Detectable Change Research Articles

Determining minimal clinically important differences in the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded for untreated spinal muscular atrophy patients: An international study.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare and progressive neuromuscular disorder with varying severity levels. The aim of the study was to calculate minimal clinically important difference (MCID), minimal detectable change (MDC), and values for the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) in an untreated international SMA cohort. The study employed two distinct methods. MDC was calculated using distribution-based approaches to consider standard error of measurement and effect size change in a population of 321 patients (176 SMA II and 145 SMA III), allowing for stratification based on age and function. MCID was assessed using anchor-based methods (receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve analysis and standard error) on 76 patients (52 SMA II and 24 SMA III) for whom the 12-month HFMSE could be anchored to a caregiver-reported clinical perception questionnaire. With both approaches, SMA type II and type III patients had different profiles. The MCID, using ROC analysis, identified optimal cutoff points of -2 for type II and -4 for type III patients, whereas using the standard error we found the optimal cutoff points to be 1.5 for improvement and -3.2 for deterioration. Furthermore, distribution-based methods uncovered varying values across age and functional status subgroups within each SMA type. These results emphasize that the interpretation of a single MCID or MDC value obtained in large cohorts with different functional status needs to be made with caution, especially when these may be used to assess possible responses to new therapies.

A thiazole-based colorimetric and photoluminescent chemosensors for As3+ ions detection: Density functional theory, test strips, real samples, and bioimaging applications

A Schiff-base Ethyl (E)-2-(3-((2-carbamothioylhydrazono)methyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylate (TZTS) dual functional colorimetric and photoluminescent chemosensor which includes thiazole and thiosemicarbazide has been synthesized to detect arsenic (As3+) ions selectively in DMSO: H2O (7:3, v/v) solvent system. The molecular structure of the probe was characterized via FT-IR, 1H, and 13C NMR & HRMS analysis. Interestingly, the probe exhibits a remarkable and specific colorimetric and photoluminescence response to As3+ ions when exposed to various metal cations. The absorption spectral changes of TZTS were observed upon the addition of As3+ ions, with a naked eye detectable color change from colorless to yellow color. Additionally, the chemosensor (TZTS) exhibited a new absorption band at 412 nm and emission enhancements in photoluminescence at 528 nm after adding As3+ ions. The limit of detection (LOD) for As3+ ions was calculated to be 16.5 and 7.19 × 10−9 M by the UV–visible and photoluminescent titration methods, respectively. The underlying mechanism and experimental observations have been comprehensively elucidated through techniques such as Job’s plot, Benesi-Hildebrand studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For practical application, the efficient determination of As3+ ions were accomplished using a spike and recovery approach applied to real water samples. In addition, the developed probe was successfully employed in test strip applications, allowing for the naked-eye detection of arsenic ions. Moreover, fluorescence imaging experiments of As3+ ions in the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) demonstrated their practical applications in biological systems. Consequently, these findings highlight the significant potential of the TZTS sensor for detecting As3+ ions in environmental analysis systems.

A TomoSAR regularization-based method for height change detection in urban areas

Over the past years, urban change detection has always been a challenging issue for researchers. Due to the two-dimensional intrinsic property of satellite imageries and the inherent less intuitive interpretability of radar images, height change detection and SAR imagery-based change detection have been even more complicated tasks. However, TomoSAR-based height change detection is a novel topic on which only a few research works have ever been realized. This study explores the viability of tomographic-based change detection in urban areas, tackling the common challenges encountered in 2D change detection with SAR images. In contrast with the standard TomoSAR methods that usually suffer from the ill-posed inverse problem, the TomoSAR regularization-based methods are considered powerful aids for reconstructing the reflectivity function of the observed scenes. The TomoSAR regularization-based method utilizes the Constrained Least Squares (CLS) and the Weighted Constrained Least Squares (WCLS) as two efficient strategies for coming up with a well-posed solution to the prevalent ill-posed TomoSAR problem. They can assist SAR tomography to deal with the possible impairing issues arising from low numbers and the distribution of baselines. This advantage helps enhance the accuracy of the results. The experimental results are investigated in terms of completeness and correctness measures to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the proposed method. The proposed method for height change detection has been performed on two datasets acquired by the TerraSAR-X sensor in 2013 and the Sentinel-1 sensor in 2022 over Tehran City, Iran. The final results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can detect height changes with good feasibility and reliability in terms of completeness and correctness of better than 84% and 77%, respectively.

