Standard Error Of Measurement Research Articles

Reliability of Sensorimotor Control Tests in Individuals with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background: The presence of sensorimotor control deficits in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to typically developed adolescents is supported by the literature but lacks reliability studies for assessment in this population. This study aimed to assess the reliability of eight sensorimotor control tests, in terms of static and dynamic balance, joint position sense (JPS) tests of the extremities and the spine, and a functional upper extremity proprioceptive test in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis subjects. Methods: Sixty adolescent idiopathic scoliosis subjects were divided into four groups. Each group underwent two tests by the same examiner, repeated at 15 min intervals. Reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD). Results: The results showed high reliability for the upper extremity functional proprioception test, for the dynamic and static balance test, and for the spinal lateral flexion joint position sense test in both directions. On the other hand, the shoulder external rotation, knee extension, elbow flexion, and spinal flexion joint position sense tests demonstrated poor reliability in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis subjects. Conclusions: Therapists are recommended to use the functional upper extremity proprioception test, the Fukuda test, the static balance test using a force footplate, and the spinal lateral flexion joint position sense test for assessing treatment progress in this population.

Advancements and limitations in polygenic risk score methods for genomic prediction: a scoping review.

This scoping review aims to identify and evaluate the landscape of Polygenic Risk Score (PRS)-based methods for genomic prediction from 2013 to 2023, highlighting their advancements, key concepts, and existing gaps in knowledge, research, and technology. Over the past decade, various PRS-based methods have emerged, each employing different statistical frameworks aimed at enhancing prediction accuracy, processing speed and memory efficiency. Despite notable advancements, challenges persist, including unrealistic assumptions regarding sample sizes and the polygenicity of traits necessary for accurate predictions, as well as limitations in exploring hyper-parameter spaces and considering environmental interactions. We included studies focusing on PRS-based methods for risk prediction that underwent methodological evaluations using valid approaches and released computational tools/software. Additionally, we restricted our selection to studies involving human participants that were published in English language. This review followed the standard protocol recommended by Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual, systematically searching Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Additionally, searches included grey literature sources like pre-print servers such as bioRxiv, and articles recommended by experts to ensure comprehensive and diverse coverage of relevant records. This study identified 34 studies detailing 37 genomic prediction methods, the majority of which rely on linkage disequilibrium (LD) information and necessitate hyper-parameter tuning. Nine methods integrate functional/gene annotation, while 12 are suitable for cross-ancestry genomic prediction, with only one considering gene-environment (GxE) interaction. While some methods require individual-level data, most leverage summary statistics, offering flexibility. Despite progress, challenges remain. These include computational complexity and the need for large sample sizes for high prediction accuracy. Furthermore, recent methods exhibit varying effectiveness across traits, with absolute accuracies often falling short of clinical utility. Transferability across ancestries varies, influenced by trait heritability and diversity of training data, while handling admixed populations remains challenging. Additionally, the absence of standard error measurements for individual PRSs, crucial in clinical settings, underscores a critical gap. Another issue is the lack of customizable graphical visualization tools among current software packages. While genomic prediction methods have advanced significantly, there is still room for improvement. Addressing current challenges and embracing future research directions will lead to the development of more universally applicable, robust, and clinically relevant genomic prediction tools.

Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the fixed plumb line for postural and scoliosis assessment in the sagittal plane: a pilot study

Background The plumb line (PL) is a common tool for assessing the sagittal curvatures of the spine, but its accuracy depends on the ability of the physician to use it correctly. This study aimed to present a fixed plumb line (FPL) no longer held by a physician but fixed to a support, evaluating the reliability in posture assessment, comparing it with PL in both adolescent with and without scoliosis. Methods The study evaluated the sagittal distances of the spine using a PL and a FPL in 80 young adults aged between 28.7 ± 7.2 and 55 adolescents aged between 12.4 ± 2.3, with and without scoliosis. Two expert and two novice clinicians tested the patients to evaluate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of FPL. Each clinician assessed participants twice on the same day, with a predetermined time interval (>1 h) to reduce recall bias. Multi-factor multivariate analysis of variance and two-way analysis of variance assessed the statistical significance, while intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) validated FPL consistency. Results FPL provided an ICC coefficient >0.90 for all the measures, while PL an average of 0.70. On AIS patients, PL and FPL showed a significant difference for C7 p < 0.001 and T12 p < 0.001. The measured parameters were sensitive to gender and age for the FPL, furthermore, the C7 and L3 measurements were statistically different between PL and FPL (p < 0.001). Intra-rater reliability results for FPL ranged from 0.94 to 0.98 across various parameters, while the SEM and MDC values underscore the valuable precision of the FPL with changes exceeding 1 cm being meaningful. These findings suggest that FPL could be a reliable and accurate tool for measuring sagittal distances of the spine in both scoliotic and non-scoliotic patients.

