The reliability of measures of iliotibial band flexibility in collegiate soccer players obtained using a modified Ober test with inclinometer measure

Background and significance. The modified Ober test is the most commonly performed musculoskeletal examination to assess iliotibial band flexibility (ITB). Data describing the reliability of measurements obtained by this procedure is lacking. Purpose. The purpose of the present study was to determine intra- and inter-rater reliability of measures of iliotibial band flexibility obtained by the modified Ober test from a sample of collegiate soccer players. Subjects. Eighty-nine intercollegiate soccer players participated in this study. Forty-two subjects were members of the University of South Carolina men and women's soccer team and forty-seven subjects were members of the Clemson University men and women's soccer teams. Methods. Two phases of data collection consisting of different samples and different examiners were performed. During each phase of data collection two examiners each performed 2 modified Ober exams on both lower extremities of each subject. A total of eight ITB flexibility measurements (4 measures for the right lower extremity and 4 measures for the left lower extremity) were obtained and recorded for each subject. Results. Intra-rater reliability coefficients ranged from ICC= .70 to .89. Inter-rater reliability coefficients ranged from .65-.82. The standard error of measure (SEM) for intra-rater reliability ranged from .871.9 degrees. The 95% confidence interval for the intra-rater SEM was +/-2.51 degrees. The SEM for inter-rater reliability ranged from 1.4-3.5 degrees. The 95% confidence interval for inter-rater reliability was +/-4.75 degrees. Conclusions. The modified Ober technique yields good to excellent intra-rater reliability with reliability occurring within a range of 5.0 degrees during the same testing session when applied by trained physical therapists to a population of athletic, college-age people. The degree of inter-rater reliability is fair to good with reliability occurring within 9.5 degrees. To maximize the reliability of measures of ITB flexibility the same examiner should obtain the measures.