Reliability and reproducibility of a clinical application of a simple technique for repeated circumferential leg measurements

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and reproducibility of repeated tape measurements to assess the leg circumference during a long period. Methods: A tape measure is a simple instrument that is applicable in the presence of oedema. Measurements were performed by four observers on 11 volunteers. Four measurements were done in the first week (short term), a fifth measurement at two weeks (medium term) and a sixth measurement was done at 12 weeks (long term). Results: The short-, medium- and long-term intra-class correlation coefficients for repeated measurements were 0.90, 0.89 and 0.78, respectively. The short-term and long-term reproducibility indices equalled 4.4% and 6.5%. If only a single observer would be involved, the short-term intra-class correlation coefficients would improve to 0.94 (reproducibility index 3.3%). Conclusion: Tape measurements have been proved to be a reliable and reproducible method to asses the lower limb circumference.

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