Reliability and objectivity of the new version of the 'susceptibility test for body injuries during a fall' (STBIDF-M) in physiotherapy students

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Falls are a global public health and economic challenge. Since falls are often unavoidable, it is crucial to focus on preventing injuries caused by the impact with the ground. The aim of this study was to verify the reliability and objectivity of the STBIDF-M. Material and Methods. The sample included 30 male (n = 9) and female (n = 21) physiotherapy students (age 20.97 ± 1.16 years; weight: 66.5 ± 12.06 kg; height: 171 ± 9.62 cm). The STBIDF-M was administered twice, with the second measurement (retest) conducted seven days after the first (test). A method of direct secondary observation, allowing for multiple replays, was used. The assessment involved reviewing video recordings of both stages (test and retest) by three experts experienced in using the STBIDF-M. Results. Each expert observed a tendency to reduce errors during the 'retest' compared to the 'test' stage. This was measured by the arithmetic mean. Statistically significant differences were found in tasks 3, 4, 5, 6, and in the IndexSBIDF-M based on the experts' agreed assessments. Three students (10%) repeated their results from the 'test' stage, showing full correlation. Twenty students (66.67%) demonstrated a tendency to reduce errors. The IndexSBIDF-M 'test-retest' results showed a very high positive correlation (r = 0.810, p < 0.01). This indicates a statistically significant impact of motor modifications in most students. Specifically, clapping hands during Task 3 and pressing the sponge to the body with the chin during Task 4, simulating a backward fall, helped reduce errors. These reductions were noted during ground impact as the degree of coordination difficulty increased in subsequent tasks. Conclusions. The results of this 'test-retest' procedure demonstrate the flexible, non-standardized possibilities of analyzing and synthesizing data using this basic method. This flexibility is attributed to the innovative motor structure of the STBIDF-M, which goes beyond traditional methodological approaches. Observing the unconscious behaviors and actions of the participants has provided valuable insights into inferential phenomena related to the mental and intellectual aspects of human personality.