Intraobserver reliability of static measures in the normally developing infant foot and clubfoot.

Abstract

Static measures data for infants are used in clinical practice and studies without published reliabilities. Intraobserver reliabilities for static measures were assessed in normally developing feet and clubfeet. Coefficient of repeatability was used for reliability. Variability in reliability was found. Ankle dorsiflexion, calf circumference and foot length were considered to be reliable in both groups. Foot width was considered unreliable and reliability for ankle plantarflexion knee flexed or extended does not seem to justify its use clinically. These results suggest that ankle dorsiflexion, calf circumference and foot length are reliable measures in infants and can be used for study conclusions and clinical decisions.