Functional Performance Tests Research Articles

Movement compensations during a step ascent task are associated with stair climbing performance in people with multiple sclerosis.

The biomechanical mechanisms underlying stair climbing limitations are poorly understood in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Are trunk and pelvis motion and lower extremity joint moments during step ascent different between MS and control groups? Are step ascent biomechanics and stair climbing performance associated in people with MS? 20 people with MS (49 ± 12 years, EDSS range: 1.5-5.5) and ten control participants (48 ± 12 years) underwent three-dimensional motion analysis while ascending a 15.2-cm step and also completed a timed Functional Stair Test. Main effects of group (MS vs Control) and limb (Stronger/Dominant vs Weaker/Non-dominant) and interactions were assessed using two-way analyses of variance. Associations between movement patterns during the step ascent and Functional Stair Test performance were performed using Pearson's correlations and backward stepwise linear regression. Significant group main effects were observed in greater sagittal pelvis excursion (p < 0.001), greater sagittal (p = 0.013) and frontal (p = 0.001) trunk excursion, and lower trail limb peak ankle plantar flexion moment (p < 0.001) of the MS group. Significant limb main effects were observed with greater sagittal trunk excursion (p = 0.037) and peak trail limb ankle plantar flexion moment (p = 0.037) in the stronger/dominant limb. A significant interaction was observed in peak knee extensor moment (p = .002). Stair climbing performance in the MS group correlated with sagittal (r = .607, p=<0.001) and frontal pelvis excursions (r = 0.385, p = 0.014), sagittal trunk excursion (r = .411, p = 0.008), and ankle plantar flexion moments (r=-0.415, p = 0.008). Sagittal and frontal pelvis excursion and bilateral handrail use explained a significant amount of variability in stair climbing performance (Adj R2 = 0.775). In conclusion, despite the presence of proximal and distal lower extremity movement pattern compensations during a step ascent task, larger pelvis angular excursions are associated with impaired stair climbing performance in people with MS and may serve as targets for future rehabilitation interventions.

Poor Validity of Functional Performance Tests to Predict Knee Injury in Female Soccer Players With or Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Various tests have been developed to evaluate athletes’ functional performance and for use as screening tools for injury prediction. Further validation of their accuracy to predict injury is needed. Purpose: To investigate the validity of predetermined cutoffs used to differentiate between high- and low-risk players in different functional performance tests to predict (1) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury or (2) severe traumatic knee injury in a cohort of female soccer players with a primary unilateral ACL reconstruction and a cohort of knee-healthy players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 117 active female soccer players (mean age ± SD, 20 ± 2 years) an average of 19 ± 9 months after ACL reconstruction and 119 knee-healthy players (age, 19 ± 3 years) were prospectively followed up for 2 years for new knee injuries. At baseline, all players underwent tests to assess postural control (Star Excursion Balance Test), hop performance (single-leg hop for distance, side hop), and movement asymmetries in the lower limbs and trunk (drop vertical jump [DVJ], tuck jump). The predictive validity of the test cutoffs to identify players who would sustain an ACL injury or a severe traumatic knee injury (absence from soccer play, >28 days) was assessed. The risk ratio (RR), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Results: A total of 46 players (39%) with ACL reconstruction sustained 48 severe knee injuries, including 28 ACL ruptures. Of the knee-healthy players, 13 (11%) sustained 14 severe knee injuries, including 8 ACL ruptures. No association was found between the predetermined functional performance test cutoffs and the risk of a new ACL injury or severe knee injury in players with ACL reconstruction. In knee-healthy players, the only variable associated with future ACL injury was ≥6.5 cm knee valgus in the frontal plane (any knee) in the DVJ (RR, 4.93; 95% CI, 1.04-23.40; P = .045), but with only fair predictive validity (AUC, 0.7; sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.65). Conclusion: In our cohorts of female soccer players, the validity of commonly used functional performance tests to predict new knee injuries was poor. Only knee valgus during the DVJ was associated with new ACL injuries in knee-healthy players, but with only fair predictive validity.

