Standard Error Of Measurement Values Research Articles

Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Swahili Pain Catastrophizing Scale among refugees who survived torture and/or war trauma in Kenya: An observational study.

Accurate assessment of any patient relies on the use of appropriate measurements which are culturally- and linguistically-applicable and valid. The following study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt and test the nomological validity, structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, sensitivity-to-change and feasibility of the Swahili version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Swa-PCS) among refugees who survived torture/war trauma living with chronic pain in Kenya. An observational study was conducted. Translation and cultural adaptation of the original PCS for the Swahili-speaking refugee population in Kenya, who survived torture or war trauma was undertaken. Following this process, a validation study was conducted on the newly-adapted instrument, to ascertain the psychometric properties (nomological validity, structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, sensitivity-to change, and ceiling and floor effects). Fifty participants were included in this study. Correlations between pain catastrophization and fear-avoidance behavior measures were significant (r = 0.538, p < 0.01). Ceiling effects were 42-48% with no floor effects. Standard errors of measurement values were between 0.938 and 3.38. Minimal-detectable-change values were between 2.17 and 7.82. Internal consistency was satisfactory to good, for the whole and subsections respectively (range α = 0.693-0.845). Magnification had the lowest α. Test-retest reliability was also satisfactory to good (range ICC = 0.672-0.878). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the Swa-PCS had three factors which explained the majority of the variance. Root mean square error of approximation and comparative fit index were calculated for goodness-of-fit assessment, and were 0.18 and 0.83, respectively. This study showed that the adapted Swa-PCS displayed overall satisfactory to good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and sensitivity-to-change. Furthermore, the Swa-PCS scores were related to fear-avoidance behavior scores as expected (nomological validity). Structural validation of the Swa-PCS requires further investigation. Further testing of the psychometric properties of the Swa-PCS is however warranted.

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

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

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

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

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Video-Based Approach to Assess Physical Function in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International recommended performance-based tests delivered by video-based in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Thirty-two participants (aged 40 to 70 years; 15 men) undertook assessments of 4 performance-based tests via both video-based (real-time and recorded) and face-to-face approaches, on the same day. Outcome measures were performance-based test and the number of technical issues encountered. The performance-based tests included the 40-Meter Fast-Paced Walk Test (velocity, m/s), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (number of repetitions), the Stair Climb Test (time, seconds), and the Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUG; time, seconds). The Bland-Altman limit of agreement measures, standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), minimal detectable changes (MDCs), and bias (mean difference) were employed to analyse the concurrent validity between video-based and face-to-face approaches of the performance-based tests. Reliability was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), CV, and SEM. A high degree of concurrent validity for the TUG (bias = -0.22), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (bias = -0.22), the Stair Climb Test (bias = -0.31), and the 40-Meter Fast-Paced Walk Test (bias = -0.06) was found. SEM and CV values were within the acceptable level for concurrent validity. There was a high degree of reliability demonstrated for all tests analysed. ICC measures ranged from 0.95 to 1.00 for intrarater reliability, and from 0.95 to 0.99 for interrater reliability. Video-based assessment of physical performance tests is a valid and reliable tool for measuring physical function among adults with knee osteoarthritis via Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA, USA). Video-based assessment is a promising public health tool to measure physical function in adults with knee osteoarthritis.

Evaluation of hop test movement quality to enhance return to sport testing. A cross-sectional study.

Return to Sport tests with functional hop tests are often used to decide when a person is ready to return to sport after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Poor movement quality, such as knee valgus, hip adduction and hip internal rotation is considered a risk factor for ACL injury. However, it is unclear whether existing tests adequately cover the aspect of movement quality. This study aims to investigate whether there is a relationship between the calculated limb symmetry index (LSI) of hop tests as an indication of performance and the total score of the "Quality First" assessment (movement quality). The second aim is to examine the reliability of the newly developed "Quality First" assessment for evaluating movement quality in hop tests. The cross-sectional study recruited 34 patients with an ACL reconstruction. The vertical hop, single-leg hop for distance, and side hop tests were performed and recorded. The video recordings were assessed using the "Quality First" assessment. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated using the LSI and the "Quality First" total score. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM) were used to calculate intra- and interrater reliability. In addition, the minimal detectable change (MDC) was determined. The correlation test between the LSI and the "Quality First" total score showed no correlation for all three jumps (r = -0.1-0.02/p-value = 0.65-0.93). The interrater reliability of the "Quality First" assessment showed fair to good reliability (ICC2: 0.45-0.60), with SEM ranging from 1.46 to 1.73 and the MDC from 4.06 to 4.8. Intrarater reliability was good to excellent (ICC3: 0.73-0.85), with SEM values ranging from 0.89 to 1.09 and the MDC from 2.47 to 3.01. The quality of movement, measured with the "Quality First" assessment, indicated no correlation with the calculated LSI from jump performance, therefore movement quality should also be examined in Return to Sport tests. The "Quality First" assessment shows fair to good reliability when used by different raters. When used multiple times by the same rater, the assessment has good to excellent reliability.

