Intraclass Correlation Coefficient Model Research Articles

Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Clinimetric Testing of Instruments Used to Assess Patients With Ankle Sprain in the Brazilian Population.

Study Design Clinical measurement study. Background Ankle sprain is a common condition. Therefore, translated, culturally adapted, and clinimetrically tested instruments for measuring the ankle are needed. Objectives To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Sports Athlete Foot and Ankle Score (SAFAS) and the global rating of change (GROC) into Brazilian Portuguese. This study also aimed to test the measurement properties of the SAFAS, the GROC, and the existing Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the numeric pain-rating scale (NPRS) and the ankle-hindfoot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) in a group with ankle sprain. Methods The SAFAS and GROC instruments were cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese and pretested in this population (n = 18). The measurement properties of the SAFAS, GROC, NPRS, and AOFAS (internal consistency, ceiling and floor effects, construct validity, reproducibility, and responsiveness) were tested in a test-retest design in patients with ankle sprain at baseline (n = 63) and at follow-up periods of 48 to 72 hours (n = 53) and 4 weeks (n = 43) after baseline. Results The SAFAS, GROC, NPRS, and AOFAS yielded considerable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha ranging from .76 to .97), moderate reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1 ranging from 0.59 to 0.80), and dubious agreement (percentage of the standard error of measurement ranging from 13% to 22.43%). The highest correlations on construct validity were observed among the 4 SAFAS subscales (Pearson r = 0.75 to 0.86, P<.01), but statistically significant values appeared in the intercorrelation of instruments. There were no observed floor or ceiling effects in any of the instruments. All of their scores of change showed moderate correlation with the GROC (r = -0.48 to 0.30, P<.05) and could be classified as responsive. Conclusion The Brazilian-Portuguese versions of the SAFAS, GROC, NPRS, and AOFAS had acceptable measurement properties in high-performing athletes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(12):1042-1050. Epub 8 Nov 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6218.

Reliability of New Methods to Quantify Forearm Torque and Lifting Strength

Objective/Hypothesis: Forceful forearm rotation and lifting strength are important aspects of upper extremity function. Yet they are rarely assessed in relation to wrist and forearm pathologies, or their treatments. Absence of reliable methods that are easy to use might be one reason for this discrepancy. We designed 2 new procedures to quantify forearm torque and lifting strength in a clinical setting. The objective of this study was to determine the intra- and interrater reliability of these methods. Materials and Methods: We used 2 commercially available dynamometers, the digital Baseline wrist dynamometer and the Kern hanging scale, to develop 2 procedures to measure forearm torque and lifting strength. Two assessors used the new techniques to test 15 healthy volunteers, 10 females and 5 males. Each assessor measured each participant on 3 occasions. Torque was tested for supination and pronation. Lifting strength was tested in 3 forearm positions, supinated, pronated, and neutral position. Analysis of reliability was performed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), with 95% confidence intervals. As raters were fixed ICC model 3 was used with single measurements to determine consistency in agreement. Results: Torque: The intrarater reliability coefficients for test-retest observed for the Baseline dynamometer were for both raters between 0.96 and 0.97 for supination and 0.93 and 0.97 for pronation. There were no differences between the raters ( P &lt; .001). Lifting strength: The intrarater ICCs for the different forearm positions were nearly the same for both investigators (0.95-0.99) and similar values were noted for the interrater comparisons (0.95-0.98). Conclusions: Both the Baseline and Kern dynamometers demonstrated excellent intra- and interrater repeatability. The quality of measurements performed with our new methods is sufficient for future studies of forearm torque and lifting strength. Simple, yet reliable methods to quantify torque and lifting strength in a clinical setting have the potential to improve evaluations of wrist and forearm disorders as well as their treatments.

Reliability and validity of an iPhone(®) application for the measurement of lumbar spine flexion and extension range of motion.

