Reproducibility and repeatability of upper limb landmarks palpation for junior operators

In human motion analysis, bone motions are usually
expressed relatively to anatomical reference frames. The
anatomical reference frames are constructed thanks to the
localization of bony landmarks during a static phase prior to
the acquisitions. These landmarks are identified by means of
palpation. Accurate comparison between subjects and studies
implies good reproducibility and repeatability of the
palpation process. However, all investigators don’t have a
long experience in palpation. In this paper, the
reproducibility and repeatability of palpation for junior
investigators were measured. Results show worse
reproducibility and repeatability than what is usually
expected. These errors have particularly an influence on the
definition of the reference frames of the arm. This study
therefore emphasizes on the need of a specific training of
operators working in a motion lab.