Differences In Test Performance Research Articles

Features of cognitive disorders in patients with primary episodes of bipolar affective disorder

The aim of the work was to study the features of cognitive disorders in the primary episode of bipolar affective disorder, taking into account the gender factor and clinical variant. Materials and methods. 153 patients with primary episode of bipolar affective disorder: with prevalence of depressive symptomatology (44 men and 75 women), with prevalence of manic symptoms (15 men and 8 women) and with simultaneous presence of depressive and manic symptomatology or with rapid or severe manic symptoms and 5 women) were examined using the Stroop test. Results and discussion. In patients with the depressed primary episode variant, a general slowdown in the performance of all four subtests of the Stroop test was detected: reading time of the names of colors printed in black font (TNFb) in all patients 63.7±8.1 sec., in men 65.0±9.6 sec., in women 63.0±7.0 sec.; names of colors (NС) were respectively 96.6±9.2 sec, 96.5±9.1 sec and 96.6±9.3; reading time of color names where the font color is different from the word value (TNCd) – respectively 153.5±20.3 sec., 153.8±23.3 sec., 153.3±18.6 sec.; name of the word color where the font color is different from the word value (NCWd) – 62.6±7.9 sec., 63.8±9.3 sec. and 61.9±6.9 sec. In patients with a manic variant, the time to perform the Strup test is the smallest of all groups: TNFb – 44.3±4.0 sec., 44.5±4.1 sec. and 43.8±4.1 sec.; NC – 62.7±4.9 sec., 61.7±5.5 sec. and 64.6±3.2 sec.; TNCd – 116.2±9.5 sec., 118.0±10.5 sec. and 112.9±6.4 sec.; NCWd – 43.3±4.0 sec., 43.5±4.1 sec. and 42.8±4.1 sec, respectively. In patients with mixed variant indicators occupy an intermediate position: TNFb – 59,8±16,1 sec., 57,3±14,6 sec. and 62.8±19.0 sec.; NC – 79.1±10.1 sec., 76.5±10.3 sec. and 82.2±10.0 sec.; TNCd – 124.3±22.5 sec., 120.7±18.9 sec. and 128.6±27.7 sec.; NCWd – 58.5±15.7 sec., 56.2±14.3 sec. and 61.4±18.5 sec. in accordance. Gender differences in Stroop test performance are not significant. Conclusions. The primary episode of BAD is characterized by the presence of cognitive impairment, the structure and expressiveness of which is determined by the clinical variant. In the depressive variant revealed the greatest overall slowdown in the execution of the Stroop test with a significant number of errors, with manic - deterioration of attention, behavioral inhibition and maximal impulse control when mixed - a marked slowdown in the performance of the Stroop test with a significant number of errors. Gender differences in cognitive impairment are insignificant

Gender-related Differential Item Functioning Analysis on an ESL Test

Differential item functioning (DIF) is a technique used to examine whether items function differently across different groups. The DIF analysis helps detect bias in an assessment to ensure the fairness of the assessment. However, most of the previous research has focused on high-stakes assessments. There is a dearth in research that laying emphasis on low-stakes assessments, which is also significant for the test development and validation process. Additionally, gender difference in test performance is always a particular concern for researchers to evaluate whether a test is fair or not. This present study investigated whether test items of the General English Proficiency Test for Kids (GEPT-Kids) are free of bias in terms of gender differences. A mixed-method sequential explanatory research design was adopted with two phases. In phase I, test performance data of 492 participants from five Chinese speaking cities were analyzed by the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) method to detect gender DIF. In phase II, items that manifested DIF were subject to content analysis through three experienced reviewers to identify possible sources of DIF. The results showed that three items were detected with moderate gender DIF through statistical methods and three items were identified as possible biased items by expert judgment. The results provide preliminary contributions to DIF analysis for low-stakes assessment in the field of language assessment. Besides, young language learners, especially in the Chinese context, have been drawn renewed attention. Thus, the results may also add to the body of literature that can shed some light on the test development for young language learners.

Detection of norovirus infections in Denmark, 2011-2018.