Reliability of Semitendinosus and Biceps Femoris Aponeurosis Thickness Using B-Mode Ultrasound.

The aim of the present study was to assess the reliability of aponeurosis and muscle thickness of the hamstrings using ultrasound (US). US images were captured from the semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris long head (BFlh) of 30 individuals (15 females), undergoing two testing sessions with a 24-hour interval. Measurements were taken at six sites along the thigh at two knee angles (0° = full extension and 90°) in prone position. Aponeurosis and muscle thickness across the entire length of ST and BFlh were evaluated using computational image segmentation which generated ~360 data points per participant. The intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.937 to 0.998 while the standard error of measurement varied from 0.88 to 2.72% for superficial aponeurosis, from 1.41 to 2.29% for deep aponeurosis, and from 1.50 to 4.22% for muscle thickness. The minimal detectable change ranged from 2.44 to 7.56% for the superficial aponeurosis, from 3.57 to 6.27% for deep aponeurosis, and from 4.17 to 11.70% for BF and ST muscle thickness. Evaluation of hamstring aponeurosis and muscle thickness measurements at rest displayed very high reliability and, hence, such measurements can be used to diagnose changes in thickness due to injury or exercise interventions.

Comparative Analysis of Psychometric Frameworks and Properties of Scores from Autogenerated Test Forms

AbstractThis paper explores the psychometric properties of scores derived from autogenerated test forms by introducing three conceptual frameworks: Alternate Test Forms, Randomly Parallel Forms, and Approximately Parallel Forms. Each framework provides a distinct perspective on score comparability, definitions of true score and standard error of measurement (SEM), and the necessity of equating. Through a simulation study, we illustrate how these frameworks compare in terms of true scores and SEMs, while also assessing the impact of equating on score comparability across varying levels of form variability. Ultimately, this study seeks to lay the groundwork for implementing scoring practices in large‐scale standardized assessments that use autogenerated forms.

Age-Related Differences and Reliability of a Field-Based Fitness Test Battery in Young Trained Footballers: The Role of Biological Age

Background: the purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability of a field-based fitness test battery in young trained football players, according to biological age. Methods: 197 young trained football players (12–19 years old) participated in the study. We measured anthropometric measurements (i.e., height, sitting height, length leg, and body mass), a bilateral vertical jumping test (CMJ), a progressive loading test of squats and hip thrust, acceleration and speed tests (10 m and 30 m sprint tests), a change-of-direction ability test (V–cut test), and a cardiorespiratory fitness test (30–15 intermittent fitness test). Statistical data are shown as the mean ± standard deviation by PHV group in tests and retests. Test reliability was assessed through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with an ICC above 0.9 being considered high. To evaluate accuracy and repeatability, standard error of measurement, coefficient of variation, and minimum detectable change at 90% were determined and Bland–Altman diagrams were used, establishing a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: All of the tests showed non-significant differences between the test and retest in the pooled sample (p > 0.05). Furthermore, all of them presented a trivial effect size (<0.2) and high intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.9), which indicates the high reproducibility of the tests, despite some of them presenting a significant difference between trials (i.e., the CMJ, 10 m sprint, V–cut, and squat tests). Low measurement errors were found for all tests (coefficient of variation [CV] = 4.39–9.39), except for the CMJ and the progressive loading test for squat and hip thrust exercises (CV = 12.2–21.11). Similar results were found irrespective of biological age group. Conclusions: All tests were reliable for the pooled sample as well as for the biological age groups.

