OBJECTIVE: To compare the results from fingertip-to-floor and straight leg raise tests by means of photogrammetry, investigate the concordance of hip angle findings between the two tests and evaluate the intra and inter-examiner reliability of the photogrammetric analysis procedure. METHOD: The tests were applied to 35 healthy male subjects (mean age 23 ± 3.4 years, height 170 ± 4 cm and weight 68 ± 11 kg). The subjects were divided into two groups on the basis of the test classifications. Surface markers were placed on bone references in order to calculate the hip, thoracolumbar, leg, knee and tibiotarsal angles. The reliability of the photogrammetric analysis procedure on the angles measured by two examiners was tested. RESULTS: For the hip angle, there were significant differences between the flexibility groups in both tests, and subjects with reduced flexibility had lower angles. There was a significant difference (22.8%) between the classifications designated by the two tests. However, the hip angle showed high levels of concordance between the tests (ICC: 0.89 and mean difference of -0.85º). The photogrammetric procedures presented high reliability rates, both for intra and inter-examiner (ICC ranging from 0.94 to 0.99). CONCLUSION: The tests presented differences in the classification of the subjects' flexibility. However, considering the hip angle, there was high concordance between the test results. The photogrammetric analysis procedures were reproducible, both for intra and for inter-examiner measurements, thus making this a useful analysis tool for the tests in question.
Flexibility; passive range of motion; physical examination; musculoskeletal equilibrium; photogrammetry; reliability