Tran slation , cultural adap tation an d psycho metric anal ysis of U rd u ver sion of Vic torian; institu te of sp or ts ass es sme nt: Achill es quest i onnaire fo r athletes with achilles tendinopathy.

To translate, culturally adapt and psychometrically analyse the Urdu version of the Victorian Institute of Spor t Assessment-Achilles questionnaire. The cross-sec tional study was conducted at the Pak istan Sports Board, Lahore, Pakistan, from June 17, 2021, to February 15, 2022, and comprised patients with Achilles tendinopathy in group A and healthy controls in group B. Beaton's guidelines for cultural adaptation and validation for self-repor ted measures were followed to translate and validate the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire in Urdu language. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 180 subjects with mean age 28.06±5.95 years, 125(69.6%) were males. There were 130(72.2%) patients in group A and 50(27.8%) controls in group B. The overall mean score of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment- Achille s questionnaire was 55.99±25.43; group A 41.14±9.54 and group B 94.60±4.22. The Urdu version exhibited excellent internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha values 0.95, and excellent test-retest reliability (p<0.001). Absolute reliability was expressed by standard error of measurement 5.317 and minimal detectable change (6.38). Convergent validity demonstrated strong correlation with the physical domain (r=0.81) of the Urdu version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Brief Version. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire could be utilised for assessing severity of Achilles tendinopathy among Urdu-speaking population for clinical as well as research purposes.

The concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of a submaximal exercise test in adolescents with autism

Purpose There is a need for valid and reliable clinical assessment tools to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels in adolescents with autism. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the Astrand-Rhyming Test (ART) in this population. Materials and methods 45 adolescents with autism aged 12–18 years (n = 32 males, 14.47 ± 1.79 years) performed the ART twice (test-retest reliability) and completed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) (concurrent validity). Reliability parameters included Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurements (SEM), minimal detectable changes (MDC), coefficients of variation, paired sample t-tests, linear regressions and Bland-Altman plots. The concurrent validity was evaluated with Pearson correlations, ICCs, paired sample t-tests, linear regressions and Bland-Altman plots. Results Strong test-retest reliability (r = 0.84–0.85, ICC = 0.84–0.85) was found for the ART, but the wide limits of agreement intervals suggest the presence of substantial variability. The large SEM (4.73–5.08 mL/kg/min) and MDC (13.20-14.07 mL/kg/min) values suggest lower absolute reliability. Moderate to strong levels of association (r = 0.74–0.75) and agreement (ICC = 0.59–0.66) were found between estimated (ART1) and measured (CPET) VO2 max levels, but significant systematic differences (5.71–8.82 mL/kg/min) were observed. Conclusion The ART is an accessible and promising method to monitor submaximal CRF levels over time but is less appropriate to estimate maximal CRF levels in this population.