Norovirus (NoV) infections occur very frequently yet are rarely diagnosed. In Denmark, NoV infections are not under surveillance. We aimed to collect and describe existing laboratory-based NoV data. National NoV laboratory data were collected for 2011-2018, including information on patient identification number, age and sex, requesting physician, analysis date and result. We defined positive patient-episodes by using a 30-day time window and performed descriptive and time series analysis. Diagnostic methods used were assessed through a survey. We identified 15 809 patient-episodes (11%) out of 142 648 tested patients with an increasing trend, 9366 in 2011 vs. 32 260 in 2018. This corresponded with a gradual introduction of polymerase chain reaction analysis in laboratories. The highest positivity rate was in patients aged <5 years (15%) or >85 years (17%). There was a large difference in test performance over five Danish geographical regions and a marked seasonal variation with peaks from December to February. This is the first analysis of national NoV laboratory data in Denmark. A future laboratory-based surveillance system may benefit public health measures by describing trend, burden and severity of seasons and possibly pinpoint hospital outbreaks.

Measurement invariance of neuropsychological measures of cognitive aging across race/ethnicity by sex/gender groups.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement invariance of a neuropsychological battery across race/ethnicity by sex/gender subgroups over repeated measurements. Participants were 6,057 non-Hispanic White (NHW), Black, and Hispanic men and women in the Washington/Hamilton Heights Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP) who were administered neuropsychological tests of memory, language, and visuospatial abilities at 18 to 24-month intervals for up to 25 years. Invariance analyses were conducted on the three-factor model across sex/gender, racial/ethnic, and sex/gender by racial/ethnic subgroups, as well as across five assessment timepoints. The three-factor model demonstrated full measurement invariance across sex/gender groups and over repeated measurements. However, partial measurement invariance (invariant factor structure and factor loadings but nonequivalent observed score intercepts) for the language domain was exhibited across racial/ethnic and sex/gender by racial/ethnic subgroups. Establishing measurement invariance is essential for valid interpretation of group differences in cognitive test performance. Findings from the current study highlight the need for continued examination of sex/gender by racial/ethnic differences in measurement properties of assessment tools, as well as expanded research on sex/gender variability across other understudied racial/ethnic groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

On the relationship between mathematics and visuospatial processing in Turner syndrome

A common neurocognitive phenotype of Turner syndrome (TS) includes coincident deficits in math and visuospatial reasoning while overall IQ remains intact. However, research has highlighted disparities in the relationship between these properties in women with TS, suggesting that not all visuospatial domains are equally related to mathematics in this group. Here, we present findings from a longitudinal investigation of visuospatial processing and its relationship to math performance in adolescent girls with TS and age-matched healthy controls. Participants completed a standardized battery of math and visuospatial tests once a year for 4 years. Linear mixed effects modeling was used to examine the relationship between mathematics and each visuospatial domain over time. Our results indicate that math performance was related to visual tracking, visual-motor coordination, and figure-ground processing. Such visuospatial domains appear to be uniquely affected by TS and could contribute to their deficits in math performance. Furthermore, differences in math and visuospatial test performance between girls with TS and healthy controls remain stable over time. Our results have important implications for the role of visuospatial processing in early math performance and may inform the development of effective interventions aimed at improving math education in children with TS.

Development of auditory perception in preschool children

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether the auditory skills presented by five-year-old children can predict their performance in auditory processing (AP) tests at seven years old. DesignThirty-five children were evaluated for AP at two different times. At evaluation 1, the children were between 5 years 2 months and 6 years 1 month of age, and at evaluation 2, they were between 7 years 1 month and 7 years 8 months of age. The interval between the evaluations ranged from 18 to 23 months. After evaluation 2, the 7-year-olds were classified according to their performance on central AP tests. The children were divided into three groups: GI included nine children with at least two AP tests that scored two standard deviations below the mean and the presence of a speech complaint; GII included 18 children with at least two AP tests that scored two standard deviations below the mean and no speech complaints; and GIII included eight children with no more than one test scored two standard deviations below the mean and no speech disorders complaint. The analysis was performed considering each test individually and as a battery of applied tests. From the results obtained, a discriminant analysis was performed to assess the differences in test performance between the groups when the children were 5 years old. ResultsThe discriminant analysis showed that with the results obtained during evaluation 1, it was possible to predict which group 74.3% of the children would be classified into after evaluation 2. The percentage of correct classifications for each group was 77.8% for GI, 66.7% for GII and 87.5% for GIII. That is, 87.5% of the children who were classified as GIII after evaluation 2 had already demonstrated good auditory performance in the tests applied at 5 years of age. ConclusionsChildren who exhibited lower scores on AP tests at 7 years of age had demonstrated poor auditory perception at 5 years of age. This finding is relevant because it offers the possibility of stimulating or training these auditory skills in preschoolers to foster their development.