From the Perspective of Jurisprudence View the Application of Urban Image Monitoring Technology and the Application and Improvement of the Information Collection System in This Field

As times go by, social management faces new challenges. This article examines the application of urban image surveillance technology and the methods of information collection and processing from a legal perspective, and explains the necessity of creating image surveillance. This article introduces the application of the system to the construction of legal systems in countries where urban image surveillance has been applied earlier and with more advanced legal systems at home and abroad, from the construction of the image surveillance legal system, the protection of personal privacy rights, and the protection of communication data. Explain the legislative principles to be followed in the legislative process, and put forward the principles of human rights and freedom, the principle of public interest, the principle of rule of law, and the principle of information security. Finally, I put forward a point of view on how to formulate a legal and fair legal system. It is clear that in the field of legislation, it is necessary to seek constitutional support, use civil law to regulate, use personal information protection law to regulate, and use urban image monitoring system legislation to manage. This paper proposes a “peer-to-peer tree” architecture of a two-tier distributed indexing service system based on service types. Its joining and leaving algorithms create and maintain the framework, cascading organizations related to service interests into a tree structure. Learning the neighbor search algorithm can slowly evolve the peer layer composed of many cascaded trees into an overlay network with small-world characteristics, thereby ensuring a higher search efficiency. Research shows that through functional testing and performance testing, it is found that when the number of supernodes is 200, the success rate is the highest.

Multi-scale Design, Prototyping and Validation Testing of a Composite Anti Roll Bar

Lightweighting in automotive has already been a key research area for decades, and more recently this research driver has been augmented with electrification and sustainability of new mobility solutions. This contribution focuses on the redesign of a passenger vehicle anti-roll bar from the traditional steel design into a braided glass fiber reinforced composite solution. This work focuses on the functional, central part of the anti-roll bar, targeting a significant weight reduction and sustainability improvement. In terms of design and engineering using finite element methods, a multiscale approach of the composite design has been considered. At microscale the braid unit cell and at macro scale a component were modelled. For the microscale of the braided structure, a selection of design variables has been scrutinized, notably the effect of the braiding angle on the shear stiffness. On the macro scale, finite element modelling is adopted to relate the overall performance to the composite structure and part dimensioning. Additionally, high-potential designs have been prototyped by overbraiding and Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion processes. Functional performance testing on the prototypes evaluates the adopted simulation strategies and validates the design.

The Single Leg Squat Test: A "Top-Down" or "Bottom-Up" Functional Performance Test?

BackgroundMedial knee deviation (MKD) during the single leg squat test (SLST) is a common clinical finding that is often attributed to impairments of proximal muscular structures. Investigations into the relationship between MKD and the foot and ankle complex have provided conflicting results, which may impact clinicians’ interpretation of the SLST.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and foot posture in subjects that perform the SLST with MKD (fail) versus without MKD (pass).HypothesisThere will be a difference in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and/or foot posture between healthy individuals that pass and fail the SLST for MKD.Study DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsSixty-five healthy, active volunteers (sex = 50 female, 15 male; age = 25.2 +/- 5.6 years; height = 1.7 +/- .1 m; weight = 68.5 +/- 13.5 kg) who demonstrated static balance and hip abductor strength sufficient for performance of the SLST participated in the study. Subjects were divided into pass and fail groups based on visual observation of MKD during the SLST. Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) scores and measures of non-weight bearing and weight bearing active ankle dorsiflexion (ROM) were compared.ResultsThere were 33 individuals in the pass group and 32 in the fail group. The groups were similar on age (p = .899), sex (p = .341), BMI (p = .818), and Tegner Activity Scale score (p = .456). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on the FPI-6 (pass group mean = 2.5 +/- 3.9; fail group mean = 2.3 +/- 3.5; p = .599), or any of the measures of dorsiflexion range of motion (non-weight bearing dorsiflexion with knee extended: pass group = 6.9o +/- 3.7o, fail group = 7.8o +/- 3.0o; non-weight bearing dorsiflexion with knee flexed: pass group = 13.5o +/- 5.6o, fail group = 13.9o +/- 5.3o; weight bearing dorsiflexion: pass group = 42.7o +/- 6.0o, 42.7o +/- 8.3o, p = .611).ConclusionsFailure on the SLST is not related to differences in clinical measures of active dorsiflexion ROM or foot posture in young, healthy individuals. These findings suggest that clinicians may continue using the SLST to assess neuromuscular performance of the trunk, hip, and knee without ankle dorsiflexion ROM or foot posture contributing to results.Level of EvidenceLevel 3.