Reliability and Validity of the L Test in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis.

The L Test has been developed to assess balance and gait disorders. Our aim in this study was to estimate the test-retest reliability and validity of the L Test when used with 82 persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). For these participants, we examined the degree of agreement between the results of a first and second administration of the L Test (separated by one day), using Bland-Altman analysis and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). We computed minimal detectable change (MDC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) values for the L Test and evaluated concurrent validity by correlating L Test results with the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and the 10-minute Walk Test (10MWT). Prior to administering these measurements, we randomized the sequence of the test administrations to our participants. The Bland-Altman analysis showed that L Test was reproducible, with upper and lower limits of agreement of 0.99 and -1.45 seconds, respectively. The L Test demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability, with an ICC value of 0.996 (95% CI: 0.994-0.998). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.996. The performance of the L Test is measured by seconds required to complete the task, and we found the L Test SEM value to be 0.35 seconds, and its MDC value to be 0.97 seconds. The L Test showed a strong correlation with both the TUG test (rho = 0.936; p < .001) and the 10MWT (rho = 0.925; p < .001). We concluded that the L Test is a reliable and valid \ tool for assessing functional mobility and balance in PwMS.

Reliability, measurement error, and validity of the Arabic version of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale in patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

To evaluate the measurement properties of the Arabic Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) in individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. Participants with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (N = 139) completed the PSFS, Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Global Assessment of Function scale (GAF). The same outcome measures were completed again with one week in addition to the Global Rating of Change Scale. The test-retest reliability, measurement error, floor and ceiling effects, and construct validity of the PSFS were examined. The PSFS demonstrated very good test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71-0.88), with no evidence of floor or ceiling effects. The standard error of measurement was determined to be 0.74 while the minimal detectable change was 1.73 points. The PSFS demonstrated significant negative correlation with DASH, NPRS (-0.58, -0.35), and significant positive correlation with the UEFI and GAF (0.56, 0.50). The PSFS demonstrated statistically higher correlation with the DASH and UEFI compared with the NPRS (p < 0.004) supporting our predefined construct validity hypotheses. The Arabic PSFS is an applicable, reliable, and valid outcome measure of upper-extremity activity limitations for patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of short-term measurement of heart rate variability on rest in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Measures reflecting cardiac sympathovagal activity, particularly those associated with heart rate variability (HRV), are widely recognized and utilized in both scientific and clinical contexts. This study aimed to assess the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of short-term HRV parameters in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 103 patients (both sexes) diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. HRV was analyzed using both linear and nonlinear methods. Reliability was evaluated through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1), minimum detectable change (MDC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV). According to Fleiss’ criteria, excellent reliability was demonstrated, with ICC values ranging from 0.970 to 0.999 for Examiner 1, and from 0.956 to 0.999, for Examiner 2. In the inter-examiner analysis, the ICCs of HRV parameters ranged from 0.972 to 0.999. SEM values for intra-examiner reliability for Examiner 1 ranged from 0.02 to 5.64, with MDC values from 0.05 to 15.64, and CV (%) from 0.28 to 8.04. For Examiner 2, SEM values ranged from 0.02 to 8.18, MDC values from 0.05 to 22.68, and CV (%) from 0.24 to 8.14. For inter-examiner reliability, SEM values ranged from 0.02 to 6.17, MDC from 0.06 to 17.11, and CV (%) from 0.34 to 9.81. Across all analyses, CVs for HRV parameters remained below 10%. Considering different time points and different examiners, short-term resting HRV measurements in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, as evaluated using a portable heart rate device, exhibit high reliability.

Reliability of isokinetic dynamometer for isometric assessment of ankle plantar flexor strength.