Absolute reliability of Young's modulus of the soleus muscle and Achilles tendon measured using shear wave elastography in healthy young males

BackgroundStiffness of the soleus muscle (SOL) and Achilles tendon (AT) are associated with Achilles tendinitis and medial tibial stress syndrome. Therefore, reliable SOL and AT stiffness measurements are important for monitoring clinical progress. However, little is known about the absolute reliability of the stiffness measurements of SOL and AT in different ankle positions. This study aimed to determine the absolute reliability of the Young's modulus measurements of the SOL and AT in different ankle positions in healthy young males. MethodsThis study included 33 healthy young males. SOL and AT stiffnesses were measured using Young's modulus and shear-wave elastography (SWE). Measurements were taken while the participants were kneeling, with their knees flexed to 90°, and the upper body supported by a table. Ultrasound images were recorded at ankle dorsiflexion angles of −10°, 0°, and 10°. The same measurements were repeated 15 min after the first measurement. Bland–Altman plots were used to verify the type or amount of error and 95 % confidence interval of the minimal detectable change (MDC95) values of the measurements. ResultsBland–Altman plots identified that there was no fixed or proportional bias and that there was good agreement between the first- and second-time measurements of the SOL and AT, respectively, among all angles. The MDC95 of the Young's modulus of SOL at −10°, 0°, and 10° of ankle dorsiflexion were 5.6 kPa, 7.0 kPa, and 10.1 kPa, respectively, and AT were 15.8 kPa, 16.4 kPa, and 17.8 kPa, respectively. ConclusionYoung's modulus measurements of the SOL and AT using SWE can be used to quantify elastic properties with high confidence. Clinically, assessing changes in the Young's moduli of the SOL and AT using SWE may help determine the effectiveness of interventions.

Maximizing the Reliability and Precision of Measures of Prefrontal Cortical Oxygenation Using Frequency-Domain Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy (FD-NIRS) has been used for non-invasive assessment of cortical oxygenation since the late 1990s. However, there is limited research demonstrating clinical validity and general reproducibility. To address this limitation, recording duration for adequate validity and within- and between-day reproducibility of prefrontal cortical oxygenation was evaluated. To assess validity, a reverse analysis of 10-min-long measurements (n = 52) at different recording durations (1-10-min) was quantified via coefficients of variation and Bland-Altman plots. To assess within- and between-day within-subject reproducibility, participants (n = 15) completed 2-min measurements twice a day (morning/afternoon) for five consecutive days. While 1-min recordings demonstrated sufficient validity for the assessment of oxygen saturation (StO2) and total hemoglobin concentration (THb), recordings ≥4 min revealed greater clinical utility for oxy- (HbO) and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) concentration. Females had lower StO2, THb, HbO, and HHb values than males, but variability was approximately equal between sexes. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.50-0.96. The minimal detectable change for StO2 was 1.15% (95% CI: 0.336-1.96%) and 3.12 µM for THb (95% CI: 0.915-5.33 µM) for females and 2.75% (95%CI: 0.807-4.70%) for StO2 and 5.51 µM (95%CI: 1.62-9.42 µM) for THb in males. Overall, FD-NIRS demonstrated good levels of between-day reliability. These findings support the application of FD-NIRS in field-based settings and indicate a recording duration of 1 min allows for valid measures; however, data recordings of ≥4 min are recommended when feasible.

The test-retest reliability of non-navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures of corticospinal pathway excitability early after stroke

Purpose Motor evoked potential (MEP) characteristics are potential biomarkers of whether rehabilitation interventions drive motor recovery after stroke. The test-retest reliability of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) measurements in sub-acute stroke remains unclear. This study aims to determine the test-retest reliability of upper limb MEP measures elicited by non-neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation in sub-acute-stroke. Methods In two identical data collection sessions, 1–3 days apart, TMS measures assessed: motor threshold (MT), amplitude, latency (MEP-L), silent period (SP), recruitment curve slope in the biceps brachii (BB), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscles of paretic and non-paretic upper limbs. Test-retest reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Acceptable reliability was set at a lower 95% CI of 0.70 or above. The limits of agreement (LOA) and smallest detectable change (SDC) were calculated. Results 30 participants with sub-acute stroke were included (av 36 days post stroke) reliability was variable between poor to good for the different MEP characteristics. The SDC values differed across muscles and MEP characteristics in both paretic and less paretic limbs. Conclusions The present findings indicate there is limited evidence for acceptable test-retest reliability of non-navigated TMS outcomes when using the appropriate 95% CI for ICC, SDC and LOA values. Clinical Trial Registration Current Controlled Trials: ISCRT 19090862, http://www.controlled-trials.com