BackgroundMeasurement of lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) is often considered to be an essential component of lumbar spine physiotherapy and orthopedic assessment. The measurement can be carried out through various instruments such as inclinometers, goniometers, and etc. Recent smartphones have been equipped with accelerometers and magnetometers, which, through specific software applications (apps) can be used for inclinometric functions.PurposeThe main purpose was to investigate the reliability and validity of an iPhone® app (TiltMeter© -advanced level and inclinometer) for measuring standing lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM in asymptomatic subjects.DesignA cross-sectional study was carried out.SettingThis study was conducted in a physiotherapy clinic located at School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Science and Health Services, Tehran, Iran.SubjectsA convenience sample of 30 asymptomatic adults (15 males; 15 females; age range = 18–55 years) was recruited between August 2015 and December 2015.MethodsFollowing a 2–minute warm-up, the subjects were asked to stand in a relaxed position and their skin was marked at the T12–L1 and S1–S2 spinal levels. From this position, they were asked to perform maximum lumbar flexion followed by maximum lumbar extension with their knees straight. Two blinded raters each used an inclinometer and the iPhone ® app to measure lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM. A third rater read the measured angles. To calculate total lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM, the measurement from S1–S2 was subtracted from T12–L1. The second (2 hours later) and third (48 hours later) sessions were carried out in the same manner as the first session. All of the measurements were conducted 3 times and the mean value of 3 repetitions for each measurement was used for analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models (3, k) and (2, k) were used to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish concurrent validity of the iPhone® app. Furthermore, minimum detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) was computed as 1.96 × standard error of measurement × n}{}sqrt{2}.ResultsGood to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were demonstrated for both the gravity-based inclinometer with ICC values of ≥0.84 and ≥0.77 and the iPhone® app with ICC values of ≥0.85 and ≥0.85, respectively. The MDC95 ranged from 5.82°to 8.18°for the intra-rater analysis and from 7.38°to 8.66° for the inter-rater analysis. The concurrent validity for flexion and extension between the 2 instruments was 0.85 and 0.91, respectively.ConclusionsThe iPhone®app possesses good to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity. It seems that the iPhone® app can be used for the measurement of lumbar spine flexion–extension ROM.Level of evidenceIIb.

Patient and Therapist Agreement on Performance-Rated Ability Using the de Morton Mobility Index

ObjectiveTo determine the level of agreement between patient self-report and therapist-assessed performance of mobility using the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI). DesignInterrater agreement study. SettingOutpatient hospital clinic. ParticipantsConsecutive sample of patients (N=128) undergoing preoperative assessment for elective lower limb (LL) arthroplasty. InterventionsParticipants completed a therapist-directed assessment of the DEMMI followed by self-report of performance. A random subsample (n=62, 48%) also completed a self-report of anticipated performance before the therapist-directed assessment. Both raters (participant and therapist) were blinded to the scores obtained from the other rater. Main Outcome MeasuresInterrater agreement between patient self-report and therapist-directed assessment of the total DEMMI scores was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1 (ICC2,1) with a 95% confidence interval. The Bland-Altman plots were also used to illustrate the agreement between the 2 raters. ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between patient self-report after performance and therapist-directed assessment of the total DEMMI score was .967 (95% confidence interval, .952–.977). The ICC between patient self-report of anticipated performance and therapist-directed assessment of the total DEMMI score was .830 (95% confidence interval, .730–.894). The Bland-Altman plots depicted higher levels of agreement among participants with impaired levels of mobility (≤74 out of 100) than did those with near-maximum DEMMI scores. ConclusionsPatient self-report of anticipated performance is an acceptable proxy for DEMMI scores derived from the therapist rating of performance. Caution should be exercised when interpreting self-report scores of patients with near-maximum levels of mobility. Further research is required to establish whether these results can be generalized across a range of patient populations and to clinicians with differing backgrounds and expertise.

Rater reliability and scoring duration of the Quality Function Measure in ambulant children with hyperkinetic movement disorders.