Reliability, Usefulness, and Factorial Validity of Change-of-direction Speed Tests in Adolescent Basketball Players.

Stojanović, E, Aksović, N, Stojiljković, N, Stanković, R, Scanlan, AT, and Milanović, Z. Reliability, usefulness, and factorial validity of change-of-direction speed tests in adolescent basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 3162-3173, 2019-The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the reliability, usefulness, and factorial validity of change-of-direction speed (CODS) tests in adolescent basketball players and (2) evaluate positional differences in test performances. Elite, adolescent male basketball players (n = 53; 17.3 ± 1.0 years) completed 6 CODS tests: "Lane Arrow Closeout," "Lane Agility Drill," "Reactive Shuttle Test," "Run-Shuffle-Run," "Compass Drill," and "Modified 505 Test." Players completed 3 trials of each test. All tests demonstrated acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.50-0.88; coefficient of variation: 5.1-7.9%). The typical error (TE) calculated for each test was above the smallest worthwhile change, rating the usefulness of all tests as marginal. The principal component factor analysis in all tests resulted in the extraction of one significant component that explained 74% of the total variance across tests. Positional comparisons showed that backcourt (guards) players performed better (small to moderate differences) in all CODS tests compared with frontcourt (forwards and centers) players. All tests were deemed reliable and valid in adolescent basketball players. The "Lane Agility Drill" and "Run-Shuffle-Run" tests seem the most appropriate to quantify changes in CODS possessing the lowest TE, whereas the "Lane Arrow Closeout" and "Lane Agility Drill" tests are the most sensitive in detecting positional differences.

The Role of Quality of Education in Neurocognitive Functioning in a Diverse Sample with Chronic Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract Objective Literacy is a proxy for quality of education (QoE) and mediates ethnicity-related differences in neurocognitive (NC) performance in some populations (Manly et al., 2002; Rivera Mindt et al., 2008). However, it is unknown whether this relationship exists in the context of chronic opioid use disorder (OUD). This study examined the role of ethnicity, QoE, opioid use severity, and depression in predicting NC performance in a diverse sample of persons with OUD. Participants and Method This cross-sectional study included 74 adults with OUD (Age M = 40.3 [SD = 10.5]; Education M = 11.3 [2.5]; 24% female; 68% Latinx and 32% Non-Latinx White [NLW]). All participants completed comprehensive NC testing and psychiatric/substance use questionnaires. Variables included ethnicity (Latinx vs. Non-Latinx White), years of education, QoE (Wide Range Achievement Test, Third Edition; WRAT-3 Reading Standard Scores), opioid use severity (high vs. low OAT dose), current depression (Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition; BDI-II Total Score), and demographically-corrected NC T-scores were computed and used for average domain T-scores (e.g., learning, memory, verbal fluency, executive function). Bivariate and ANCOVA analyses were used to compare ethnic groups. Results There were no significant group differences on opioid use severity or current depression (p’s &amp;gt; .05). However, compared to the NLW group, the Latinx group had lower years of education (M = 10.9 [SD = 1.7] vs. M = 12.2 [SD = 3.5]; t[72)] = 2.1, p &amp;lt; .05), QoE (M = 83.1 [SD = 13.6] vs. M = 94.8 [SD = 9.4]; t[72] = 3.8, p &amp;lt; .001), executive functioning (M = 42.0 [SD = 6.5] vs. M = 45.8 [SD = 8.5]; t[72) = 2.1, p &amp;lt; .05), and learning (M = 32.2 [SD = 8.2] vs. M = 37.8 [SD = 8.7]; t[72)] = 2.7, p &amp;lt; .05), with medium to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d &amp;gt; .50). The overall effect of ethnicity became non-significant for executive functioning after accounting for QoE (F[2,70] = 10.0, p = .002) and years of education (F[2,70)] = 16.8, p &amp;lt; .001). Conclusions The current study found that accounting for years of education and QoE attenuates some differences in NC performance between Latinx and Non-Latinx participants. References Manly, J. J., Jacobs, D. M., Touradji, P., Small, S. A., &amp; Stern, Y. (2002). Reading level attenuates differences in neuropsychological test performance between African American and White elders. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 8(3), 341-348. Mindt, M. R., Arentoft, A., Germano, K. K., D’Aquila, E., Scheiner, D., Pizzirusso, M., ... &amp; Gollan, T. H. (2008). Neuropsychological, cognitive, and theoretical considerations for evaluation of bilingual individuals. Neuropsychology review, 18(3), 255-268.

