An Example of End-Digit Preference in Physiotherapy Practice

PURPOSE: Standardizing and improving the validity of range of motion (ROM) measurements is of clinical relevance to physiotherapists. The purpose of this study was to assess whether end-digit preference exists in the measurement of knee ROM in people after knee replacement. METHOD: Following total knee replacement, 100 people underwent active-assisted knee ROM measurements using a goniometer calibrated in 1° increments. RESULTS: The data showed strong end-digit preferences for 0s and 5s (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: End-digit preference does exist in the measurement of knee ROM. This has the potential to influence both the validity of ROM measurements and clinical decisions.