Consistency of spatial ability performance in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Spatial abilities are essential cognitive skills for many aspects of our everyday life that develop substantially throughout childhood and adolescence. While there are numerous measurement tools to evaluate these abilities, many of them have been designed for specific age groups hampering comparability throughout development. Thus, we determined test-retest-reliability and minimal detectable change for a set of tests that evaluate spatial ability performance in their variety in youth and compared them to young adults. Children (age: 11.4 ± 0.5 years, n = 26), adolescents (age: 12.5 ± 0.7 years, n = 22), and young adults (age: 26.1 ± 4.0 years, n = 26) performed a set of five spatial ability tests twice, 20 min apart: Paper Folding Test (PFT), Mental Rotation Test (MRT), Water Level Task (WLT), Corsi Block Test (CBT), and Numbered Cones Run (NCR). Relative and absolute test-retest reliability was determined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) and the standard error of measurement (SEM), respectively. Further, the minimal detectable change (MDC95%) was calculated to identify clinically relevant changes between repeated measurements. Irrespective of test, reliability was "excellent" (i.e., ICC3,1 ≥ 0.75) in all age cohorts and the SEM values were rather small. The MDC95% values needed to identify relevant changes in repeated measurements of spatial ability performance ranged between 0.8 and 13.9% in children, 1.1 and 24.5% in adolescents, and 0.7 and 20.8% in young adults. The determined values indicate that the investigated set of tests is reliable to detect spatial ability performance in healthy children, adolescents, and young adults.

Investigation of inter-rater and test-retest reliability of Y balance test in college students with flexible flatfoot

BackgroundThe Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) has been widely used to assess dynamic balance in various populations. Dynamic balance in flexible flatfoot populations is one of the risk factors for lower extremity injuries, especially in college populations in which more exercise is advocated. However, no study has demonstrated the reliability of the YBT-LQ in a college student flexible flatfoot population.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study. 30 college students with flexible flatfoot were recruited from Beijing Sports University. They have been thrice assessed for the maximal reach distance of YBT under the support of the lower limb on the flatfoot side. Test and retest were performed with an interval of 14 days. The outcome measures using the composite score and normalized maximal reach distances in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral). The relative reliability was reported as the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Minimal Detectable Change (MDC), Smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) were used to report the absolute reliability.ResultsFor inter-rater reliability, the ICC values for all directions ranged from 0.84 to 0.92, SEM values ranged from 2.01 to 3.10%, SWC values ranged from 3.67 to 5.12%, and MDC95% values ranged from 5.58 to 8.60%. For test-retest reliability, the ICC values for all directions ranged from 0.81 to 0.92, SEM values ranged from 1.80 to 2.97%, SWC values ranged from 3.75 to 5.61%, and MDC95% values ranged from 4.98 to 8.24%.ConclusionsThe YBT-LQ has “good” to “excellent” inter-rater and test-retest reliability. It appears to be a reliable assessment to use with college students with flexible flatfoot.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the ID number ChiCTR2300075906 on 19/09/2023.

Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of four functional tests in community-dwelling older adults with high risk of falls

Objectives: This study aimed to quantify test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the four commonly used functional tests in older adults with a high risk of falling. Patients and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 community-dwelling older adults (26 females, 4 males; mean age: 73.7±6.0 years; range, 65 to 88 years) with a high fall risk identified by the Thai falls risk assessment test between November 2018 and May 2019. Data from the 10-m walk test at a comfortable gait speed (CGS) and fast gait speed (FGS), timed up and go (TUG) test, five times sit to stand test (FTSST), and 6-min walk test (6MWT) were collected twice for each participant. The interval between test sessions was one week. Test-retest reliability was analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Standard error of measurement (SEM) and MDC at the 95% confidence interval (MDC95) were also calculated. Results: The four functional tests had ICC in the range of 0.92 to 0.97. The SEM values of the CGS, FGS, TUG, FTSST, and 6MWT were 0.06 m/sec, 0.04 m/sec, 1.10 sec, 1.30 sec, and 20.60 m, respectively. The MDC95 values of the CGS, FGS, TUG, FTSST, and 6MWT were 0.16 m/sec, 0.12 m/sec, 3.00 sec, 3.50 sec, and 57.20 m, respectively. Conclusion: All functional tests demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability. The SEM and MDC95 of all functional tests were established. These findings can help clinicians interpret the effectiveness of interventions and determine changes in functional ability over time in older adults at high risk of falls.

Reliability of scapular position and periscapular muscle strength tests in healthy subjects with forward neck and rounded shoulder posture

BACKGROUND: People with forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) may experience shifts in scapular position and alterations in the strength of the muscles surrounding the scapula. Therefore, a reliable scapula position and scapula muscle strength test are required to identified scapula problem and provided appropriate intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the reliability of scapular position measurements obtained using a modified digital inclinometer and palpation meter, as well as muscle strength using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in individuals with FHP and RSP. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects underwent scapular position tests (upward rotation, anterior tilt, depression, and protraction) and strength tests of periscapular muscles (serratus anterior, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius) on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. The reliability of the measurements was confirmed by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Test and re-tests were conducted over a period of one week and actual values for each measurement were also obtained and assessed. RESULTS: The ICC ranged from 0.802 to 0.935 for the scapular position tests and from 0.808 to 0.949 for muscle strength tests on the dominant and non-dominant sides. For scapular position tests, SEM values ranged from 0.3 cm to 0.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 1.0∘ to 1.7∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt) and MCID values ranged from 0.7 cm to 1.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 2.8∘ to 4.7∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt). Regarding muscle strength tests, SEM and MCID values were in the range 14.4N–27.3N and 39.9N–75.7N, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Scapular position and periscapular muscle strength can be reproducibly measured in healthy subjects individuals with FHP and RSP. These instruments can hence be recommended for evaluating these functional traits in subjects with FHP and RSP.

Wearable Motion Analysis System for Thoracic Spine Mobility With Inertial Sensors.

This study presents a wireless wearable portable system designed for the automatic quantitative spatio-temporal analysis of continuous thoracic spine motion across various planes and degrees of freedom (DOF). This includes automatic motion segmentation, computation of the range of motion (ROM) for six distinct thoracic spine movements across three planes, tracking of motion completion cycles, and visualization of both primary and coupled thoracic spine motions. To validate the system, this study employed an Inter-days experimental setting to conduct experiments involving a total of 957 thoracic spine movements, with participation from two representatives of varying age and gender. The reliability of the proposed system was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM). The experimental results demonstrated strong ICC values for various thoracic spine movements across different planes, ranging from 0.774 to 0.918, with an average of 0.85. The SEM values ranged from 0.64° to 4.03°, with an average of 1.93°. Additionally, we successfully conducted an assessment of thoracic spine mobility in a stroke rehabilitation patient using the system. This illustrates the feasibility of the system for actively analyzing thoracic spine mobility, offering an effective technological means for non-invasive research on thoracic spine activity during continuous movement states.

Clinical reliability and validity of a video-based markerless gait evaluation method.

To explore the reliability and validity of gait parameters obtained from gait assessment system software employing a human posture estimation algorithm based on markerless videos of children walking in clinical practice. Eighteen typical developmental (TD) children and ten children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) were recruited to walk along a designated sidewalk at a comfortable walking speed. A 3-dimensional gait analysis (3D GA) and a 2-dimensional markerless (2D ML) gait evaluation system were used to extract the gait kinematics parameters twice at an interval of 2 h. The two measurements of the children's kinematic gait parameters revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were generally high (ICC >0.7), showing moderate to good relative reliability. The standard error of measurement (SEM) values of all gait parameters measured by the two walks were 1.26°-2.91°. The system software had good to excellent validity compared to the 3D GA, with ICC values between 0.835 and 0.957 and SEM values of 0.87°-1.71° for the gait parameters measured by both methods. The Bland-Altman plot analysis indicated no significant systematic errors. The feasibility of the markerless gait assessment method using the human posture estimation-based algorithm may provide reliable and valid gait analysis results for practical clinical applications.