Diagnostic Performance of Prostate Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in African-American Men

To compare test performance of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for detection of prostate cancer (PCa) in African-American men (AAM) and white men (WM) using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System in unmatched groups as well as a cohort matched for clinical factors. We examined our database of men who underwent prostate mpMRI prior to biopsy between October 2014 and June 2017 (n = 601; 60 AAM, 541 WM). Test performance was defined using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System classification 4 or 5 considered test positive and Gleason grade group 2 or greater from any biopsy core considered outcome positive. A subset analysis was performed using a propensity score caliper matching algorithm to match AAM to WM in a 1:2 ratio using the variables age, PSA, and PSA density. No significant differences in test performance were found with similar sensitivity (86.7% vs 83.6, P = 1.00), specificity (45.9% vs 49.1%, P = .71), positive predictive value (50.0% vs 46.9%), and negative predictive value (85.0% vs 84.8%, P = 1.00) for AAM and WM. Similar results were noted in our matched comparison. The rate of upgrading between targeted and systematic biopsy cores did not statistically differ between AAM and WM in both unmatched (12.2% vs. 15.8%, P = .66) and matched (12.2% vs 12.8%, P = .92) comparisons. Our findings provide supporting evidence that AAM have similar outcomes to WM in PCa detection using mpMRI. We suggest that mpMRI should not be withheld or offered preferentially on the basis of race when used for the detection of PCa.

Examining Practice and Learning Effects With Serial Administration of the Clinical Reaction Time Test in Healthy Young Athletes.

The clinical reaction time (RTclin) test has been recommended as a valid test for assessing concussion and determining recovery of reaction time function following concussion. However, it is unknown whether repeat assessment, as is used in postconcussion testing, is affected by learning or practice phenomena. To determine if a practice or learning effect is present with serial administration of the RTclin test. Randomized control trial. University athletic training clinics. A total of 112 healthy collegiate athletes (age = 19.46 [1.34]y). The control group completed the RTclin test on days 1 and 60. The experimental group completed the RTclin test on days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 60. Reaction time as measured with the RTclin test. The difference in RTclin test performance from day 1 to day 60 was not significant (mean change = -2.77 [14.46]ms, P = .42, 95% confidence intervals, -6.40 to 0.862) between groups. The experimental group experienced significant improvement (λ = 0.784, F4,49 = 3.365, P = .02, η2 = .216, power = 0.81) with acute repeat testing. However, post hoc analysis did not reveal a significant difference between scores during the 5 test periods. The results suggest serial administration of the RTclin test does not produce a practice or learning effect. Clinicians, however, should be cautious as the results do provide evidence patients may demonstrate improved scores when testing occurs on repetitive days after initial exposure to the test.

A-46 Impairments in Memory for “Who”, “When”, and “Where” are Detectable in Middle-Aged Adults

Abstract Objective We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine age-¬related differences in performance on a new test assessing memory for “who, when, and where” and associations among these elements. The test was designed to assess aspects of episodic memory by simulating an everyday experience of meeting a series of different people in different places across time. Method Healthy young (ages 18¬-25), middle-aged (ages 40-55), and older adults (ages 60+) were asked to remember a sequence of pictures of different faces paired with different places. After viewing the sequence, the participants were asked to pair each face with the correct place and put the face-place pairs in the correct sequence. Participants also completed a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests. Results Young adults remembered significantly more face-place pairs in the correct sequence than middle-aged (p &lt; .05) and older adults (p &lt; .05). There were no significant differences between middle-aged and older adults in the number of face-place pairs in correct sequence. Furthermore, young adults remembered significantly more face-place pairs irrespective of sequence than older adults (p &lt; .05). There were no significant differences between young and middle-aged adults or between middle-aged and older adults in the number of correct face-place pairs irrespective of sequence. Conclusions Using a new test that incorporates aspects of episodic memory, we found evidence for age-related differences in test performance beginning in middle age. We found that performance on the test correlated with performance on standardized measures of verbal memory and executive functioning but not visual confrontation naming.

