How reliably can clinical tools measure the upper back's curve?
A systematic review examined whether noninvasive tools measure thoracic kyphosis accurately and consistently, and whether they are practical for use in clinics.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Several tools showed useful measurement properties for the upper back's curve. The review reported moderate to strong correlations with a gold standard and excellent consistency when measurements were repeated by the same or different assessors. Its practical assessment favored the Analog Inclinometer, Flexicurve Angle and smartphone applications for clinical use.
The estimated results varied across studies. The abstract gives no numerical accuracy estimates, identifies no specific smartphone applications and does not name the gold-standard method, limiting conclusions about particular tools.
Accuracy and consistency answer different questions
The review examined both correspondence with a reference method and consistency across repeated assessments. These address different measurement questions: a tool can produce repeatable readings, while agreement with the reference still needs separate evaluation.
Practicality was assessed separately
The authors also rated clinical usefulness, beyond measurement performance. Their shortlist reflects that additional assessment. The study evaluated ways to measure spinal curvature; it did not test whether using these tools improves symptoms or changes treatment outcomes.
The original publication
Validity, reliability, and clinical usefulness of instruments for measuring thoracic kyphosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Nepomuceno APFA, Cury AC, Pinheiro LSP et al.
Braz J Phys Ther · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40780025
- Record checked
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