Reliability and validity of modified upper limb neurodynamic tests in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Neurodynamic Tests (NDTs) are used to assess neural mechanosensitivity in various conditions such as neural sliding, tension or inflammatory dysfunction. But in some upper quadrant dysfunctions, standard testing procedure of NDT cannot be assessed or tolerated by patient. The purpose of the study was to determine the validity, intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of modified NDTs via median and ulnar nerve in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Thirty-three patients (18 men and 15 women, mean age ± SD ) with cervical radiculopathy having positive response to standard NDTs were included in the study. Modified neurodynamic tests for median & ulnar nerve were performed with modification in the sequencing of standard neurodynamic test at lower degrees of glenohumeral abduction and external rotation. Outcome measures used were angle of elbow extension for median nerve and angle elbow flexion for ulnar nerve at the point of pain onset indicated by "OP" (Onset of Pain). Reliability of OP was evaluated using measurement of Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) values. Results indicated high ICC values and low SEM values for OP during modified median and modified ulnar NDTs (M-MNT1 and M-UNT) on symptomatic side of patients with cervical radiculopathy. Spearman correlation analysis for validity of test score showed strong correlation () with standard NDT. There was strong correlation between Modified NDTs and standard tests depicting good validity and substantial reliability of OP during M-MNT1 and M-UNT for positive NDT response in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Feasibility, Reliability, and Validity of the Modified Forward Hop Test After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Double- Instead of Single-legged Landing is Reliable and Results in Greater Hopping Distance

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Modified forward hop (MFH) test in participants after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). DesignReliability study. SettingAssessments were administered at different clinical locations in Germany and Switzerland by the same 2 investigators. ParticipantsForty-eight active individuals participated in this study (N=48). Main Outcome MeasuresThe participants performed MFHs and Forward hops for distance in a predetermined order. The feasibility of the MFH was quantified with proportions of successfully executed attempts and Pearson's χ2 test. Its reliability was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Test validity was explored using Pearson's product moment correlation analyses. ResultsFewer failed attempts were recorded among the participants (age: 30 [Standard deviation 11] years; 22 women, 26 (13) months post-surgery) when compared with the Forward hop for distance test (25/288 trials; 9% vs 72/288 trials; 25%). Within-session ICC values were excellent (>0.95) for both types of Forward hop tests, independent of the side examined. The SEM values were comparable between the Modified (injured: 5.6 cm, uninjured: 5.9 cm) and the classic Forward hop (injured: 4.3 cm, uninjured: 7.2 cm). ConclusionThe MFH is a feasible, reliable, and valid tool for judging neuromuscular performance after ACLR. If the aim of a hop for distance incorporates enhanced perceived or real landing safety, landing on both feet should be used.

Equations for smartphone prediction of adiposity and appendicular lean mass in youth soccer players

Digital anthropometry by three-dimensional optical imaging systems and smartphones has recently been shown to provide non-invasive, precise, and accurate anthropometric and body composition measurements. To our knowledge, no previous study performed smartphone-based digital anthropometric assessments in young athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate the reproducibly and validity of smartphone-based estimation of anthropometric and body composition parameters in youth soccer players. A convenience sample of 124 male players and 69 female players (median ages of 16.2 and 15.5 years, respectively) was recruited. Measurements of body weight and height, one whole-body Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan, and acquisition of optical images (performed in duplicate by the Mobile Fit app to obtain two avatars for each player) were performed. The reproducibility analysis showed percent standard error of measurement values < 10% for all anthropometric and body composition measurements, thus indicating high agreement between the measurements obtained for the two avatars. Mobile Fit app overestimated the body fat percentage with respect to DXA (average overestimation of + 3.7% in males and + 4.6% in females), while it underestimated the total lean mass (− 2.6 kg in males and − 2.5 kg in females) and the appendicular lean mass (− 10.5 kg in males and − 5.5 kg in females). Using data of the soccer players, we reparameterized the equations previously proposed to estimate the body fat percentage and the appendicular lean mass and we obtained new equations that can be used in youth athletes for body composition assessment through conventional anthropometrics-based prediction models.