Recalling and anticipating positive events to improve the positive affect and mental health of adolescents: A cluster randomized controlled trial in secondary schools

This cluster randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of Positive Events Training (PET), a combined group training aimed at simultaneously improving positive autobiographical memory (AM) and episodic future thinking (EFT) among adolescents (12–16 years). Delivered as a universal school-based program, PET was compared with an active (creative writing) control group (CREAT). Effects on resilience, wellbeing, positive emotions, emotional response styles towards positive emotions (savoring, dampening), anhedonia, depressive symptoms, and multiple AM and EFT indices were examined. Adolescents (NPET = 95, NCREAT = 93) completed self-report scales at baseline, post-training and two-month follow-up. Multilevel models revealed that PET led to significant improvements in certain AM and EFT skills. Moreover, a decrease in anhedonia was observed at post-training. However, this effect did not withstand correction for multiple testing. Absence of changes in the other outcomes should be interpreted within the context of the universal school-based approach and the potential limited scope for detectable changes. Exploratory analyses suggest the importance of further investigating PET's potential in addressing positive affect dysregulations in indicated samples, and exploring perceived likelihood of generated future events and dampening as potential underlying mechanisms. Study limitations and future directions to maximize the demonstrated potential of PET are discussed.

Performance changes due to differences among annotating radiologists for training data in computerized lesion detection

PurposeThe quality and bias of annotations by annotators (e.g., radiologists) affect the performance changes in computer-aided detection (CAD) software using machine learning. We hypothesized that the difference in the years of experience in image interpretation among radiologists contributes to annotation variability. In this study, we focused on how the performance of CAD software changes with retraining by incorporating cases annotated by radiologists with varying experience.MethodsWe used two types of CAD software for lung nodule detection in chest computed tomography images and cerebral aneurysm detection in magnetic resonance angiography images. Twelve radiologists with different years of experience independently annotated the lesions, and the performance changes were investigated by repeating the retraining of the CAD software twice, with the addition of cases annotated by each radiologist. Additionally, we investigated the effects of retraining using integrated annotations from multiple radiologists.ResultsThe performance of the CAD software after retraining differed among annotating radiologists. In some cases, the performance was degraded compared to that of the initial software. Retraining using integrated annotations showed different performance trends depending on the target CAD software, notably in cerebral aneurysm detection, where the performance decreased compared to using annotations from a single radiologist.ConclusionsAlthough the performance of the CAD software after retraining varied among the annotating radiologists, no direct correlation with their experience was found. The performance trends differed according to the type of CAD software used when integrated annotations from multiple radiologists were used.

No side effects on rabbit retina or vitreous microenvironment by nd:YAG laser vitreolysis.

To explore the safety of Neodymium:Yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser vitreolysis based on the histological examination of the retina and the alteration of vitreous cytokines in the rabbits. Nine male New Zealand rabbits underwent Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis of 10mJ x 500 pulses in the left eyes, while the right eyes were used as controls. Intraocular pressure, color fundus photography, and ultrasound B scan were measured before, as well as 1day, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis. Three rabbits were euthanized 1day, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining were used to look for pathological changes in the retina. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and some inflammatory cytokines, including interferon inducible protein 10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interlenkin 6 (IL-6) in the vitreous humor. The ascorbic acid (AsA) and total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP) in the vitreous humor were also measured. Following Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis, the levels of VEGF, IP-10, MCP-1, IL6, AsA, and TRAP in the vitreous humor did not change substantially (P > 0.05). There were no detectable pathological changes in the retinal tissues, and no apoptotic signal was found. Rabbits tolerate Nd:YAG laser vitreolysis without observable impact on retinal tissue or the microenvironment of the vitreous.