To examine intra- and interrater reliability/agreement, and time taken to score, when the Quality Function Measure (QFM) is applied to children with hyperkinetic movement disorders (HMD; e.g. dystonia, chorea, athetosis, tremor, and myoclonus). Fifteen ambulant children with HMD participated (eight males, seven females; mean age 13y 7mo, SD 3y 7mo). Three trained raters (two physiotherapists, one occupational therapist) independently scored the QFM using videos of each child performing Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) Stand and Walk/Run/Jump dimensions. Reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) model 2.1, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Bland-Altman methods. Rater reliability was excellent for all five QFM attributes: intrarater ICCs ≥0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83-1.00), and interrater ICCs ≥0.96 (95% CI 0.91-1.00). SEM varied from 2.07% to 4.72% points for intra- and interrater scores across QFM attributes. Bland-Altman tests demonstrated close agreement between ratings, with absolute mean differences varying from 0.34% to 3.23% (intrarater) to 1.67% to 3.82% (interrater). Median scoring duration time was 83 minutes (range 56-144min, SD 16.02). Low measurement error attributable to rater effects suggests the QFM has potential as an evaluative measure in research studies involving children with HMD, though its lengthy scoring requirements are an important consideration for clinical practice. Evaluation of test-retest reliability and responsiveness is required.

Validation of an Arabic version of Fatigue Severity Scale.

Objectives:To develop and test the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-Ar) that can be used to measure fatigue in Arabic patients with disorders where fatigue is a major symptom.Methods:Forward and backward translations of FSS were undertaken to develop an Arabic version. The validity and reliability of the FSS-Ar was then tested on 28 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 24 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and 31 healthy subjects. Exploratory factor analysis and hypothesis testing methods were used to examine construct validity. The correlation between FSS-Ar and the vitality domain of the RAND 36-Item Health was examined to test construct validity. The study was conducted at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between February and June 2012.Results:Using a score of ≥4.05 to define fatigue, 39 of 52 (75%) participants were fatigued compared with 10 out of 31 (32%) healthy participants. The correlation between the FSS-Ar and the vitality domain of the RAND-36 was acceptable (r = -0.46). Factor analysis showed that items of the FSS-Ar measured one underlying construct, namely, fatigue. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the FSS-Ar was acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1 = 0.80; Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84).Conclusion:The Arabic version of the FSS demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and was able to differentiate between patients with SLE or MS, and healthy subjects.

Bimanual dexterity assessment: validation of a revised form of the turning subtest from the Minnesota Dexterity Test.

Bimanual coordination underlies many daily activities. It is tested by various versions of the old Minnesota Dexterity Test (dating back to 1931, ‘turning’ subtest). This, however, is ill standardized, may be time-consuming, and has poor normative data. A timed-revised form of the turning subtest (MTTrf) is presented. Age-related norms and test–retest reliability were computed. Sixty-four healthy individuals, 24–79 years, comprising 34 women, were required to pick up 60 small plastic disks from wells, rotate each disk, and transfer it to the other hand, which must replace it, as quickly as possible. Two trials were requested for each hand (ABBA sequence). The average time (seconds) across the 4 trials gave the test score. Participants were grouped (CART algorithm) into 3 statistically distinct (P<0.05) age×score strata, with cutoff 53+ and 73+ years, and tested at baseline and after 1 week. Test–retest reliability was measured both as consistency [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICCs) model 2.1] and as agreement (Bland–Altman plot). From the ICCs, the individual test–retest minimal real difference (in seconds) was computed. The whole MTTrf took less than 4 min to administer. Baseline scores ranged from 40 to 78 s. The ICCs ranged from 0.45 to 0.81 and the minimal real difference ranged from 6.68 to 13.40 s across the age groups. Fifty-nine out of 64 observations (92%) fell within the confidence limits of the Bland–Altman plot. The MTTrf is a reliable and practical test of bimanual coordination. It may be a useful addition to protocols of manual testing in occupational therapy.

