Reliability Intraclass Coefficient Research Articles

The inter- and intra-rater reliability of the manual diaphragm assessment scale in healthy participants

ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to test the inter and intra-rater reliability of the Manual Diaphragm Assessment (MED) scale and compared with chest expansion (CE) in healthy participants. MethodsA reliability study, with a sample of 45 healthy participants, composed of 30 women and 15 men. Participants were evaluated by two raters. The MED assesses seven different points on the diaphragm and rates its degree of restriction on a scale of 1–5. Upper and lower CE were measured in centimeters with a measuring tape, which is a valid and reliable method. The intraclass coefficients (ICC) for inter and intra-rater reliability for CE and MED were calculated for mean measurement consistency using a two-way random effects model. ResultsThe intra- and inter-rater reliability of MEDs ranged from low to moderate. The majority of the ICC values in intra-rater reliability were greater than in inter-rater reliability, and the majority of the ICC values in both were higher at the left assessment point. CE inter- and intra-reliability ICC varied from moderate to good. For the upper and lower CE, the inter-rater reliability ICC values were greater than 0.74, and the intra-rater reliability was greater than 0.71. ConclusionThe manual evaluation diaphragm scale had poor to moderate intra and inter-reliability. The chest expansion's intra and inter-reliability ranged from moderate to good, which was consistent with previous studies. Measuring chest expansion with a tape is a reliable method of evaluating the diaphragm in a clinical setting.

Estimation of body weight and body condition score in dairy cows by digital image analysis method

In this study the body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) of lactating cows was estimated by using conventional (CM) the digital image analysis methods (DIAM). BCS is an important factor to facilitate different practices of management in dairy cattle. A total of 204 Holstein cows live images were taken by remote shutter camera. Six body measurements such as heart girth (HG), wither height (WH), hip height (HH), body length (BL), front hip-width (FHW), and back hip-width (BHW) were used for the assessment of BW and BCS by CM and DIAM. The estimation of CBW using HG, FHW, and BL variables was effective (R2 = 0.75). However, all the body measurements were ineffective for body condition score by measurements (MBCS), (R2 = 0.06, conventional) and DBCS (R2 = 0.05, digital) estimation. The measurements of WH, HG, FHW, BHW, and BL were precise in DBW estimation (R2 = 0.77). No significant differences were found across the assessment methods (CM, DIAM) for body measurements. The intra-class reliability coefficient (ICC) of conventional and digital (MBW, DBW) measurements was “good” and “excellent” between conventional and digital estimations. This study indicates that DIAM is a reliable method for determining DBW and MBW, and can be interchanged effectively with CM.

Refining sleep measurement using the Motionwatch8\xa9: how many days of monitoring do we need to get reliable estimates of sleep quality for older adults with mild cognitive impairment?

BackgroundPoor sleep is common among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—a transition stage between healthy cognition and dementia. Objective, reliable, and low-burden field methods to measure older adult sleep are also currently needed. The MotionWatch8© (MW8) wrist-worn actigraph provides estimates of sleep with 14 days of observation; however, there may be underlying differences in the reliability of sleep estimates based on MCI status. We therefore investigated the number of MW8 monitoring days required to estimate sleep in older adults with MCI and without.MethodsOlder adults (55+ years; N = 151) wore the MW8 for ≥14 days. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to categorize participants with probable MCI (scores of < 26/30) and participants without MCI (≥ 26/30). We calculated intra-class reliability coefficients for one, seven, and 14 days of wear-time, and performed Spearman-Brown predictions to determine the number of monitoring days needed for an ICC = 0.80.ResultsOlder adults with MCI were older (p < 0.01), more likely to be male (p = 0.03), and had shorter sleep duration (p < 0.01). Spearman-Brown analyses indicated that the number of monitoring days needed for an ICC = 0.80 in older adults with probable MCI was 7 days for sleep duration, 4 days for fragmentation, and 4 days for efficiency; adults without MCI required 4 days for duration, 6 days for fragmentation, and 3 days for efficiency.ConclusionsOur results indicate that while the reliability of MW8 estimates of sleep differs based on cognitive status, 7 days of MW8 monitoring provides reliable estimates of sleep for adults with MCI and those without.