Wheelchair mobility performance of elite wheelchair tennis players during four field tests: Inter-trial reliability and construct validity

The purpose of the current study was to assess the inter-trial reliability and construct validity (talented juniors vs. international adult players) of four wheelchair tennis field tests using inertial measurement units (IMUs). Twenty-one elite wheelchair tennis players completed four tests, which evaluate the sprinting and manoeuvrability abilities in wheelchair tennis. During all tests 3 IMUs were attached to both wheels and the frame of the athlete’s wheelchair. The IMUs enabled analysis of individual test dynamic characteristics, i.e. the linear/rotational velocity and acceleration data, as well as detected pushes. All tests showed high ICCs (0.95–0.99) for the inter-trial reliability for the IMU-based end times and also the construct validity was good, i.e. talented juniors could be discriminated from international adults. Also, velocities and accelerations during the tests could be consistently visualized, meaning that differences in test performance among participants could be designated. Within the experimental context, the field tests could be regarded as reliable and valid. With the use of IMUs it is possible to verify more detailed performance characteristics, visualize the test execution, as well as differentiate between a talented junior and international adult group and within individuals over time.

The meaning of group differences in cognitive test performance.

The meaning of group differences in cognitive test performance.

A Study in Blue: Does Increasing Contrast of Brain Slices Improve Neuroanatomy Learning?

IntroductionNeurophobia is the fear many students experience when faced with the task of learning neuroanatomy. This problem may partly result from the large number of poorly defined structures observed in unstained brain slices. There is little discussion in educational literature regarding the most effective way to learn neuroanatomy. In particular, the effect of increasing the contrast between gray and white matter on student learning has not been examined. We hypothesized that some neurophobia, particularly among those with low working memory, might be mitigated with our recently developed brain slice staining method.AimTo determine if increasing the contrast between gray and white matter on human brain slices would improve students' ability to learn neuroanatomy, and if the intervention especially helped students with a lower working memory capacity.MethodsParticipants were recruited from an introductory psych course at McMaster University and were required to not have any previous neuroanatomical education. Participants learned and were tested on 12 neuroanatomical structures each from two sets of brain slices (transverse stained and coronal unstained, or coronal stained and transverse unstained) on day 1, participated in a restudy period 24 hours later on day 2, and were tested again 48 hours later on day 3. In addition, all participants completed the Automated Operation Span Task (OSPAN) working memory test and a survey on learning methods.ResultsWhile data collection is still ongoing, interim analysis has been completed. A 2×2 repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there was no difference in test performance between stained and unstained slices on day 1 or day 3 in general (p=0.785). A linear regression analysis for both the stained and unstained groups revealed that working memory capacity was a significant predictor of performance in the unstained condition (p=0.001). However, working memory was not a predictor of performance in the stained condition (p=0.123). Students with low working memory performed 11.4% worse on unstained brain slices than on stained slices, while students with high working memory showed no significant difference.Discussion and ConclusionWhile data collection continues, the preliminary results reveal interesting possibilities. Initially, staining did not appear to facilitate neuroanatomy learning. However, students with low working memory showed a significant improvement when learning from stained brain slices compared to unstained. Therefore, the use of stained brain slices in the teaching of neuroanatomy may partially mitigate neurophobia, improve teaching, and particularly aid those students already struggling with the subject.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The Accuracy of Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging Interpretation: Impact of the Individual Radiologist and Clinical Factors