Strategy of Building Perfect Campus Security Management Mode under the Internet Age

At present, many colleges and universities are building various information systems in order to improve the efficiency of campus management. Due to the frequent occurrence of campus security incidents, management organizations at all levels are demanding to strengthen management and improve campus security management through informatization. This paper mainly studies the strategies of constructing perfect campus security management mode in the era of “Internet +”. According to specific research requirements, this paper integrates J2EE technology to build the system architecture, such as network structure, architecture module, performance module, database operation and other aspects. Through the study of the system comprehensive testing, a series of functional testing and performance testing. The system realizes the refinement, digitalization, automation and mobility of campus security management, so as to improve campus security and provide support and data basis for campus information construction, talent reserve and information decision-making.

Pengujian Sistem Informasi Parkir PT KISP Berbasis Desktop dengan Metode Black-Box

PT KISP is a market in the Ciledug area, which requires a parking application, it is hoped that this parking implementation can solve the problem of user needs, namely helping the parking system to be more effective and efficient in terms of processing data and information. With this application, it is hoped that it will make it easier for users to make transactions that are easy and in a short time. To design and implement a reliable parking application that is protected from damage or errors, comprehensive testing is needed, such as the functional test, performance test and user interface test aspects, so testing is needed. Testing parking applications based on black box, software testing is useful to ensure whether the actual results match the expected results and to ensure the application is not damaged. Based on the black box testing that has been carried out, it includes input, process and output in the parking application.

Optimization of Quantitative Financial Data Analysis System Based on Deep Learning

In order to better assist investors in the evaluation and decision-making of financial data, this paper puts forward the need to build a reliable and effective financial data prediction model and, on the basis of financial data analysis, integrates deep learning algorithm to analyze financial data and completes the financial data analysis system based on deep learning. This paper introduces the implementation details of the key modules of the platform in detail. The user interaction module obtains and displays the retrieval results through data parsing, calling the background, and computing engine. The data cleaning module fills, optimizes, and normalizes the data through business experience; the calculation engine module uses the algorithm and extracts the database information to get the similar time series and matching financial model. Finally, the data acquisition module fills the database with historical data at the initialization stage and updates the database every day. The data analysis platform for quantitative trading designed and implemented in this paper has carried out demand analysis, design, implementation, and test. From the perspective of function test and performance test, two functions of similar stock search and financial matching model are selected and tested, and the results are in line with the expected results.

Impact of home-based squat training with two-depths on lower limb muscle parameters and physical functional tests in older adults

This study investigated the effect of home-based shallow and deep squat trainings on knee extension peak torque, muscle thickness, one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press, and physical function in older individuals. Sixteen participants were randomly assigned to the shallow squat group (SS group; age, 71.0 ± 4.0 years) or deep squat group (DS group, age; 68.6 ± 3.6 years). Chairs of 40-cm height and chairs with a cushion of 20-cm height (60-cm in total) were used as the depth targets for squats, with participants instructed to sink until their hip touched the chair and cushion. Participants performed four sets of squats per day (35 repetitions per set), three days per week, for 12 weeks at their home. Knee extension peak torque, muscle thickness of quadriceps femoris (e.g., vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius), and physical function were measured at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12. Maximal isometric knee extension peak torque, muscle thickness, and walking speed did not change significantly over the 12-week training period in either group (P > 0.05). However, compared with the baseline, there was significant improvement in the results of 30-s sit-to-stand repetition tests after weeks 8 and 12 in both groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, 1RM leg press results were significantly improved after weeks 4 and 12 in the DS group, and weeks 4, 8, and 12 in the SS group (P < 0.05). Results indicate that home-based weight-bearing squat training improves lower limb function in older adults, as well as performance in physical functional tests related to activities of daily living. Moreover, such training benefits older adults regardless of whether squats are shallow or deep.