The relationship between oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy, general self‐efficacy and daily plaque control

To assess validity and reliability of Turkish oral hygiene-related self-efficacy (OHSE) scale, and the scores of general self-efficacy (GSE) and OHSE in the patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis (CP). Additionally, the effect of motivation and oral hygiene instructions on the OHSE scores and plaque index (PI) were also aimed. GSE and OHSE scores were obtained from 210 patients with gingivitis and CP (Group A). After determination of "cut off" values on OHSE scores, patients with OHSE scores < 30 (OHSE-low) and ≥ 50 (OHSE-high) were included in Group B (Gingivitis, N=25; CP, N=27). PI values were determined, and motivation and oral hygiene instructions were performed in Group B at baseline. PI measurements and OHSE questionnaire were repeated at 1 and 3 months. The intraclass reliability coefficient and Cronbach's alpha for Turkish translation of OHSE scale were 0.920 and 0.911. OHSE scores significantly correlated with GSE scores and smokers had lower OHSE scores than those of non-smokers in patients (n=210). In both gingivitis and CP groups, OHSE scores increased and PI values decreased at 3 months. PI values were lower in gingivitis and CP groups with OHSE-high scores compared to patients with OHSE-low scores at 3 months. Within the limitations of this study, it seems that Turkish version of OHSE questionnaire is reliable and valid. Patients with OHSE-low scores in both gingivitis and CP groups were less successful in performing daily plaque control, compared to patients with OHSE-high scores.

Smartwatch for the analysis of rest tremor in patients with Parkinson's disease

Wearable technology used in Parkinson's disease (PD) research has become an increasing focus of interest in this field. Our group assessed the feasibility, clinical correlation, reliability, and acceptance of smartwatches in order to quantify arm resting tremors in PD patients. An Android application on a smartwatch was used to obtain raw data from the smartwatch's gyroscopes. Twenty-two PD patients were consecutively recruited and followed for 1 year. Arm rest tremors were video filmed and scored by two independent raters using the motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III). The tremor intensity parameter was defined by the root mean square of the angular speed measured by the smartwatch at the wrist. Sixty-four smartwatch evaluations were completed. The Spearman coefficient among the mean of the resting tremor (UPDRS-III) scores and smartwatch measurements for tremor intensity was 0.81 (p < .001); smartwatch reliability to quantify tremors was checked by intraclass reliability coefficient with a resting tremor = 0.89, minimum detectable change = 59.03%. Good acceptance of the system was shown. Smartwatch use for PD tremor analysis is possible, reliable, well-correlated with clinical scores, and well-accepted by patients for clinical follow-up. The results from these experiments suggest that this commodity hardware has the potential to quantify PD patients' tremors objectively in a consulting-room.

THE RELIABILITY OF THE 12-ITEM GRIT SCALE AMONG CROSSFIT PARTICIPANTS

Crossfit participation has experienced exponential growth. Like other sports, it may be that successful participation in Crossfit would rely upon a construct known as grit. Grit is considered to be a combination of perseverance of effort (PE) and consistency of interest (CI) and has been assessed in other populations with the 12-point Grit Scale. The ability to reliably assess grit among Crossfit participants may allow participants and coaches to monitor the constructs of PE and CI in order to further develop Crossfit participation skills. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of the 12-point Grit Scale among adult Crossfit participants. The 12-point Grit Scale was electronically administered twice to 25 adult Crossfit participants (female:11, male:14) separated by at least two weeks. The results of the two administrations of the 12-point Grit Scale were then compared with a battery of statistical analyses in order to assess the reliability of the 12-point Grit Scale. The test-retest 12-point Grit Scale scores were: 49.8±5.3 and 50.2±5.4. The reliability statistics along with 90% confidence limits were as follows: interclass reliability coefficient was r=0.87 (UL:0.94, LL:0.73), intraclass reliability coefficient was ICC=0.91 (UL:0.96, LL:0.83), Standard Error of Measurement (SEm)=1.6 (UL:2.2, LL:1.3), ∆Means 12-point Grit Scores= -0.3±2.3 (UL:0.6, LL:-1.2), and typical error CV% =3.4 (UL:4.8, LL:2.7). The Bland-Altman plot suggested agreement between the two administrations of the 12-point Grit Scale with no evidence of heteroscedasticity. The results of the 12-point Grit Scale and subscales ranged from moderately-high to excellent reliability among adult Crossfit participants. Article visualizations:

Reliability and validity for measurement of body composition: A field method

Measurement of body composition via a field method has the most popular instruments which are used to estimate the percentage of body fat. Among the instruments used are the Body Mass Index, Bio Impedance Analysis and Skinfold Test. All three of these instruments do not involve high costs, do not require high technical skills, mobile, save time, and are suitable for use in large populations. Because all three instruments can estimate the percentage of body fat, but it is important to identify the most appropriate instruments and have high reliability. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the reliability and convergent validity of the instruments. A total of 40 students, males and females aged between 13 and 14 years participated in this study. The study found that the test retest and Pearson correlation coefficient of reliability for the three instruments is very high, r = .99. While the inter class reliability also are at high level with r = .99 for Body Mass Index and Bio Impedance Analysis, r = .96 for Skinfold test. Intra class reliability coefficient for these three instruments is too high for Body Mass Index r = .99, Bio Impedance Analysis r = .97, and Skinfold Test r = .90. However, Standard Error of Measurement value for all three instruments indicates the Body Mass Index is the most appropriate instrument with a mean value of .000672 compared with other instruments. The findings show that the Body Mass Index is an instrument which is the most accurate and reliable in estimating body fat percentage for the population studied.

Measuring irregularity index: Comparing study cast caliper method with 2D dimensional ImageJ photogrammetry and 3D STL image measurement

Purpose Irregularity accounts for interproximal contact point displacements and can be measured using a variety of techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of three methods in relation to the “gold standard” of manual caliper measurements of plaster study casts. Materials and Methods Six mandibular study casts representing varying degrees of anterior crowding were measured by the same observer using four methods over the course of 5 weeks. Validity was statistically assessed with single sample statistical testing by the cast, method, and week (or combinations) and reliability was tested using intraclass reliability coefficient. Results The three noncaliper techniques demonstrated validity (P &gt; 0.05) when the caliper method mean was used as the set value, but the three noncaliper methods produced means that were significantly greater when mean differences among techniques were compared to hypothetical zero. However, none of the differences were clinically significant (&gt;0.5 mm). High reliability (reproducibility) was demonstrated (P &gt; 0.05) with both aggregated and nonaggregated mean differences. Conclusions Reliability of measuring irregularity index with any of the four methods tested was high, but the validity of techniques compared to the “gold standard” method of manual caliper measurements of plaster study casts should continue to be questioned. Differences among the techniques were not clinically significant or important.

The Reliability of Reactive Agility Testing in 5th Grade Females

Reactive agility is important in sports such as soccer, football and basketball. Reactive agility testing (RAT) is a common measure of change of direction, speed, balance and quickness. RAT in adult and elite athletes is common; however, there is limited documentation of RAT in pre-adolescent girls. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the RAT in 5th grade females. Elementary school-aged females (n=14, 10.1 ± 0.4 years), performed four trials of the reactive agility test (RAT), two of which were learning trials. Each trial was timed with a handheld stop watch with a 1 minute rest period between trials. The trial 3 and 4 scores were 4.54 ± 0.77 and 4.47 ± 0.73 seconds respectively. The interclass and intraclass reliability coefficients were r=0.85 and ICC=0.87. The standard error of measure was SEm=0.29 seconds with 90% confidence limits of UL: 0.43, LL: 0.22. The mean difference between trials was -0.07 ± 0.41 seconds (90% confidence limits of UL: 0.12, LL: -0.27).Within the parameters of this study, the RAT is a highly reliable field test for measuring reactive agility in pre-adolescent girls.

Number of Days Required to Estimate Habitual Activity Using Wrist-Worn GENEActiv Accelerometer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