ObjectiveTo evaluate isokinetic dynamometer reliability for isometric assessment of plantar flexor (PF) strength. DesignCross-sectional. SettingTesting by the same physiotherapist twice during a first session (repeatability) and once during a second session (reproducibility). ParticipantsTwenty-two healthy subjects (44 ankles, 11 men/11 women). Main Outcome MeasuresIsometric PF peak torque, with and without body mass normalization, at 0° and +20° of plantar flexion. Measurement reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). ResultsWithout normalization, measurement repeatability was excellent at 0° of plantar flexion (ICC, 0.94; SEM, 6.6%; MDC, 18.4%) compared with good repeatability at +20° (ICC, 0.85; SEM, 11.1%; MDC 30.6%). Measurement repeatability following normalization was good at 0° (ICC, 0.88; SEM, 5.2%; MDC, 14.4%) and +20° (ICC, 0.79; SEM, 10.2%; MDC, 28.1%). While reproducibility was good at 0° with normalization (ICC, 0.84; SEM, 5.9%; MDC, 16.3%) or excellent without (ICC 0.92; SEM 7.5%; MDC, 20.8%), it was moderate at +20° with normalization (ICC 0.71; SEM 11.3%; MDC, 31.3%) or good without (ICC 0.78; SEM 13.0%; MDC, 36.1%). ConclusionThe reliability of PF maximal isometric strength is good/excellent at 0° of plantar flexion but moderate/good at +20°.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a revised Italian Anterior Knee Pain Scale version.

The study aimed to validate a revised Italian version of the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) by addressing shortcomings in previous adaptations and following the COSMIN guidelines to ensure robust psychometric evaluation. One hundred thirty patients with anterior knee pain symptoms were recruited, with 65 undergoing a retest after 7 days to assess the scale's reliability. Structural validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the scale's dimensionality. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha, while test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Measurement error was evaluated using the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest detectable change (SDC). Construct validity was examined by correlating the AKPS with other established scales, including the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Internal Knee Documentation Committee, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Patella, Short-Form 36 Health Survey, and the Visual Analogue Scale. The CFA supported a three-factor model encompassing pain intensity and interference, functional limitations in daily activities, and knee structural and functional issues. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.79) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC=0.91), with low measurement error (SEM<5%). Construct validity was confirmed through moderate-to-strong correlations with related scales, particularly in domains related to pain intensity, symptoms, and daily functioning. The newly validated scale, demonstrating strong psychometric properties, meets international standards for clinical assessment tools, making it a reliable and effective instrument for assessing anterior knee pain in the Italian context.

Cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS-2)

ObjectivesThe Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2) is an updated tool designed to identify specific sleep disturbances in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, for its application in Brazil, a process of cross-cultural adaptation and validation of measurement properties was required. MethodsThis methodological study adapted the PDSS-2 to Brazilian Portuguese (PDSS-2-Br) and assessed its measurement properties (Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, construct validity, and interpretability). The adapted scale was then tested on 2 occasions within an interval of 7 days, to 50 individuals with PD. Test–retest reliability was evaluated using kappa statistics (k) for the individual items, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total scores, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC) and Bland-Altman plot. Construct validity was assessed through Spearman correlation coefficients between the PDSS-2-Br and independent variables, while interpretability was evaluated by examining ceiling and floor effects. ResultsPDSS-2-Br showed satisfactory semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence. It also demonstrated good internal consistency (α=0.64), adequate test-retest reliability between items (κw 0.42-0.94, 95% CI=0.30-0.95) and total score (ICC=0.94; 95% CI=0.89-0.96), acceptable measurement error (SEM, 2.07 points; MDC, 5.74 points), absence of ceiling and floor effects, and 87,5% of pre-defined hypotheses were confirmed, indicating adequate construct validity (Spearman correlations coefficients for the rs=0.50, p<0.001) of the PDSS-2-Br. ConclusionThe measurement properties of the PDSS-2-Br are equivalent to those of the original version, and the scale has been validated and confirmed as reliable to measure sleep disorders among the Brazilian population with PD.

Intra-Rater Reliability of Panoramic Ultrasound Imaging for Determining Quadriceps Muscle Cross-Sectional Area inMiddle-Aged and Elderly Adults.