Comprehensiveness and validity of a multidimensional assessment in patients with chronic low back pain: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundChronic low back pain is a multidimensional syndrome affecting physical activity and function, health-related quality of life and employment status. The aim of the study was to quantify the cross-sectional and longitudinal validity of single measurement scales in specific construct domains and to examine how they combine to build a comprehensive outcome, covering the complex construct of chronic low back pain before and after a standardized interdisciplinary pain program.MethodsThis prospective cohort study assessed 177 patients using the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and 2 functional performance tests, the Back Performance Scale (BPS) and the 6-Minute Walking Distance (6MWD). The comprehensiveness and overlap of the constructs used were quantified cross-sectionally and longitudinally by bivariate correlations, exploratory factor analysis, and effect sizes.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 48.0 years (+/− 12.7); 59.3% were female. Correlations of baseline scores ranged from r = − 0.01 (BPS with MPI Life control) to r = 0.76 (SF-36 Mental health with MPI Negative mood). SF-36 Physical functioning correlated highest with the functional performance tests (r = 0.58 BPS, 0.67 6MWD) and ODI (0.56). Correlations of change scores (difference of follow-up – baseline score) were consistent but weaker. Factor analysis revealed 2 factors: “psychosocial” and “pain & function” (totally explained variance 44.0–60.9%). Psychosocial factors loaded strongest (up to 0.89 SCL-90-R) on the first factor, covering 2/3 of the explained variance. Pain and function (ing) loaded more strongly on the second factor (up to 0.81 SF-36 Physical functioning at follow-up). All scales showed improvements, with effect sizes ranging from 0.16–0.67.ConclusionsOur results confirm previous findings that the chronic low back pain syndrome is highly multifactorial and comprises many more dimensions of health and quality of life than merely back-related functioning. A comprehensive outcome measurement should include the predominant psychosocial domain and a broad spectrum of measurement constructs in order to assess the full complexity of the chronic low back syndrome. Convergence and divergence of the scales capture the overlapping contents and nuances within the constructs.

Determination of Cutoff Values for the Screening of Osteosarcopenia in Obese Postmenopausal Women

Osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) describes the concurrent presence of obesity, low bone mass, and low muscle mass in an individual. Currently, no established criteria exist to diagnose OSO. We hypothesized that obese individuals require different cut-points from standard cut-points to define low bone mass and low muscle mass due to their higher weight load. In this study, we determined cutoff values for the screening of osteosarcopenia (OS) in obese postmenopausal Malaysian women based on the measurements of quantitative ultrasound (QUS), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and functional performance test. Then, we compared the cutoff values derived by 3 different statistical modeling methods, (1) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, (2) lowest quintile of the study population, and (3) 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean value of a young reference group, and discussed the most suitable method to screen for the presence of OS in obese population. One hundred and forty-one (n = 141) postmenopausal Malaysian women participated in the study. Bone density was assessed using calcaneal quantitative ultrasound. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Handgrip strength was assessed using a handgrip dynamometer, and physical performance was assessed using a modified Short Physical Performance Battery test. ROC curve was determined to be the most suitable statistical modeling method to derive the cutoffs for the presence of OS in obese population. From the ROC curve method, the final model to estimate the probability of OS in obese postmenopausal women is comprised of five variables: handgrip strength (HGS, with area under the curve (AUC) = 0.698 and threshold ≤ 16.5 kg), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI, AUC = 0.966 and threshold ≤ 8.2 kg/m2), fat-free mass index (FFMI, AUC = 0.946 and threshold ≤ 15.2 kg/m2), broadband ultrasonic attenuation (BUA, AUC = 0.987 and threshold ≤ 52.85 dB/MHz), and speed of sound (SOS, AUC = 0.991 and threshold ≤ 1492.15 m/s). Portable equipment may be used to screen for OS in obese women. Early identification of OS can help lower the risk of advanced functional impairment that can lead to physical disability in obese postmenopausal women.