IntroductionObjective methods like accelerometers are feasible for large studies and may quantify variability in day-to-day physical activity better than self-report. The variability between days suggests that day of the week cannot be ignored in the design and analysis of physical activity studies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimal number of days needed to obtain reliable estimates of weekly habitual physical activity using the wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer.MethodsData are from a subsample of the Mitchelstown cohort; 475 (44.6% males; mean aged 59.6±5.5 years) middle-aged Irish adults. Participants wore the wrist GENEActiv accelerometer for 7-consecutive days. Data were collected at 100Hz and summarised into a signal magnitude vector using 60s epochs. Each time interval was categorised according to intensity based on validated cut-offs. Spearman pairwise correlations determined the association between days of the week. Repeated measures ANOVA examined differences in average minutes across days. Intraclass correlations examined the proportion of variability between days, and Spearman-Brown formula estimated intra-class reliability coefficient associated with combinations of 1–7 days.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-seven adults (59.7±5.5yrs) had valid accelerometer data. Overall, men were most sedentary on weekends while women spent more time in sedentary behaviour on Sunday through Tuesday. Post hoc analysis found sedentary behaviour and light activity levels on Sunday to differ to all other days in the week. Analysis revealed greater than 1 day monitoring is necessary to achieve acceptable reliability. Monitoring frame duration for reliable estimates varied across intensity categories, (sedentary (3 days), light (2 days), moderate (2 days) and vigorous activity (6 days) and MVPA (2 days)).ConclusionThese findings provide knowledge into the behavioural variability in weekly activity patterns of middle-aged adults. Since Sunday differed from all other days in the week this suggests that day of the week cannot be overlooked in the design and analysis of physical activity studies and thus should be included in the study monitoring frames. Collectively our data suggest that six days monitoring, inclusive of Saturday and Sunday, are needed to reliably capture weekly habitual activity in all activity intensities using the wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer.

Flexor carpi radialis surface electromyography electrode placement for evoked and voluntary measures.

In this study we evaluated the reliability of bipolar electrode recordings, which allow for undistorted compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) while minimizing cross-talk during voluntary contractions. Twenty-four men completed maximal voluntary wrist flexion contractions in 4 test sessions. Compound muscle action potentials were also evoked during each session. Surface electromyography was recorded from the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) with the recording electrode (G1) placed on the motor point and a second recording electrode (G2) adjacent to G1. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlational analysis of variance and standard error of measurement. Root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) were highly reliable (R = 0.89 and 0.84, respectively). The CMAPs also exhibited good reliability (R = 0.75). Normalization of RMS amplitude reduced the intraclass reliability coefficient (R = 0.85). The electrode placement resulted in reliable measures from voluntary contractions and CMAPs. Normalization can decrease reliability.

An evaluation of the reproducibility of landmark identification in traditional versus computer-assisted digital cephalometric analysis system

Objective To determine the reliability of Computer Assisted Digital Cephalometric Analysis System (CADCAS) in terms of landmark identification on the values of cephalometric measurements in comparison with those obtained from original radiographs. Materials and Methods The study material consisted of Twenty five lateral cephalograms selected randomly, 16 cephalometric points together with 10 angular and 5 linear cephalometric measurements. The landmarks were manually picked on the tracing &amp; the measurements of X &amp;Y axis done with reference grid. The same tracing was digitized &amp; image loaded in the software (ViewBox 3.1.1) was checked for the magnification (metal ruler) &amp; distortion. The second part of the study compared manual and the CADCAS since the landmarks were manually digitized on screen as against the manually picked ones on the tracing paper. The x and y-coordinates for 16 landmarks were measured, mean and standard deviation calculated, linear and angular measurements compared. Statistical Analysis A paired t-test was done to calculate the statistical significance of the differences. Intraclass reliability coefficient (signifying reproducibility) of the variable was recorded. The observations were tabulated and analysis was done using the paired t test at a P value &lt;0.05. Results Out of 47 variables looked for, 21 showed statistical significance. Direct digitization onscreen (CADCAS) was the quickest and least tedious method. CADCAS was unreliable with linear measurements involving bilateral structures such as Gonion &amp; Articulare. Conclusions Both the methods are equally reliable and reproducible. The intra-class reliability coefficient of all variables differed only slightly, which is not clinically significant.

Variability in measuring physical activity in children with cerebral palsy.

