Abstract

Objective: To assess the interrater reliability of the modified Schober test for measuring lumbar flexion by evaluating the level of agreement among examiners who administer the test in a standardized setting.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sind Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from 1st January 2024 to 20th February 2024 using non-probability purposive sampling. Overall, 30 participants (15 male and 15 female) were assessed by two independent assessors by modified Schober tests for lumbar flexion; two successive measurements were taken. Participants aged between 18 and 40 years having subacute pain (pain for >1.5 months) were recruited from both genders. Those who had any history related to spinal surgery, previous administration of epidural injections, LBP due to specific pathology, neurological deficits (like stroke) and clinical disorders contraindicated to exercise were excluded. Two MABIS Retractable Tape Measures 1-cm increments were used to acquire measurements with the Modified Schober technique. Lumbar measurements were taken by both the rapists on two occasions, 3 days apart.
Results: The reliability analysis demonstrated high inter-rater agreement. Cronbach’s alpha for all measurement items was 0.989, indicating excellent internal consistency.
Conclusion: The modified Schober test demonstrates excellent inter-rater reliability and strong agreement between assessors.

Key words: Schober test, lumbar flexion, inter-rater reliability, Backache, Pain, Tests and measurements. Intra-class correlation coefficient, Cronbach’s alpha.