Persian Handwriting Assessment Tool: Reliability in Students with Specific Learning Disorders

Background: Handwriting is one of the most common reasons for referral to occupational therapy among children with specific learning disorders (SLDs). The Persian handwriting assessment tool (PHAT) is a valid assessment instrument. It is important to clarify the reliability of this assessment tool for the accuracy of results and certain clinical uses in Iranian children with SLDs. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the internal consistency, test-retest, and inter-rater reliability of the PHAT in children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years in the Iranian context. Methods: Thirty children (mean ± SD 132.33 ± 53.8 months) with SLDs, studying in grades 4 to 6, were recruited from special education schools and rehabilitation clinics from January to May 2022. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to determine internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were computed to establish absolute reliability. Results: Internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.98 to 0.99), as was inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.95 to 1.00). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent (0.86 to 1.00). The SEM and MDC values for test-retest reliability were 0 to 0.47 and 0 to 1.29, respectively. Finally, the SEM (0 - 0.21) and MDC (0 - 0.57) values were acceptable for inter-rater reliability. Conclusions: The PHAT is a reliable assessment tool for Iranian children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years. Further, clinicians can utilize this tool to identify handwriting difficulties in children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years, which leads to more targeted interventions.

Reliability, accuracy, and minimal detectable difference of a mixed concept marker set for finger kinematic evaluation

The study of finger biomechanics requires special tools for accurately recording finger joint data. A marker set to evaluate finger postures during activities of daily living is needed to understand finger biomechanics in order to improve prosthesis design and clinical interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a proposed hand marker set (the Warwick marker set) to capture finger kinematics using motion capture. The marker set consisted of the application of two and three marker clusters to the fingers of twelve participants who participated in the tests across two sessions. Calibration markers were applied using a custom palpation technique. Each participant performed a series of range of motion movements and held a set of objects. Intra and inter-session reliability was calculated as well as Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Difference (MDD).The findings showed varying levels of intra- and inter-session reliability, ranging from poor to excellent. The SEM and MDD values were lower for the intra-session range of motion and grasp evaluation. The reduced reliability can potentially be attributed to skin artifacts, differences in marker placement, and the inherent kinematic variability of finger motion. The proposed marker set shows potential to assess finger postures and analyse activities of daily living, primarily within the context of single session tests.

The Intra-Rater Reliability of Ultrasonography for the Measurement of Lumbar Multifidus and Erector Spinae Thickness in Different Positions in People with and without Active Extension-Related Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

The paraspinal muscles, including multifidus (MF) and erector spinae (ES) play key roles in the stability and movement of the lumbar spine. This study aimed to determine the intra-rater reliability of the ES and MF muscle thickness measures of the rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) in people with active extension pattern (AEP) non-specific chronic low back pain and controls. Fifteen females with AEP and 19 controls participated in this test-retest intra-rater reliability study, including two different testing sessions performed in four to seven days apart. The primary (raw) and derived (normalized) measures of the L4 MF and ES muscles`thickness were examined in three different positions (prone, sitting, and standing) on both days. A two-way mixed average of intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC3, K) with confidence interval (CI = 95%) was used to determine the relative reliability. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) values at a CI of 95% were computed to examine the absolute reliability. The ICC values for the primary thickness of the L4 ES and MF muscles were from 0.85 to 0.91, except for MF muscle thickness in standing (ICC = 0.67) and sitting (ICC = 0.66) positions . The ICC values for derived data were lower in both groups. The SEM and MDC values were small enough to confirm the absolute reliability of the primary data. This study supports the use of RUSI for examining the primary measures of the L4 MF and ES muscles in asymptomatic and AEP participants, but it should be used cautiously for assessing the derived measures.