The interaction of acute physical fatigue with three traditional functional performance tests and the reactive balance test

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of acute physical fatigue on traditional and neurocognitive functional performance tests in recreational athletes. Designrandomized counterbalanced cross-over study, pre-post design Settinglaboratory ParticipantsTwenty recreational athletes (age = 24 ± 3 years) Main outcome measuresWe evaluated fatigue impairments following a 30 s all-out effort in three traditional and one neurocognitive functional performance test. The traditional functional performance tests encompassed the single leg hop for distance (SLH), countermovement jump (CMJ) and Y-balance test (YBT). The neurocognitive functional performance test encompassed the reactive balance test (RBT). A 30 s modified Wingate was used to induce acute physical fatigue. ResultsAcute physical fatigue was successfully induced as indicated by a significant increase in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, blood lactate levels and rating of perceived exertion (p < 0.001). Acute physical fatigue induced significant decreases in RBT accuracy (p = 0.004) and SLH performance (p < 0.001). YBT, CMJ and RBT visuomotor reaction time remained unaffected by acute physical fatigue. ConclusionsAcute physical fatigue impairs SLH performance and decreases accuracy in the RBT. YBT and CMJ performance remained unaffected by acute physical fatigue. Clinicians should be aware of this divergent neurocognitive functional impairments caused by one all-out effort to allow well-informed selection of functional performance tests.

Facilitando el abordaje de delirium y síndrome de caídas mediante Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas en estudiantes de pregrado de Medicina en una universidad colombiana

Introducción&#x0D; La formación de Geriatría en pregrado en Colombia aún es limitada. El corto tiempo de rotaciones obliga a adoptar estrategias didácticas eficientes. Se diseñó un estudio para evaluar el desarrollo de competencias mediante una estrategia de aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP) comparado con la metodología tradicional.&#x0D; Metodología&#x0D; Estudio experimental, enfoque metodológico mixto. Estudiantes de pregrado que iniciaban rotación de Geriatría fueron aleatorizados a una estrategia de ABP (intervención) o de seminarios (control). Se definieron competencias para el abordaje de delirium y caídas/osteoporosis. El desarrollo de las competencias se evaluó a través de una Evaluación Clínica Objetiva Estructurada (ECOE) y prueba escrita.&#x0D; Resultados&#x0D; 18 estudiantes, edad media 21 (19-24). 55.6% mujeres. La prueba escrita final en el grupo ABP fue de 4.02 vs 3.02 en control (p0.0053). El puntaje ECOE en el grupo ABP fue de 2.72 vs 2.03 en control (p 0,0624). Solo 4 estudiantes (pertenecientes a ABP) aprobaron el ECOE. La competencia de trabajo interprofesional tuvo mayor desarrollo en el grupo ABP (3.58 vs 2.04 p 0.0051). La apreciación respecto a la realización de seminarios es que solo demanda conocimiento memorístico; el ABP fortalece el desarrollo de competencias cognitivas y trabajo colaborativo. Respecto a la técnica de evaluación ECOE se resaltó que enfrenta al estudiante a un ambiente más cercano al ejercicio profesional.&#x0D; Conclusiones&#x0D; El ABP favoreció un mayor desarrollo de competencias en Geriatría tanto en la prueba escrita como en el ECOE. Hubo una mejor resolución de las estaciones concernientes a capacidad de interrogatorio, realización de pruebas funcionales y trabajo interprofesional. Introduction&#x0D; Undergraduate Geriatrics training in Colombia is still limited. The short rotation time forces to adopt efficient teaching strategies. A study was designed to assess the development of skills through a problem-based learning strategy compared to the traditional methodology.&#x0D; Methodology&#x0D; Experimental study, mixed methodological approach. Undergraduate students who started Geriatrics rotation were randomized to an PBL strategy (intervention) or seminars (control). Skills were defined to address delirium and falls / osteoporosis. The development of skills was evaluated through OSCE and written test.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; 18 students, age media 21 (19-24). 55.6% women. The final written test in the PBL group was 4.02 vs. 3.02 in control (p0.0053). The OSCE score in the PBL group was 2.72 vs. 2.03 in control (p 0.0624). Only 4 students (belonging to PBL) approved the OSCE. The interprofessional work skill had greater development in the PBL group (3.58 vs. 2.04 p 0.0051). The appreciation regarding the realization of seminars is that it only demands memorial knowledge; PBL strengthens the development of cognitive skills and collaborative work. Regarding the OSCE evaluation technique, it was highlighted that the student faces an environment closer to the professional practice.&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; The PBL favored a greater development of skills in Geriatrics both in the written test and in the OSCE. There was a better resolution of the stations concerning interrogation capacity, performance of functional tests and interprofessional work.