Panoramic ultrasound (US) is an extended field-of-view (EFOV) imaging technique that enables visualization of large-scale skeletal muscles. This technique has previously been found to produce valid and reliable quantifications of muscle morphology in primarily young male subjects. The purpose was to investigate the intra-rater between-session test-retest reliability of panoramic US imaging for determining vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) cross-sectional area (mCSA) in healthy middle-aged to elderly adults. In this cross-sectional study, axial panoramic US images of the RF and VL muscles were captured in 23 healthy females and males aged 47 to 78. Assessed across two sessions 3-7 days apart, intra-rater reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,2), within-subject coefficient of variation , standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Mean mCSA for RF was mean ± SD, 7.5 ± 2.7 cm2 on both test days, with a numeric difference of 0.8%. Mean VL mCSA was 20.6 ± 6.6 cm2 and 20.5 ± 6.5 cm2 on test days 1 and 2, respectively. Test-retest ICC were: 0.997 (95% CI: 0.994-0.999) for RF and 0.995 (95% CI: 0.989-0.998) for VL. was 2.6% for RF and 2.4% for VL. SEM was 0.2 cm2 for RF and 0.5 cm2 for VL. MDC was 0.4 cm2 for RF and 1.3 cm2 for VL. In conclusion, panoramic EFOV US is a highly reliable imaging technique for assessing RF and VL mCSA in middle-aged and elderly adults. These findings endorse the clinical and research utility of EFOV US and its sensitivity for detecting even minor changes in skeletal muscle size.

Can we reliably assess spine movement quality in clinics? A comparison of systems to evaluate reliability of spine movement quality in a healthy population

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) have the potential to facilitate a large influx of spine movement and neuromuscular control data to stratify low back pain (LBP) diagnosis and care; however, uncertainties related to validity and reliability are preventing widespread use and acceptance. This study evaluated the concurrent validity of Xsens DOT IMUs relative to gold-standard optical motion capture equipment, and compared within- and between-day reliability of both systems to track spine range of motion (ROM) and movement quality (MQ) by evaluating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and minimum detectable difference (MDD). ROM was evaluated during planar ROM movements, and local dynamic stability (LDS; λmax), mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) were estimated from repetitive trunk flexion at 3 speeds, in 15 healthy controls. Results show no statistically significant differences between systems for all metrics, and ICCs ≥ 0.86; therefore, validity was confirmed for tracking primary axis ROM and MQ. IMU data revealed that absolute (C7, T12, and S1) and relative (thoracic, lumbar, and total) ROM was the most reliable metric, followed by λmax, DP, and MARP. Reliability was similar between systems, suggesting that the poorer between-day reliability (higher SEM and CV, lower ICC) observed is attributable to movement variability and sensor placement rather than equipment error. MDDs provide thresholds to researchers and clinicians for identifying change in MQ. Further standardization of evaluated movements/metrics, and patient subgrouping are suggested to improve reliability assessments and refine MDDs in future work.

Dynamometry for the Assessment of Trunk Muscle Strength in Postpartum Women with Pregnancy-Related Posterior Pelvic Girdle Pain: A Reliability Study

ObjectivesTo investigate the inter and intra-rater reliability of maximum isometric trunk muscular strength in postpartum women with pregnancy-related posterior pelvic girdle pain using a handheld dynamometer. MethodsThirty women (30.13 ± 3.67 years) with pregnancy-related posterior pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) had their trunk muscular strength assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Inter-rater reliability was estimated for measurements of two separate raters on the first day of the investigation. The tests were repeated with the first rater seven days later to determine the intra-rater reliability. A digital handheld dynamometer was used for testing, and a metal bar was used to secure it to a table. Participants were instructed to use maximal force to push the dynamometer in various trunk flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotational orientations. Each trial was repeated three times and averaged to obtain the representative assessment data. Analysis of variance, interclass correlation, absolute agreement, and standard error of measurements were used to evaluate the repeatability of measurements. ResultsExcellent inter and intra-rater reliability were demonstrated. The inter-rater reliability, computed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), ranged from 0.979 to 0.992, and intra-rater reliability (ICC) ranged from 0.966 to 0.987. The standard error of measurement ranged from 0.35% to 1.26% for the different tests. Additionally, the dynamometer values in women with PPGP might be reported using just one trial after an instruction. ConclusionThe maximum isometric trunk muscular strength is reliable, and a quantitative assessment of the trunk strength in women with postpartum pregnancy-related posterior pelvic girdle pain and could be used to monitor the changes in postural stability between sessions.