ObjectiveTo compare test performance of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for detection of prostate cancer between individual radiologists using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) and to identify clinical factors that may predict test performance. Materials and MethodsWe examined our database of consecutive men who received prostate mpMRI prior to biopsy between September 2014 and December 2016 (n = 459). Test performance (eg, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV] and negative predictive value) were defined with PI-RADS classification 4 or 5 considered test positive and Gleason score ≥7 on biopsy from any targeted core considered outcome positive. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify clinical variables that affect test performance. ResultsNo significant differences in test performance were found among individual radiologists. Prior biopsy (odds ratio [OR] 0.10, P = .01), radiologist experience >500 prostate mpMRI (OR 0.18, P = .04), transition zone location (OR 0.10, P = .04), and posterior location (OR 0.04, P = .03) were predictors of diminished sensitivity. Location of the mpMRI lesion in the TZ was a predictor of improved specificity (OR 2.53, P = .04). Increasing age (OR 1.07, P <.01) and prostate-specific antigen (OR 1.10, P <.01) predicted increased PPV, while prior biopsy predicted decreased PPV (OR 0.50, P <.01). ConclusionAlthough variation exists in test performance among individual radiologists using PI-RADS, significant differences were not observed. Additional prostate mpMRI experience was not beneficial in improving accuracy of interpretation. Nonmodifiable patient variables—including prostate lesion location, prior biopsy history, prostate-specific antigen, and age—are predictive of prostate mpMRI test performance.

Assessing lower limb position sense in stroke using the gradient discrimination test (GradDT™) and step-height discrimination test (StepDT™): a reliability and validity study

Purpose: To evaluate the psychometric properties of two novel tests of lower limb position sense.Methods: Our newly developed tests assess the discrimination thresholds of under-foot slope and step height perception using a two alternative forced choice approach. Stroke participants (n = 32) and age matched controls (n = 32) were tested. Inter- and intra-rater reliability and agreement, sensitivity and specificity, discriminant and convergent validity were evaluated.Results: Intra-rater reliability for both variants of the gradient discrimination test was excellent; intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) =0.91 and 0.89. The step height discrimination test had excellent intra-rater reliability and agreement: ICC =0.95. Inter-rater reliability was also excellent in both tests (ICC= 0.85–0.93). Discriminant validity was demonstrated with significant differences in test performance between stroke and control participants (p < 0.001). Our novel tests did not significantly correlate with the proprioceptive component of the Erasmus modified Nottingham Sensory Assessment. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis indicated both novel tests to have greater sensitivity and specificity than the proprioceptive component of the Erasmus modified Nottingham Sensory Assessment in predicting the presence of self-reported sensory impairments. Functional reach test, 10 meter walk test, centre of pressure measurement and reported falls showed significant and moderate to strong correlations with novel test performance (r = 0.40–0.60); the Erasmus modified Nottingham Sensory Assessment did not.Conclusions: Our novel, functionally oriented tests of lower limb position sense are reliable, valid and feasible for use in an ambulatory chronic stroke and elderly population.Implications for rehabilitationThe GradDT™ and StepDT are two novel tests of lower limb position sense which are reliable and valid in a chronic stroke sample.They offer clinicians and researchers sensitive, accurate and clinically usable measures of lower limb position sense

Y-Balance test asymmetry is greater in collegiate athletes with a history of concussion

Athletes with a history of concussion (HC) are at an increased risk of sustaining lower extremity injuries. It is unclear if these individuals exhibit dynamic postural control deficits associated with lower extremity injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine if collegiate athletes with a HC demonstrate differences in Y-Balance Test (YBT) performance compared to athletes with no history of concussion (NHC). A total of 116 varsity and club athletes from a Division-I university participated. Forty participants reported a HC (female/male: 31/9, age: 20.0 ± 1.4 years, height: 169.3 ± 13.1 cm, mass: 68.4 ± 14.0 kg) while 76 reported NHC (female/male: 60/16, age: 20.0 ± 1.7 years, height: 168.5 ± 12.9 cm, mass: 68.7 ± 14.6 kg). Individuals with a current concussion or lower extremity injury, or a history of lower extremity surgery were excluded. Participants completed the YBT anterior reach direction barefoot on both limbs. The YBT was completed by maximally reaching anteriorly, maintaining balance, and returning to the starting position without errors. Participants completed 4 practice trials and 3 test trials. Reach distances were averaged and normalized to leg length. Between-limb asymmetry was calculated as the absolute difference between the left and right limbs. Separate independent t-tests examined group differences in normalized reach distances and asymmetry. The proportion of participants in each group with &gt;4 cm of asymmetry was compared using a χ2 test. Alpha was set at 0.05 for all analyses. No group differences were identified in normalized reach distances for the left (HC: 61.4% ± 9.2%, NHC: 60.8% ± 6.2%, p = 0.88, ES = 0.08) or right (HC: 61.4% ± 6.2%, NHC: 60.2% ± 6.8%, p = 0.51, ES = 0.17) limbs. However, a greater proportion of HC participants demonstrated &gt;4 cm asymmetry (HC: 40.0%, NHC: 19.7%; p = 0.02) and these participants exhibited greater asymmetry (HC: 3.87 ± 3.69 cm, NHC: 2.40 ± 2.13 cm, p = 0.03; ES = 0.53). Athletes with a HC exhibited greater asymmetry compared to athletes with NHC. Anterior reach asymmetries of &gt;4 cm are associated with greater lower extremity injury risk. The YBT may provide a clinical technique to further explore the relationship between concussion and lower extremity injury.