Design and construction of Power Range Channel for the third generation Reactor Nuclear Instrumentation system

The Power Range (PR) channel is the critical component of Reactor Nuclear Instrumentation (RNI) system which is used for continues monitoring of power level, power variation and power distribution of reactor during the whole power operation, and triggers the reactor emergency shutdown when the neutron flux is high or changes rapidly. In this paper, the PR channel based on the current-to-frequency conversion and Nuclear Advanced Safety Platform was developed. This channel was composed of specially designed analog conditioning part and digital processing part, the conditioning part including low/high voltage and amplification module was used to provide adjustable high voltage and amplify the output micro-currents, while the processing part including analog/digital IO module, communication module and main controller module was used to realize data interaction and operational control. After the laboratory functional performance test, long term stability test was carried out on a commercial reactor for 1 year. The results show that the micro-current accuracy is better than 0.1%F.S. Furthermore, the average power and axial power deviation measured on the reactor agree well with the actual reactor operational condition measured by Royce-Rolls. The results obtained in this paper have improved the anti-interference ability, intelligence and self-diagnosis coverage of PR channel, which can be applied to various types of NPP.

Is the Short and Fast Step Test a safe and feasible tool for exploring anaerobic capacities of individuals with coronary heart disease in clinical practice?

While its importance in daily living, the anaerobic metabolism is not taken into account in clinical practice. The lack of validated functional performance tests for patients with chronic disabilities may explain this defect. In this context, the Short and Fast Step Test (SFST) was recently developed and validated in healthy volunteers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety, feasibility and reliability of the SFST, a functional test exploring anaerobic metabolism in coronary patients during cardiac rehabilitation. This study was a monocentric prospective study. This study took place in the rehabilitation center of the University Hospital Center of Dijon, France. Forty-four coronary patients addressed for a first cardiac rehabilitation were included in this protocol. All participants performed three SFST: T1 and T2 (including respiratory gas exchange) the first day of the program and T3 after 3 to 7 days. SFST consists of walking up and down a 17.5 cm-high step as many times as possible in 1 minute. Safety was assessed by the percentage of patients who performed the SFST without reporting a fall, or muscular or cardiovascular events. Feasibility was evaluated by the percentage of patients who succeeded in doing the SFST. Reliability was assessed with the number of raised steps in same condition (T1-T3) and different conditions (T1-T2) using a 2-way intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Values were given with their 90% confidence interval [90% CI]. The safety was 95.2% [85.8-99.2] for T1, 88.1% [76.6-95.2] for T2 and 90.4% [79.5-96.7] for T3. 100% [93.1-100] of participants completed T1 and T2, 92.9% [82.6-98] T3. An ICC of 0.74 [0.60-0.84] was observed between T1 and T3 and of 0.87 [0.79-0.92] between T1 and T2. This study demonstrates the good safety, feasibility and reliability of the SFST to assess anaerobic metabolism in coronary patients in a rehabilitation program. These results show that the SFST seems suitable for the evaluation of brief submaximal functional capacity in daily activities. It offers a real possibility to assess such capacity during the cardiac rehabilitation routine.