Evaluation of Reliability of Dynamic Scapholunate Distance Measured on 4D CT-Acquired Images

Abstract Purpose A technique to measure scapholunate distance based on four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT)-acquired images is presented. Methods Intra-observer variability was evaluated through a repeated-measures study. A 4D CT of seven patients suspected of scapholunate lesion was performed. Anatomical landmarks were identified on a three-dimensional reconstructed model of the wrist. All 4D CT datasets were evaluated thrice by two observers. Standard deviation of the differences between two measurements, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Results Intra-observer variability for the expert observer (ICC &gt; 0.95) was lower than that of the novice observer (ICC &gt; 0.77) and interobserver variability was low (ICC &gt; 0.85). For the expert observer, measurement error (SEM &lt; 0.13 mm and MDC &lt; 0.36 mm) was smaller than that of the novice observer (SEM &lt; 0.45 mm and MDC &lt; 1.24 mm). Both SEM and MDC values were low, compared to the scan resolution and the absolute value of intervals. Conclusion The proposed assessment results in a reproducible and reliable measurement of scapholunate distance.

Validity and reliability of the modified four square step test in total HIP arthroplasty

IntroductionThe Modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) evaluates dynamic stabilization by using tape instead of canes to prevent people from tripping over obstacles and losing their balance. There was no study investigating reliability and validity in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and minimum detectable change in the mFSST for individuals with primary THA. MethodThis study was cross-sectional in design. A total of 29 individuals aged 56.86 ± 10.14 years participated. The study used the test-retest method to determine the reliability of the mFSST and concurrent validity. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were applied for concurrent validity. The minimum detectable change (MDC95) and the standard error measurement (SEM) were calculated. ResultsThe mFSST showed excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.925). The SEM and MDC95 of the mFSST were 1.56 and 4.32. The test had a strong correlation with TUGT (r = 0.881) and BBS (r = −0.718) (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe mFSST is a valid and reliable assessment tool that can be used for individuals with primary THA.

A novel albumin-based supramolecular biosensor for ratiometric on-site determination of buprofezin

Buprofezin (BUP) is an effective insecticide against Homopteran and Thysanoptera pests. However, exposure to BUP may result in several harmful effects on the non-target organism including human body, such as hepatotoxicity and DNA damage. Therefore, development of a reliable analytical method for BUP holds paramount importance. This study presents a novel albumin-based supramolecular biosensor, DPP@ALB, designed for the sensitive detection of BUP in environmental matrices, including water, soil, and real food samples. The features of this biosensor include a fast response, high sensitivity, and visually detectable fluorescence color change, enabling on-site detection of BUP based on the portable paper strips and 3D-printed miniaturized testing system. Overcoming challenges associated with the low chemical reactivity of BUP, this supramolecular biosensor emerges as the very first fluorescent sensor for efficient and reliable monitoring of BUP with applications in broader areas of environmental analysis and food safety.

The Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Turkish version, validity, and reliability study.

This study aimed to assess the cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Turkish version of the Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JAQQ) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). A total of 100 JIA patients (64% female), aged 9 to 18years, participated in the study conducted at a tertiary care university hospital. The JAQQ was culturally adapted through a rigorous translation process and administered alongside established measures, including the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), Juvenile Arthritis Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (JABQ), and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Validity and reliability were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficients, Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of the mean (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). The Turkish version of JAQQ exhibited high convergent validity, correlating significantly with CHAQ, JABQ, and CDI. No floor or ceiling effects were observed in the total JAQQ score, indicating a balanced assessment. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.948), and test-retest reliability was satisfactory (ICC = 0.913). SEM and MDC95 values were 0.357 and 0.99, respectively. The Turkish adaptation of JAQQ emerges as a valid and reliable instrument for comprehensively assessing the health-related quality of life in children and adolescents diagnosed with JIA. The questionnaire's robust psychometric properties, coupled with distinctive features like individualized assessment, highlight its potential as a valuable tool for both clinical assessment and scientific research in the field of pediatric rheumatology. Key Points • The Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JAQQ) is an important scale that evaluates the quality of life of children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). • JAQQ is known and used in the field of pediatric rheumatology in Turkey, but its Turkish adaptation has not been made before. • Our study includes 100 JIA patients aged between 9 and 18 years and shows that the Turkish version of JAQQ is valid and reliable in measuring the quality of life of these children. • This research contributes to the accurate assessment of the quality of life in Turkish children diagnosed with JIA, providing valuable insights for both clinical and scientific studies.