A Test-Retest Reliability Study of the Whiplash Disability Questionnaire in Patients With Acute Whiplash-Associated Disorders

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability and the Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) of the Whiplash Disability Questionnaire (WDQ) in individuals with acute whiplash-associated disorders (WADs). MethodsWe performed a test-retest reliability study. We included insurance claimants from Ontario who were at least 18years of age, within 21days of their motor vehicle collision and diagnosed as having acute WAD grades I to III. The WDQ, a 13-item questionnaire scored from 0 (no disability) to 130 (complete disability), was administered to all participants at baseline and by telephone 3days later. We computed the intraclass correlation coefficient (model 2,1) and the MDC with 95% confidence intervals (CIs; MDC95). ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the 66 participants was 41.6 (12.7) years and 71.2% were female. Twenty-nine percent had WAD I and 71.2% had WAD II. Time since injury ranged from 0 to 19 days. The mean (SD) baseline WDQ score was 49.3 (28.8) and 46.5 (29.8) 3days later. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the WDQ total score was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85-0.92) in the entire sample and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.69-0.93) for the 15 participants reporting no change in neck pain. The MDC95 of the WDQ was 21.4 (SD = 14.9) for participants reporting no change. ConclusionThe WDQ was reliable in individuals with acute WAD. There is 95% confidence that a change of approximately one-sixth of the total score is beyond the daily variation of a stable condition. This level of measurement error must be taken into consideration when interpreting change in WDQ scores.

Specificity of the minimal clinically important difference of the quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) for distal upper extremity conditions

Retrospective cohort design. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) has been established using a pool of multiple conditions, and only exclusively for the shoulder. Understanding diagnoses-specific threshold change values can enhance the clinical decision-making process. Before and after QDASH scores for 406 participants with conditions of surgical distal radius fracture, non-surgical lateral epicondylitis, and surgical carpal tunnel release were obtained. The external anchor administered at each fourth visit was a 15-point global rating of change scale. The test-retest reliability of the QDASH was moderate for all diagnoses: intraclass correlation coefficient model 2, 1, for surgical distal radius = 0.71; non-surgical lateral epicondylitis = 0.69; and surgical carpal tunnel = 0.69. The minimum detectable change at the 90% confidence level was 25.28; 22.49; and 27.63 points respectively; and the MCID values were 25.8; 15.8 and 18.7, respectively. For these three distal upper extremity conditions, a QDASH MCID of 16–26 points could represent the estimate of change in score that is important to the patient and guide clinicians through the decision-making process.

Inter-rater reliability of the Berg Balance Scale, 30 s chair stand test and 6 m walking test, and construct validity of the Berg Balance Scale in nursing home residents with mild-to-moderate dementia

ObjectiveWhen testing physical function, patients must be alert and have the capacity to understand and respond to instructions. Patients with dementia may have difficulties fulfilling these requirements and, therefore, the...

Reliability and Construct Validity of Limits of Stability Test in Adolescents Using a Portable Forceplate System

ObjectiveTo examine the reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity of the limits of stability (LOS) test to assess dynamic postural stability in adolescents using a portable forceplate system. DesignCross-sectional reliability observational study. SettingSchool setting. ParticipantsAdolescents (N=36) completed all measures during the first session. To examine the reliability of the LOS test, a subset of 15 participants repeated the LOS test after 1 week. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresOutcome measurements included the LOS test, Balance Error Scoring System, Instrumented Balance Error Scoring System, and Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance. ResultsA significant relation was observed among LOS composite scores (r=.36–.87, P<.05). However, no relation was observed between LOS and static balance outcome measurements. The reliability of the LOS composite scores ranged from moderate to good (intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1=.73–.96). ConclusionsThe results suggest that the LOS composite scores provide unique information about dynamic postural stability, and the LOS test completed at 100% of the theoretical limit appeared to be a reliable test of dynamic postural stability in adolescents. Clinicians should use dynamic balance measurement as part of their balance assessment and should not use static balance testing (eg, Balance Error Scoring System) to make inferences about dynamic balance, especially when balance assessment is used to determine rehabilitation outcomes, or when making return to play decisions after injury.