Reliability of Lower Extremity Muscle Power and Functional Performance in Healthy, Older Women.

Evaluation of the long-term reliability of muscle power and functional performance tests in older, healthy adults is warranted since determining whether performance is consistent over longer durations is more relevant for intervention studies. Objective. To assess the long-term test–retest reliability of measures of muscle power and lower body functional performance in healthy, nonexercising, older women. Methods. Data were derived from a nonexercising control group (n = 18; age = 73.3 (3.4) years; height = 159.6 (7.7) cm; body mass = 69.5 (12.7) kg; BMI = 27.3 (4.8)) of a randomized controlled trial of muscle power training in older women. Participants underwent lower extremity muscle power (Biodex) and functional testing (Short Physical Performance Battery, gait speed, 30-second chair stands, stair climbing, and 400-meter walk) at week 0 (baseline), 9, and 15. Results. For the upper leg, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were very high for knee extension power (0.90–0.97) and high to very high for knee flexion power (0.83–0.96). For lower-leg power, ICCs were high to very high for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion (0.83–0.96). ICCs for functional performance were moderate to very high (0.64–0.93). Coefficient of variation of the typical error (CVTE) was <10.5% for knee extension/flexion power, 9.9–20.0% for plantar flexion/dorsiflexion power, and 1.9–14.9% for functional performance. Knee extension power and stair climb power demonstrated the highest reliability for muscle power and function, respectively. Mean values did not change over time, with the exception of the chair stands (p < 0.05); however, these changes were not considered clinically meaningful. Conclusions. The current study provides evidence supporting the long-term reliability of performance assessments of muscle power and lower body functional capacity over a period of up to 15 weeks in healthy, older women.

Reliability and Validity of the Spanish Version of the Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) in Assessing People in Treatment for Substance Addiction.

Assessing people's executive function (EF) during addiction treatment makes it possible to design individualized occupational goals. To determine the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) in the occupational assessment of people being treated for substance addiction. Cross-sectional, observational study to determine the EFPT's internal consistency as well as its convergent and discriminant validity with complementary tests. A public, free addiction treatment center operated by Madrid Salud (Madrid City Council, Spain). Fifty-two people referred to an occupational therapy department for evaluation and intervention. Inclusion was based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision) criteria for substance abuse or dependence; the exclusion criterion consisted of any circumstances that made it difficult for a person to understand or perform the test. The EFPT, other occupational tests (Allen Cognitive Level Screen-5, Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment), and a battery of neuropsychological EF tests. The EFPT had an unequivocal unifactorial structure and showed strong correlations between its components and adequate consistency with the scales and the complete test. As expected, the EFPT correlated with the neuropsychological tests with a considerable effect size (-.40 < r < -.60). The EFPT's psychometric properties are adequate to assess the EF of people being treated for substance addiction from an occupational perspective using real activities of daily living (ADLs). The results show that the EFPT can be used to assess performance of ADLs without needing to use tests from disciplines other than occupational therapy. Further studies in different sociocultural settings are needed to generalize the results.