This study aimed to establish the variability in the measurement of habitual physical activity using the ActiGraph® GT3X+ accelerometer in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Repeated measures: Independently ambulant children with unilateral CP (n = 30; age, 11 yr 3 months (2 yr 4 months)) completed standardized tasks over two consecutive days, wearing an ActiGraph® GT3X+ accelerometer and HR monitor. Testing protocol comprised 5 min of seated rest (REST), walking at light, moderate, and vigorous pace, and rapid stepping on/off a step. Agreement was calculated between days using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (two-factor mixed agreement model). Minimum detectable difference was calculated (minimum detectable difference = [SD√1 - ICC] × 1.96√2). Performance variability: Participants (n = 102) wore an ActiGraph® GT3X+ accelerometer for 4 d in the community. Activity counts were converted into activity intensity using uniaxial-derived cut points to classify the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Between-day intraclass reliability coefficients (R) and Spearman-Brown prophecy formula ([ICCdesired/(1 - ICCdesired)][(1 - ICCestimated)]/ICCestimated]) were calculated. Agreement between repeated measures was strong for light physical activity and MVPA (ICC, 0.80). For MVPA, the minimum detectable difference was 1412 counts per minute. In the community, 345 d (87%) were recorded. Three days of monitoring produced acceptable variability estimates of MVPA (R = 0.63-0.73). Spearman-Brown prophecy analysis estimated that 3 d would achieve a reliability coefficient of 0.7 and 11 d would achieve 0.9. Measurement of habitual physical activity using the ActiGraph® GT3X+ accelerometer is reliable under controlled walking and stepping conditions as well as in a community environment in independently ambulant children and adolescents with CP.

The CANSAS Self-report for Screening of Needs in Outpatients with Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders

The importance of needs assessment for service development has been widely recognized. In this study we examined the agreement between the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule self-report version (CANSAS-P) and the Camberwell Assessment of Need interview-based scale in 100 outpatients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. We found equivalent number of met, unmet, and no needs for most of the domains of the two instruments. Both intraclass correlations and Kappa reliability coefficients were high for most need domains. The high agreement between the two instruments suggests that the CANSAS-P can be used as a screening tool to detect unmet needs in both clinical routine practice and research surveys in mental health outpatient settings.

The Association of Metatarsus Adductus to the Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Jones Fracture

This retrospective study aimed to determine if a transverse plane forefoot relationship exists in patients with Jones fractures. Anteroposterior radiographs of 30 acute Jones fractures were compared with radiographs of 30 asymptomatic control subjects. Radiographic metatarsus adductus angle measurements were analyzed with a digital software program. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated with an intra-rater study. An independent t test was used to compare the metatarsus adductus angle between the Jones fracture group and the control group. Radiographic analysis revealed the mean metatarsus adductus angle for the Jones fracture group to be 20.22° (± 6.79°) compared with a mean of 14.27° (± 4.60°) for the control group. This difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant (p < .005). The intraclass reliability coefficient (ICC = 0.9396) confirmed there was no bias in the radiographic measurements. The metatarsus adductus angle in this group of patients with Jones fractures was increased compared with the nonpathologic control group. The Jones fracture mechanism of injury and resultant lateral column overload may be intensified with an increased metatarsus adductus. This relationship should be considered a risk factor for Jones fractures and taken into consideration with respect to bone healing, treatment, and prevention.

Claims about the reliability of student evaluations of instruction: The ecological fallacy rides again

The vast majority of the research on student evaluation of instruction has assessed the reliability of groups of courses and yielded either a single reliability coefficient for the entire group, or grouped reliability coefficients for each student evaluation of teaching (SET) item. This manuscript argues that these practices constitute a form of ecological correlation and therefore yield incorrect estimates of reliability. Intraclass reliability and agreement coefficients were proposed as appropriate for making statements about the reliability of SETs in specific classes. An analysis of 1073 course sections using inter-rater coefficients found that students using this particular instrument were generally unable to reliably evaluate faculty. In contrast, the traditional ecologically flawed multi-class “group” reliability coefficients had generally acceptable reliability.

Stability of habitual physical activity and sedentary behavior monitoring by accelerometry in 6- to 8-year-olds.

Accelerometry is rapidly becoming the instrument of choice for measuring physical activity in children. However, as limited data exist on the minimum number of days accelerometry required to provide a reliable estimate of habitual physical activity, we aimed to quantify the number of days of recording required to estimate both habitual physical activity and habitual sedentary behavior in primary school children. We measured physical activity and sedentary behavior over 7 days in 291 6- to 8-year-olds using Actigraph accelerometers. Between-day intraclass reliability coefficients were calculated and averaged across all combinations of days. Although reliability increased with time, 3 days of recording provided reliabilities for volume of activity, moderate-vigorous intensity activity, and sedentary behavior of 68%, 71%, and 73%, respectively. For our sample and setting, 3 days accelerometry provided reliable estimates of the main constructs of physical activity and sedentary behavior.

