.