Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of leg circumference measurement among six observers: a single blinded randomized trial

Hypothesis: Circumference measurement of extremities that was reported to be a reliable method as long as being standardized is commonly used both in clinical and home settings by clinicians or caregivers due to its cheapness and easy use. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of manual circumference measurement among different observers and various measurement points. Methods and Results: A total of 58 lower limbs were included in the study. Both lower limbs of each subject were assessed by 6 observers randomly using circumference measurement method from 9 reference points specified with a Leg-O-Meter. All observers performed the measurements and they were blind to each other’s measurements. Results: Measurement results from reference points were statistically significant between good to perfect (ICC 0.65-0.99, p<0.001). Interrater reliability of all observers’ first and second measurements showed perfect reliability for both measurements (ICC: 0.92-0.99, p<0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the lower extremity manual circumference measurement is a reliable method for clinical practice. Abbreviations: BMI = Body Mass Index, ICC = Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Metatarsal heads (cA), Ankle-heel (cY), Ankle (cB), Distal beginning point of gastrocnemius (cB1), The widest point for gastrocnemius (cC), Head of fibula (cD), Midline of knee (cE), Midline of thigh (cF), Groin level (cG)