Finger circumference measurements: inter- and intra-rater reliability

Abstract

Background

Finger oedema can occur for a variety of reasons, including traumatic injuries to the fingers and as a consequence of stroke or diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability for finger circumference measurements.

Methods

Eight hand therapists assessed the middle finger circumference of 11 healthy adults using the Richardson Products finger circumference device for three trials over two testing days. Intraclass reliability analysis and analysis of variance were used to assess the consistency and stability of measures. Level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Significant differences (P < 0.001) were found between raters for circumference measurements with a range difference of 0.5 cm. Intrarater reliability was 0.98–0.99 (single measure intraclass coefficient). Inter-rater reliability coefficients ranged from 0.94 to 0.95.

Conclusions

These results provide clinicians with evidence for using a specific finger circumference device and issues associated with various therapists assessing finger circumference. A device with a way of assessing tension at the end of the tape measure or cloth pulled around the finger is warranted.