Interrater reliability of the cervicothoracic and shoulder physical examination in patients with a primary complaint of shoulder pain

ObjectiveExamine the interrater reliability of cervicothoracic and shoulder physical examination in patients with a primary complaint of shoulder pain. DesignSingle-group repeated-measures design for interrater reliability. SettingOrthopaedic physical therapy clinics. ParticipantsTwenty-one patients with a primary complaint of shoulder pain underwent a standardized examination by a physical therapist (PT). A PT conducted the first examination and one of two additional PTs conducted the 2nd examination. Main outcome measuresThe Cohen κ and weighted κ were used to calculate the interrater reliability of ordinal level data. Intraclass correlation coefficients model 2,1 (ICC2,1) and the 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the interrater reliability. ResultsThe kappa coefficients ranged from −.24 to .83 for the mobility assessment of the glenohumeral, acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints. The kappa coefficients ranged from −.20 to .58 for joint mobility assessment of the cervical and thoracic spine. The kappa coefficients ranged from .23 to 1.0 for special tests of the shoulder and cervical spine. ConclusionsThe present study reported the reliability of a comprehensive upper quarter physical examination for a group of patients with a primary report of shoulder pain. The reliability varied considerably for the cervical and shoulder examination and was significantly higher for the examination of muscle length and cervical range of motion.

Tests for parallelism and flatness hypotheses of two mean vectors in high-dimensional settings

This paper presents test statistics for the hypotheses in profile analysis of high-dimensional data. The existing profile analysis methods on the basis of the Hotelling's suffer from the singularity of the sample covariance matrix when the dimensionality p is larger than the total sample size n. The contribution of this paper is to propose new test statistics for high-dimensional settings with improvements of the approximate percentiles. By simulation results, it can be observed that our proposed test statistics are useful for high-dimensional data under the covariance structure with strong correlations such as the intraclass correlation model. Further, we also observe that our procedures are more powerful than the existing procedure for several cases when.

Reliability of Motor Unit Recruitment Threshold versus Mean Firing Rate Relationship during a Submaximal Contraction

PURPOSE: This study examined the reliability of motor unit (MU) recruitment (REC) versus mean firing rates (MFR) relationships of the vastus lateralis (VL) during 40% and 70% maximal voluntary contractions (MVC). METHODS: Eight healthy men (age=21.63±2.39 yrs) and six healthy women (age=19.67±1.37 yrs) volunteered for this study. An electromyography (EMG) sensor was placed over the VL. Participants performed 3 isometric MVC followed by isometric trapezoid muscle actions at 40% and 70% MVC. These procedures were performed twice separated by 3-5 days. Decomposition techniques were applied to the EMG signals to extract action potentials and firing events of single MUs. The REC thresholds and MFRs were calculated for each MU. Only MUs decomposed with accuracies >95% were included for analysis. Linear regressions were performed on the REC versus MFR relationships. Reliability statistics were calculated for the slopes and y-intercepts from the REC versus MFR relationships across days 1 and 2. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) model “2,1”, standard error of the measurements (SEM), and repeated measures ANOVAs were calculated to assess reliability. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the slopes and y-intercepts for the 70% MVC (P>0.05). The ICCs and SEM (expressed as a percentage of the mean, %) from the 70% MVC were 0.91 and 25.00% and 0.79 and 15.58% for the slope and y-intercept, respectively. Reliability statistics could not be calculated for the 40% MVC as there was a small number of subjects (1) that had sufficient MUs (>5 MUs) for each day. CONCLUSIONS: The ICCs and SEMs indicated good reliability from the 70% MVC when including MUs with accuracies >95%, however, with strict accuracy criteria there were no reliability statistics calculated for the 40% MVC. The VL is a mixed fiber type muscle that recruits MUs up to 90-95% MVC. Although speculative, during low force contractions the majority of active MUs (low threshold MUs) may be deeper in the muscle and more difficult to accurately quantify. In addition, the high threshold MUs are located in the superficial intramuscular region and are progressively activated at higher contraction intensities and, thus are not contributing to the surface EMG signal at lower contraction intensities.

