Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of the Beighton Score compared to the Contompasis Score to assess Generalised Joint Hypermobility

Amy Vallis, Alison Wray, Toby Smith

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Abstract

Objectives: Generalized Joint Hypermobility [GJH] is a common connective tissue disorder associated with a range of musculoskeletal complaints. An effective screening tool to assess GJH may influence our understanding and choice of management. Diagnosis is clinical, using tools such as the Beighton Hypermobility Score and the Contompasis Scoring System. The comparable reliability of these tools has not been previously reported. The aim of the present study was to compare the intra- and the inter-rater reliability of the Beighton Score to the Contompasis Score to assess GJH.

Methods: This was an observational study assessing 36 pain-free participants; 27 females and nine males; aged 18–32 years. Participants were assessed in random order, by two researchers over two sessions to determine intra- and inter-rater analyses. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] and weighted Kappa statistics were used to calculate the level of agreement.

Results: The intra- [ICC: 0.71–0.82] and the inter- [ICC: 0.72–0.80] rater reliability of the Beighton Score was substantial to almost perfect. The Contompasis Score displayed substantial to almost perfect intra-rater [ICC: 0.73–0.82] reliability and moderate to substantial inter-rater [ICC: 0.58–0.62] reliability.

Conclusions: The present study provides an indication of the measurement capabilities of the Beighton and Contompasis Scores. The Beighton score appears to be superior compared with the Contompasis score particularly based on inter-rater reliability.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-27
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Musculoskeletal Pain
Volume23
Issue number1-2
Early online date9 May 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Hypermobility
  • Beighton
  • Contompasis
  • Reliability

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