Ball-Sport Endurance and Sprint Test (BEAST90): Validity and Reliability of a 90-Minute Soccer Performance Test

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of a 90-minute soccer performance test: Ball-sport Endurance and Sprint Test (BEAST90). Fifteen healthy male amateur soccer players participated and attended 5 testing sessions over a 10-day period to perform physiologic and soccer-specific assessments. This included familiarization sessions and 2 full trials of the BEAST90, separated by 7 days. The total 90-minute distance, mean percent peak heart rate (HRpeak), and estimated percent peak oxygen uptake of the BEAST90 were 8,097 ± 458 m, 85 ± 5% and 82 ± 14%, respectively. Measures obtained from trial 1 and trial 2 were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Reliability of measures over 90 minutes ranged from 0.9-25.5% (% typical error). The BEAST90 protocol replicated soccer match play in terms of time, movement patterns, physical demands (volume and intensity), distances, and mean and HRpeak values, as well as having an aerobic load similar to that observed during a soccer match. Reproducibility of key physical measures during the BEAST90 were mostly high, suggesting good reliability. The BEAST90 could be used in studies that wish to determine the effects of training or nutritional interventions on prolonged intermittent physical performance.

Development of an Interval Prone Bridge Test to Evaluate Abdominal Stability in Healthy Adults

Traditional weight training programs feature alternating periods of exercise and recovery. In contrast, core stabilization tests used in wellness and fitness programs are performed continuously until volitional fatigue, which may lead to reduced adherence to fitness testing protocols. PURPOSE: To develop an interval prone bridge fitness test to assess core stability in healthy adults (ages 18-39 years). METHODS: Participants performed a prone bridge maneuver in alternating 15-sec work and 5-sec rest intervals with participants' RPE scores (0-10) recorded at the end of each work interval. The RPE score reported after 95 sec (RPE-95) was used to predict total interval prone bridge endurance time along with participants' self-reported level of physical activity (PA; sedentary = 0, low active = 1, active = 2, very active = 3). RESULTS: Multiple linear regression was employed to generate the following prediction equation (Total time (sec) = 300.0 - (23.4 × RPE-95) + (17.7 × PA); R =.86, SEE = 32.98 sec). Each predictor variable was statistically significant (RPE-95, p <.0001; PA, p = 0.006) and cross validation procedures using PRESS (predicted residual sum of squares) statistics revealed minimal shrinkage (Rp =.85 and SEEp = 32.89 sec). The mean and standard deviation (±SD) for the total duration of the interval prone bridge test and the RPE-95 data were 179.9 ± 65.2 sec and 6.3 ± 2.2, respectively. To assess test-retest reliability, a second test was completed about 48 hours after the first test. Reliability analyses (n = 45) yielded an acceptable test-retest intraclass reliability coefficient (ICC =.95, SEM = 12.7 sec) when comparing total interval prone bridge endurance times across days. CONCLUSION: The proposed interval prone bridge fitness test, and accompanying regression model, yields a relatively accurate estimate of total interval prone bridge test time in healthy men and women, using both RPE-95 and PA data.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: Test-retest reliability and normative values obtained with a feedback method for the sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction

To determine normal limits and to analyse the test-retest reliability of the vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) parameters. The VEMP procedure was repeated on different test days to analyze test-retest differences. We calculated several reliability parameters: intraclass reliability coefficient (ICC), method error (ME), coefficient of variation of the method error (CV(ME)), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal difference (MD) for test-retest measurements. Normal values for left-right differences, based on the interaural ratio (IAR), were determined. For each VEMP parameter, the ICC values indicated excellent reliability, except for p13 and corrected amplitude (fair to good reliability). The CV(ME)) values were less than 7% for p13, n23, threshold, MRV(females) and MRV(males). For the parameters corrected amplitude and raw amplitude, the CV(ME)) values exceeded 15%. The 95% IAR prediction intervals (PIs) were also largest for the parameters raw amplitude and corrected amplitude. In order to evaluate a VEMP outcome in a patient, the VEMP parameters and IAR values can be compared with the 95% PI of the normal values. When successive measurements are performed within the same subjects, the minimal difference (MD) serves as a tool to decide whether these differences are clinically relevant or not.