Objective: In this study, calibration measurement methods for physical therapy devices were developed to ensure the accuracy of the devices, and therefore to use the device on patients efficiently and safely with the aim of increasing the quality of physical therapy. Although the calibration measurements have been performed for emergency, operation and intensive care devices for many years, physical therapy calibration measurement methods that might be used in the periodic controls of equipments except ultrasound have not yet included in national or international standards.

Materials and Methods: TENS, galvani farad, ultrasound, electrotherapy, diadynami, traction, shortwave diathermy, infrared, treadmill, paraffin and hot pack devices are within the scope of this study. In order to develop the calibration measurement procedures, the adjustable and measurable parameters of the devices that might be tested were defined and the appropriate test devices were selected for each parameter. By using the procedures developed in this study, the devices in a sample clinic (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University) have been tested for accuracy.

Results: Many devices in physical therapy unit were within limits of the calibration measuremens that are stated in each device’s technical manual. It has been determined that the devices that are not within limits of the calibration measurements, in other words, inappropriate devices according to the international standards, are old equipments used in the treatment for many years and these devices have to be sent to their technical services for repair.

Conclusion: The recommended calibration procedures in this study can help to determine the reliability and the accuracy of the physical therapy devices.