Convergent Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of the Authentic Happiness Inventory in Working Adults

This study aimed to test the convergent validity and test–retest reliability of a measure of happiness questionnaire; the authentic happiness inventory questionnaire (AHI), with a convenience sample of working adults (n = 30). Participants completed the AHI on two consecutive days. On the second day, participants also completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the positive and negative affect scale (PANAS). Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach alpha coefficients, test–retest reliability using a one-way intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) model, and convergent validity using Pearson product-moment correlations. A further sample of working adults (n = 192) was included to conduct an exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis (total n = 222). High internal consistency and overall test–retest reliability for the AHI was found (Cronbach alpha = .92 and ICC = .92, p < .001). There was a strong positive correlation between AHI and SWLS (r = .76, p < .005) and AHI and PANAS positive (r = .82, p < .005). There was a medium negative correlation between AHI and PANAS (r = .48, p < .005). Principal components analysis revealed the presence of five components with eigenvalues exceeding one, with one factor explaining 36.1 % of the variance. Findings confirmed the convergent validity and test retest reliability of the Authentic Happiness Inventory in working adults.

Media Representations of Genetic Discoveries: Hype in the Headlines?

Many commentators have expressed concern regarding the sensationalistic reporting of biomedical stories by the popular press. (1) It has been suggested that inaccurate or exaggerated reporting can have an adverse impact on public understanding, creating unwarranted hope or fears, and the development of informed policies. (2) Readers get their first or only impressions from headlines. Unfortunately, there are reasons to believe that headlines may be particularly inaccurate or hyped. Science and medical stories have to compete with other news stories and, as such, headlines must be constructed to catch the attention of both the potential reader and editors who make publishing decisions. (3) As a result, even when a media report is circumspect, headlines may be sensationalized. (4) Headline sensationalism has been associated with a variety of specific social concerns. For example, in the context of genetic discoveries, repeated exposure of the lay public to such headlines may lead to heightened genetic determinism. (5) That is, the public will come to develop an inaccurate belief that there is a tight causal linkage between a gene and a given human trait or disease. It has also been noted that headlines can influence how the reader interprets the information presented within the body of the full article. (6) Sensationalized headlines that bear little resemblance to the article may generate antipathy or disappointment among some readers, (7) creating a degree of bad will with a portion of the potential audience that should give editors pause. (8) They may also alienate sources, including those in the scientific community. While there is a growing body of research on the accuracy and nature of newspaper stories (9), there is little available data on the accuracy of headlines in the context of genetic research. This study builds on the results of a previous paper examining the accuracy of newspaper stories. (10) We examine the degree and nature of the hype present in newspaper headlines associated with stories on genetic discoveries. Methods We describe only those methods that are specific to this study on headlines. The selection of scientific papers and newspaper articles, the general coding frame and coding, and a detailed explanation of the statistical analysis using CART were presented in Bubela and Caulfield. (11) Parts of the coding frame were specific to the headline study. The coders were asked a series of questions with standardized categorical responses on the theme; the source of information (voice) beside the scientific paper; assessment of risk, benefits, or controversy for headlines, newspaper articles, and the scientific paper that generated the press coverage (Table 1). Three coders, who all had scientific backgrounds, were asked to subjectively assess the technical accuracy of the headline compared to the scientific paper. The coders also subjectively assessed whether the claims made in the headline were exaggerated (1) relative to the newspaper article and (2) relative to the scientific journal article. The coders assigned the headline to one of three categories: no exaggerated claims, slightly exaggerated claims, and moderately-highly exaggerated claims with respect to both the contents of the newspaper article and the scientific journal article. When compared to the newspaper and the scientific journal article, the headline was not considered to have been exaggerated if its claims had first been made there. Statistical Analysis All three coders assessed a random selection of 84/627 (13.7%) headlines, newspaper articles and their associated papers to assess inter-coder reliability. We calculated Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (Model 2) for questions on the coding frame for which there was only one answer, and in all cases the coefficient was greater than 0.75, indicating good agreement (Table 2). (12) A classification tree analysis determined which variables from the coding frame contributed to the assignment of the headline to one of the three categories of exaggerated claims using CART 4. …

Sonographic measures of the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and vastus medialis muscles.