DYNEELAX Robotic Arthrometer Reliability and Feasibility on Healthy and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injured/Reconstructed Persons.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are commonly assessed using clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging, but these methods have limitations in reproducibility and quantification. Instrumented laxity measurements using devices, like the DYNEELAX®, offer an alternative approach. However, to date, there is no human data on the DYNEELAX® and the reliability of these devices remains a subject of debate, and there is no consensus on appropriate knee tightening levels for testing. We hypothesized that the DYNEELAX®, with standardized knee tightening, would provide reliable measurements of knee laxity in adult volunteers. This prospective cohort study involved 48 pain-free adult volunteers. Laxity measurements were taken using a robotic-type motorized instrument (DYNEELAX®) on two separate occasions, at least 1 h and no more than 8 h apart, with knee tightening forces of 90 N ± 5 N. Metrics of anterior tibial translation and internal/external tibial axial rotations were recorded. The device displayed excellent intrarater reliability for all the metrics, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.91 to 0.96. Anterior translation exhibited the highest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96), with a minimum detectable change of 0.83 mm. DYNEELAX® is reliable in measuring knee laxity in adult volunteers when using standardized stabilizing knee tightening forces of 90 ± 5 N. The most sensitive measurement parameters (in terms of minimum detectable change as a proportion of the observed range) were anterior translation (in mm) at 150 N and secondary compliance.

Physical performance tests have excellent reliability in frail and non-frail patients with prostate cancer

Purpose Our aim was to investigate the test-retest reliability of the 2-min walk test (2MWT), timed up and go test (TUG), and five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST) in prostate cancer (PC) patients. Methods This study was conducted with 73 patients who were classified into two groups as frail and non-frail determined by the Geriatric-8 questionnaire. Patients performed the 2MWT, TUG, and FTSST tests for two times. The test-retest reliability of the 2MWT, TUG, and FTSST was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The standard error of measurement (SEM95) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) values were calculated. Results All tests showed excellent test-retest reliability for both groups (ICC(2.1) > 0.90). The SEM95 and MDC95 values of 2MWT were 3.09, 8.57, and 3.15 m, 8.73 m for frail and non-frail groups. The SEM95 and MDC95 values of TUG for the frail group were 0.6 and 1.66 and 0.43 and 1.19 for the non-frail group, respectively. The SEM95 and MDC95 values of FTST for the frail group were 0.68 and 1.88 and for the non-frail group 0.86 and 2.38. Conclusions The 2MWT, TUG, and FTSST showed excellent reliability in frail and non-frail older adults with PC which can be used to assess physical performance.

Validity and Reliability of the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