Turkish Version of the Norwich Patellar Instability Score: Minimal Detectable Change among Patients with Traumatic Patellar Dislocation

Objective: This study aimed to calculate the minimal detectable change (MDC) in the Norwich Patellar Instability score (NPI) and validate the score for Turkish-speaking individuals with patellar instability. Method: Sixty-four patients (mean age 21.87 ± 9.44 years) who had experienced at least one patellar dislocation during athletic activities participated in the study. The Turkish version of the NPI (NPI-T) was evaluated for reliability and internal consistency. The Minimal Detectable Change was calculated as an overall value for the participants. MDC was calculated based on the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the selected confidence level (ICC) for the study population. Pearson's correlations were examined to assess construct validity between the Kujala Patellofemoral Disorder score and the Lysholm Knee Score. Result: The MDC for the NPI-T was 17.29, with a SEM of 6.24. The score demonstrated high internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.85, indicating substantial reliability. The consistency of measurements was excellent, with an ICC2,1 of 0.95. Additionally, the NPI-T score exhibited a strong negative correlation with both the Kujala (r = -0.85, p &lt; 0.001) and Lysholm (r = -0.89, p &lt; 0.001) scores. A floor effect was observed, but no ceiling effect was present. Conclusion: The study confirms that the NPI-T demonstrates strong psychometric properties, with high internal consistency and excellent reliability, as evidenced by its low MDC and SEM. The use of the NPI-T as a reliable and valid tool for assessing patellar instability in patients with patellar dislocation will provide valuable information to clinicians.

Measuring health-related quality of life in a Chinese Mainland adolescent population: psychometric properties of the Mandarin Chinese self-reported KIDSCREEN-27 and KIDSCREEN-10 index

BackgroundThe self-reported KIDSCREEN questionnaires are ideal for capturing children’s and adolescents’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and have gained worldwide popularity. Responding to demands for the concise nature of KIDSCREEN among Chinese Mainland researchers and practitioners, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mandarin Chinese self-reported KIDSCREEN-27 (KS-27) and KIDSCREEN-10 index (KS-10), which are short versions of the self-reported KIDSCREEN-52 (KS-52).MethodsThis study reanalyzed the validation dataset of the Mandarin Chinese self-reported KS-52. The dataset originated from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Weifang City, the Chinese Mainland, from October to November 2016. Adolescents aged 11–17 years (N = 4385) were surveyed, and sub-samples (N = 841) were retested. Statistical analyses were conducted on the feasibility, item and dimension properties, reliability, and validity of the Mandarin Chinese self-reported KS-27 and KS-10.ResultsIndirect evidence from the Small Group Pilot Survey indicated that the Mandarin Chinese self-reported KS-27 and KS-10 can be completed on average in less than 12.33 mins. Their response rate exceeded 90% regardless of the unit- and item (dimension)-level. The psychometric properties of items and dimensions were likewise found to be satisfactory. Internal consistency was robust with inter-item and item-total correlations (0.173–0.873, 0.422–0.786), Cronbach’s alpha (0.786–0.881), Guttman’s lambda-2 and - 6 (0.807–0.889, 0.829–0.896), and McDonald’s omega (0.725–0.886). Test–retest reliability at both item- and dimension-level was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of (0.590–0.696, 0.785–0.842); standard error of measurements (SEMs) of (0.352–0.635, 0.949–1.949). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed their five- and one-dimensional structures, albeit with slight modifications. Moreover, the multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) substantiated their configural and metric invariance across gender and grade groups. Convergent validity was robust, with stronger correlations observed with comparable dimensions of the Mandarin Chinese self-reported PedsQL™ 4.0, while discriminant validity was evident with low correlations observed with less comparable dimensions. The known-group validity was mainly supported by medium to large effect sizes concerning differences in socioeconomic status (η2 = 0.07–0.17, Cohen’s d = 0.55–1.03) and mental health status (η2 = 0.09–0.40, Cohen’s d = 0.73–1.83). The Mandarin Chinese self-reported KS-52 served as the criterion; the ICCs between the Mandarin Chinese self-reported KS-27 and KS-10 and their comparable dimensions were stronger, indicating robust criterion validity.ConclusionsThe Mandarin Chinese self-reported KS-27 and KS-10 demonstrated excellent psychometric properties, indicating their good potential for measuring HRQoL for children and adolescents in the Chinese Mainland.