Pre-season concussion assessment utilizing the King-Devick Test

ABSTRACTThis study’s objectives were to assess the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the King-Devick Test (KDT) during concussion screening and to analyze potential sport-specific differences in test performance across two sports. Two hundred and sixty-six high school male American football and soccer players recruited from four area high schools participated prior to the fall sports season. Main outcome measures included the KDT and Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). KDT performance demonstrated significant correlations with the ImPACT visual motor speed composite scores, reaction time, Cognitive Efficiency Index and age. Significant baseline differences were noted on the KDT between football and soccer players. The KDT demonstrates concurrent validity with three neurocognitive domains on the ImPACT. Significant differences in baseline King-Devick Test scores were found between football and soccer players and may be related to the neurocognitive demands of the sport.

Native English speakers and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' performance and notetaking in a Doctor of Pharmacy health systems course.

Academic pharmacy programs continue to diversify in student population. While the challenges of non-native language speakers have been opined, there is scant research on their performance in comparison with native language speakers nor is there much information on differences in the processes used in academic preparation, such as on note-taking. The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify differences in test performance between native English speakers and students for whom English is a foreign language (EFL) in a health systems PharmD course, and (2) examine differences between these two groups in note-taking attitudes and behaviors. Students' self-reported data as native English-speaking or EFL were acquired from the University Office of Admissions. Students' performance was measured on examinations covering lecture content, with independent-sample t tests discerning differences on all 3 examinations. T-tests were also used to ascertain differences on examination scores by student race/ethnicity and on differences in their response to a survey on attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction with note-taking. EFL students scored significantly lower on the latter two examinations and on the average of the three examinations by over 7%. EFL students reported lower satisfaction with the accuracy and completeness of their notes and indicated that peers were less likely to borrow their notes. They also reported being more likely to be distracted in class by peers' laptop note-taking, even though there were many similarities between the two groups in how they approached note-taking. EFL student performance was lower than that of native English speakers on examinations. EFL students were less satisfied with the quality of their notes. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for improving the learning experience of EFL students. Academic administration can identify mechanisms to facilitate a learning environment conducive for their success.

A continuous repetitive task to detect fatigability in spinal muscular atrophy

BackgroundTo determine the value of a continuous repetitive task to detect and quantify fatigability as additional dimension of impaired motor function in patients with hereditary proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).ResultsIn this repeated measure case-control study 52 patients with SMA types 2–4, 17 healthy and 29 disease controls performed five consecutive rounds of the Nine-Hole Peg test to determine the presence of fatigability. We analysed differences in test performance and associations with disease characteristics. Five patients with SMA type 2 (22%) and 1 disease control (3%) could not finish five rounds due to fatigue (p = 0.01). Patients with SMA type 2 performed the test significantly more slowly than all other groups (p < 0.005) and disease controls were slower than healthy controls (p < 0.05). Patients with SMA type 2 performed round five 27% slower than round one, while healthy controls performed round five 14% faster than round one (p = 0.005). There was no difference between SMA type 3a, type 3b/4 or disease controls and healthy controls (p > 0.4). Time needed to complete each round during the five-round task increased in 15 patients with SMA type 2 (65%), 4 with type 3a (36%), 4 with type 3b/4 (22%), 9 disease controls (31%) and 1 healthy control (6%). There was no effect of age at disease onset or disease duration in SMA type 2 (p = 0.39). Test-retest reliability was high.ConclusionFatigability of remaining arm function is a feature of SMA type 2 and can be determined with continuous repetitive tasks.