The validity and reliability of the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) were assessed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study involved 60 participants diagnosed with MS (mean age: 48.13 years, range: 24–80 years). Intra-rater reliability was assessed within-day (n = 12), and inter-rater reliability was assessed within-day (n = 45) and between-days (n = 22). For known-groups validity, test scores were compared between participants of different sexes; for convergent validity, test scores were correlated with age, the Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand test (FSTS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). To test the discriminant validity, the LEMOCOT test scores were correlated with the Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) and compared according to social history (living alone or not). The LEMOCOT test was tested under three different conditions and found to be very reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2,1 &gt; 0.94) with an acceptable error level (standard error of the measurement, SEM, between 1.39 and 3.47 targets and 95% minimum detectable change; MDC95%, between 3.84 and 9.58 targets). Convergent validity was verified, as the LEMOCOT registered very strong correlations with the FSTS test (r = −0.851) and the BBS scale (r = 0.815), a strong correlation with the LEFS scale (r = 0.78), a moderate correlation with the EDSS scale (r = −0.634), all highly significant (p &lt; 0.001), and a weak correlation with age (r = −0.332, p &lt; 0.01). Discriminant validity was also confirmed, as the LEMOCOT demonstrated a weak correlation with the MMSE scale (r = 0.365, p = 0.017) and no differences relative to living environment or sex. The LEMOCOT demonstrated excellent reliability and validity for patients with MS.

Self-assessment using 30-second chair stand test for patients with knee osteoarthritis – an intra- and inter-rater reliability study

Background We aimed to evaluate the intra-rater reliability in 30-second chair stand test (30CST) as a self-test, and the inter-rater reliability comparing a self-test with a physiotherapist-assessed 30CST for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The second purpose was to evaluate the classification ability of the 30CST as self-test to distinguish between reduced physical function and normal function. Methods Patients with KOA performed two self-tests of 30CST at home and thereafter a physiotherapist assessed the patient. Absolute agreements were presented with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), 95% confidence interval (CI) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Post-hoc analyses were conducted to calculate minimal detectable change (MDC). The classification ability was analysed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-curves and area under the ROC-curve (AUC). The significance level was p < 0.05. Results In total, 114 followed the protocol. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were good (ICC 0.97, CI 0.95–0.99, SEM 0.89 and ICC 0.81, CI 0.72–0.87, SEM 2.29 respectively). MDC were 2.5 stands when comparing self-test results individually and 0.23 on a group level. The MDC between self-tests and physiotherapist assessment were 6.4 stands for individual comparison and 0.59 for group comparison. The self-test was 80% likely to detect reduced physical function compared to a physiotherapist assessing physical function with 30CST (AUC = 0.79–0.80). Conclusions The results indicate that 30CST can be a reliable self-assessment of physical function in lower extremities for patients with KOA. These findings can be useful in areas such as self-screening for reduced physical function, self-assessment in digital physiotherapy, and as measurement in research projects.

The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Italian version in people with chronic low back pain

Background and aimThere is evidence to suggest that assessing back-specific altered self-perception may be useful when seeking to understand and manage low back pain (LBP). The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) is a patient-reported measure of back-specific body perception that has never been adapted and psychometrically analysed in Italian. Hence, the objectives of this research were to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of this outcome measure (namely, the FreBAQ-I), to make it available for use with Italians suffering from chronic LBP.MethodsThe FreBAQ-I was developed by forward and backward translation, review by a committee skilled in patient-reported measures and test of the pre-final version to assess its clarity, acceptability, and relevance. The statistical analyses examined: structural validity based on Rasch analysis; hypotheses testing by investigating correlations of the FreBAQ-I with the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), a pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS), the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) (Pearson’s correlations); reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC (2,1)); and measurement error by determining the minimum detectable change (MDC). After the development of a consensus-based translation of the FreBAQ-I, the new outcome measure was delivered to 100 people with chronic LBP.ResultsRasch analysis confirmed the substantial unidimensionality and the structural validity of the FreBAQ-I. Hypothesis testing was considered good as at least 75% of the hypotheses were confirmed; correlations: RMDQ (r = 0.35), PI-NRS (r = 0.25), PCS (r = 0.41) and TSK (r = 0.38). Internal consistency was acceptable (alpha = 0.82) and test–retest repeatability was excellent (ICC (2,1) = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.92). The MDC95 corresponded to 6.7 scale points.ConclusionThe FreBAQ-I was found to be a unidimensional, valid, and reliable outcome measure in Italians with chronic LBP. Its application is advised for clinical and research use within the Italian speaking community.