Reliability and measurement properties of upper cervical flexion-extension range of motion testing in people with cervicogenic headache and asymptomatic controls

ABSTRACT Objective The objective was to determine reliability of sagittal plane range of motion (ROM) assessment in a healthy population and in people with cervicogenic headache (CGH). Methods Upper cervical flexion/extension ROM was measured using an iPhone magnetometer sensor and retraction/protraction ROM measured by linear displacement. Two independent raters evaluated these movements in 33 subjects with CGH and 33 age and gender matched asymptomatic healthy controls on two occasions. Measurement procedures were standardized; and the order of testing randomized. Reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Results Subjects comprised 30 females and 36 males. The iPhone method demonstrated high reliability (ICC >0.82) with SEM values ranging from 0.62 to 1.0 and MDC values ranging from 1.70 to 4.81 respectively. Evaluation of linear displacement demonstrated moderate reliability (ICC >64). with SEM values ranging from 0.38 to 1.91 and MDC values ranging from 1.05 to 1.63 respectively. Compared to healthy controls, upper cervical flexion, retraction and protraction ROM was significantly less in the CGH group with mean difference of 6.50°, 1.52 cm and 2.34 cm respectively. Discussion Upper cervical spine sagittal plane ROM can be measured with moderate to high reliability and was found to be more restricted in people with CGH.

Test-retest reliability and construct validity of trunk extensor muscle force modulation accuracy.

Low back pain is associated with changes in trunk muscle structure and function and motor control impairments. Voluntary force modulation (FM) of trunk muscles is a unique and under-investigated motor control characteristic. One of the reasons for this paucity of evidence is the lack of exploration and publication on the reliability and validity of trunk FM protocols. The purpose of this study was to determine the within- and between-day test-retest reliability and construct validity for trunk extensor muscle FM. Twenty-nine healthy participants were tested under three FM conditions with different modulation rates. Testing was performed on a custom-built apparatus designed for trunk isometric force testing. FM accuracy relative to a fluctuating target force (20-50%MVF) was quantified using the root mean square error of the participant's generated force relative to the target force. Reliability and precision of measurement were assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable difference (MDD95), and Bland-Altman plots. In a subset of participants, we collected surface electromyography of trunk and hip muscles. We used non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) to identify the underlying motor control strategies. Within- and between-day test-retest reliability was excellent for FM accuracy across the three conditions (ICC range: 0.865 to 0.979). SEM values ranged 0.9-1.8 Newtons(N) and MDD95 ranged from 2.4-4.9N. Conditions with faster rates of FM had higher ICCs. NNMF analysis revealed two muscle synergies that were consistent across participants and conditions. These synergies demonstrate that the muscles primarily involved in this FM task were indeed the trunk extensor muscles. This protocol can consistently measure FM accuracy within and between testing sessions. Trunk extensor FM, as measured by this protocol, is not specific to any trunk muscle group but is the result of modulation by all the trunk extensor muscles.

TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY, SMALLEST WORTHWHILE CHANGE, AND MINIMAL DETECTABLE CHANGE SCORES FOR FREQUENCY SPEED OF KICK TEST IN JUNIOR KICKBOXING ATHLETES

While there exists a significant body of research dedicated to performance tests specific to combat sports, the current literature lacks valid and functional methodologies for assessing kickboxing-specific tasks. The present study endeavored to establish the test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and typical error (TE) values of the Frequency Speed of Kicks Test (FSKT). Furthermore, this study sought to compare the reliability values of the FSKT with those of the countermovement jump test (CMJ). The study cohort consisted of twenty-eight junior male kickboxers. Participants performed the CMJ and FSKT twice across test and retest sessions. Pearson correlation analysis identified a significant correlation (r=0.717) between the CMJ and FSKT. Paired t-tests revealed no significant disparities between the test and retest values for both the CMJ and FSKT. However, the difference between the test and retest in the CMJ demonstrated a small effect size, while the FSKT showed a trivial effect size. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values for the CMJ and FSKT were deemed "good" (r=0.855) and "excellent" (r=0.963) respectively, in terms of reliability. The FSKT displayed superior absolute agreement between test and retest scores due to its lower SEM values when compared to the CMJ. The TE, used to estimate trial-to-trial variation, was lower in the FSKT than in the CMJ. Moreover, the results indicated a lower MDC value in the FSKT than the CMJ, suggesting that the FSKT could be more effective at detecting smaller performance changes compared to the CMJ. In conclusion, this study posits that the FSKT could be considered a reliable method, demonstrating reproducible results in the performance evaluation of kickboxing athletes, pending the development of a functional kickboxing-specific field test.