Intrarater, repeated-measures, within-session reliability study. To describe a standardized method and preliminary reliability estimates for sonographic measures of resting and contracted gluteus medius (GMd), gluteus minimus (GMn), and resting vastus medialis (VM) muscles. Sonography has been used to assess the morphology of a diversity of muscles in relation to a variety of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Although the GMd, GMn, and VM muscles are associated with dysfunctions such as patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis, there is a paucity of information regarding protocols for sonographic measurements of these muscles. A standardized method was developed and used to gather sonographic measures of resting and contracted (sidelying hip abduction task) GMd and GMn thickness and resting VM cross-sectional area during 1 measurement session in 29 female soccer players 14 to 17 years of age. Intrarater reliability values for ultrasound imaging measurements of resting, contracted, and change during contraction (intraclass correlation coefficient model 3,3 [ICC3,3]) of the GMd were 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97, 0.99), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96, 0.99), and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.92), respectively, and of the GMn were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97, 0.99), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.97), and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.76), respectively. Reliability (ICC3,3) for resting VM cross-sectional area was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99, 0.99). Standard error of measurement for GMd, GMn, and VM varied between 0.5 and 1.6 mm, 0.3 and 1.4 mm, and 0.4 cm2, respectively, and 95% minimal detectable change ranged from 0.8 to 4.5 mm for the gluteals and 0.4 to 0.5 cm2 for the VM. Reliable sonographic measurements of the lateral hip and knee musculature at rest and during contraction are feasible. Further investigation is required to establish the generalizability and reproducibility of the protocols presented in this report.

Reliability of the Senior Fitness Test in Community‐dwelling Older People with Cognitive Impairment

In older people with cognitive impairment, we require reliable and valid measures to assess physical fitness and to measure change, for example, as a result of an exercise intervention. The purpose of our study was to determine the relative and absolute test-retest reliability of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) in older people with cognitive impairment. A test-retest reliability study was conducted for the Senior Fitness Test in older people with cognitive impairment. Participants were tested at two time points with a time interval of 24 hours to 1 week between tests. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient model 3.1 (ICC, 3.1) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used as a measure of relative reliability. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change (MDC) were used to measure absolute reliability. The ICC reflected very high reliability (0.93-0.98) in all SFT items, indicating that there was no systematic error in the measurements. MDC values at the 90% CIs were calculated: chair stand test = 2.0 repetitions, armcurl test = 2.3 repetitions, chair sit and reach test = 6.0 cm, back scratch test = 4.6 cm, 2.45-m up-and-go test = 1.4 seconds and 6-minute walk test = 37.1 metres. The SFT battery showed high to very high test-retest reliability and thus may be suitable for detecting changes in physical fitness and evaluating physical fitness in older people with cognitive impairment, both in research and for clinical purposes.

Case Deletion Diagnostics for Intraclass Correlation Model

The intraclass correlation model has a long history of applications in several fields of research. Case deletion diagnostic methods for the intraclass correlation model are proposed. Based on the likelihood equations, we derive a formula for a case deletion diagnostic method which enables us to investigate the influence of observations on the maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters. Using the Taylor series expansion we develop an approximation to the likelihood distance. Numerical examples are provided for illustration.

Model of the reliability of the test, alternative models inside class correlation

The aim was to create a model of the reliability of the test, the application of which would in the practical work with the tests to receive the value of the coefficient of reliability in the theoretical framework from zero to one, as is customary in classical theory of reliability tests. The basic idea of solving this problem was in determining the true variance of the test results, the value of which is equal to the arithmetical average of the results of the repeated measurements. Methodology of the research was based on provisions of the classical theory of sports tests, mathematical theory of reliability of motor tests, on the model of intraclass correlation, ANOVA, using the method of Shapiro-Wilk. Calculations were carried out using Excel and Mathematica computer programs. It was shown that the intraclass correlation model is incomplete with the line of the classical theory of reliability tests. The proposed model of retest reliability does not have this shortage, and the corresponding coefficient is defined in terms of the classical theory of reliability (0 ÷ 1). In the range of almost important quantities of the proposed model and the intraclass model correlations lead to different estimates of the reliability of the test not only quantitatively (≈ 20%), but also qualitatively, i.e., with significant excess width of the ranges of test estimation of reliability coefficient of the corresponding size.