Rancang Bangun Alat Bantu Pemeriksaan Knee Joint pada Kasus Osteoarthritis

Background : The Knee joint is a hinge joint with a change formed by the two condyls of the femur that are jointed with the superior surface of the tibial tube. Radiographic examination of the knee joint on AP weight bearing and lateral weight bearing projections is a good projection in revealing joint gaps in the knee joint. The constraints on this examination are when patients who have little difficulty standing on one leg when doing lateral projection of weight bearing. So that a knee joint examination tool is needed in the case of osteoarthrithis.Methods : The purpose of this study was to describe the design, study the function tests and performance tests of knee joint hearing aids in the case of osteoarthrithis.This research is a type of experimental research with the design of a one shoot case study. Data collection is obtained by a check list of results of functional tests and performance test tools. The data obtained was assessed by Guttman's scale and conclusions and suggestions were drawn.This study produced a design in the form of a knee joint examination tool. The tool is made of stainless steel pipes, on a pedestal made of wooden boards, foam and cloth. Based on the calculation of the check list using the Guttman scale.Result: The function test results were 100% and the performance test results were 96%. Until the knee joint examination tool in the case of osteoarthrithis is said to be feasible to use.Conclusion : This knee joint examination aid has a number of parts, a pedestal made of wood sheets, adjustable footrests, and a patient's padded arms. The auxiliary framework uses a 3 cm diameter stainless steel pipe with a thickness of 1 mm. Based on the functional tests in the Radiology Installation of Prof. Dr. Margono Soekarjo Purwokerto obtained results 100% for knee joint examination in osteoarthritis cases with AP weight bearing projections and lateral weight bearing. Based on performance tests which involved 5 respondents who were radiographers were said to be very appropriate with a percentage of 96% with an excess of ease in operation, reducing the movement of patients, and helping the radiographers to produce informative radiographs.

Initial Development and Evaluation of the Executive Function Performance Test-Enhanced (EFPT-E) in Women With Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment.

Psychometrically sound instruments are needed to evaluate executive functioning in the population of people with cancer. To develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Executive Function Performance Test-Enhanced (EFPT-E) in women after being treated for breast cancer. Cross-sectional. University research laboratory. Women treated for breast cancer who had cognitive impairment (n = 12) and community control participants (n = 13). Evaluators (n = 8) independently scored a recorded administration of the EFPT-E to evaluate interrater reliability. An assessment battery, including the EFPT-E, was administered to evaluate the EFPT-E's known-groups validity and concurrent validity. Excellent interrater reliability was observed for the EFPT-E total score and each subtask score (intraclass correlation coefficient = .90-.98). Moderate effect sizes were noted for the EFPT-E total score (Cohen's d = 0.5) and the total number of cues (d = 0.4) between the breast cancer group and the control group, with the breast cancer group demonstrating poorer performance. A limited correlation was found between the EFPT-E and the other cognitive measures. The results support the EFPT-E's interrater reliability and warrant continued investigation to further establish its reliability and validity. Assessments are needed to quantify the impact of cognitive processes within functional tasks. The EFPT-E has been developed to assess the functional impact of mild cognitive impairment; initial testing with women with cancer showed excellent agreement between raters and promising results for validity.

Midterm functional performance following open surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture

IntroductionVarious impairments such as soleus atrophy and consecutive functional deficits in end-range plantarflexion have been described in surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture. The aim of this study was to assess the functional performance at midterm following open surgical repair.Materials and MethodsThis cross-sectional study includes n = 52 patients which were tested on average 3.5 ± 1.4 years postoperatively using three different functional performance tests and patient-reported outcome measures. Two different surgical techniques (anatomical repair = AR vs. conventional repair = CR) were compared in a subanalysis. The testing included isokinetic strength testing, a novel setup of heel-rise testing using a marker-based 3D motion analysis system and a gait analysis.ResultsAt an average 3.5 years post-surgery, there is a persisting deficit in plantarflexion strength of 10.2%. Moreover, analysis of maximum peak torque angle and strength deficits according to the plantarflexion angle revealed that these deficits are not equally distributed across the range of motion. AR results in a significantly smaller deficit at 10° of plantarflexion compared to CR (13.9 vs. 29.9%, p < 0.05). This reflects into the functional performance during different modalities (static vs. dynamic) in this novel method of heel-rise testing.ConclusionIn summary, there are persisting functional deficits at > 3 years following Achilles tendon repair which range from strength deficits to specific impairments of functional performance e.g. during heel rise. Anatomical reconstruction is associated with an improved functional performance potentially due to a more symmetric strength during end-range plantarflexion which transfers into a higher satisfaction during athletic activities.Level of evidenceIII, retrospective cohort study