Reliability of the Star Excursion Balance Test with End-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis Patients and Its Responsiveness Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background/Objectives: The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is a simple and feasible tool for assessing dynamic balance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). It has an advantage as it replicates dynamic balance better than other static balance tools. This study aims to determine how reliable SEBT is among people with end-stage KOA, as well as how responsive it is and how well it correlates with performance-based outcome measures after TKA. Methods: Patients on the waiting list for TKA performed SEBT in the anterior, posteromedial and posteriorlateral directions twice within 7 days. The measurements were repeated 6 and 12 months after TKA. The participants completed performance-based outcome measurements (PBOMs) and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) before and after TKA to estimate correlation. Results: In all directions, the intraclass correlation coefficient range (ICC) was 0.998-0.993, and there were no significant differences between the test and re-test mean SEBT scores. The standard error of measurement (SEM) ranged from 0.37% to 0.68%, and the minimum detectable change (MDC) ranged from 1.02% to 1.89%. The post TKA SEBT results show significant improvement, with a large effect size. There were large-to-medium correlations between SEBT and PBOMs before and after TKA, while OKS correlated only before surgery. The magnitude of change in SEBT, PBOMs and OKS did not correlate. Conclusions: SEBT is an extremely reliable tool for assessing dynamic balance in all three directions of severe KOA patients. It is sensitive enough to detect balance changes at 6 and 12 months post TKA. SEBT cannot be used to reflect the change in functional outcome improvement after TKA.

Establishing the Reliability of the GaitON® Motion Analysis System: A Foundational Study for Gait and Posture Analysis in a Healthy Population.

Gait and posture analysis plays a crucial role in understanding human movement, with significant applications in rehabilitation, sports science, and clinical settings. The GaitON® system, a 2D motion analysis tool, provides an accessible and cost-effective method for assessing gait and posture. However, its reliability in clinical practice, particularly for intra-rater consistency, remains to be evaluated. This study aims to assess the intra-rater reliability of the GaitON® system in a healthy population, focusing on gait and posture parameters. A total of 20 healthy participants (10 males and 10 females) aged 18 to 50 years were recruited for the study. Each participant underwent gait and posture assessments using the GaitON® system on two separate occasions, spaced one week apart. Video recordings from anterior and posterior views were used to analyze gait, while images from anterior, posterior, and lateral views were captured to assess posture with markers placed on key anatomical landmarks. The reliability of the measurements was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), a standard error of measurement (SEM), and the smallest detectable difference (SDD) method. The GaitON® system demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability across a wide range of gait and posture parameters. ICC values for gait parameters, including hip, knee, and ankle joint angles, ranged from 0.90 to 0.979, indicating strong consistency in repeated measurements. Similarly, ICC values for posture parameters, such as the head alignment, shoulder position, and ASIS alignment, were above 0.90, reflecting excellent reliability. SEM values were low across all parameters, with the smallest SEM recorded for the hip joint angle (0.37°), and SDD values further confirmed the precision of the system. The GaitON® system provides reliable and consistent measurements for both gait and posture analysis in healthy individuals. Its high intra-rater reliability and low measurement error make it a promising tool for clinical and sports applications. Further research is needed to validate its use in clinical populations and compare its performance to more complex 3D motion analysis systems.

Cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of the Turkish version of north star ambulatory assessment.

The North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) is a functional motor outcome measure originally developed for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The aim of this study was to perform the cultural adaptation and investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the NSAA (T-NSAA) in DMD. After translation process, internal consistency, interrater and test-retest reliability of the NSAA were determined by using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), respectively. Absolute reliability was determined by using the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) with minimal detectable change at 95% limits of confidence (MDC95). Lower limb functionality of children was evaluated by Vignos Lower Extremity Scale (VLERS). To establish convergent validity, the correlations between T-NSAA and Motor Function Measure (MFM-32), 6-minute walk test (6-MWT), and VLERS were analyzed by using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. The study was completed with 86 patients with DMD whose age were mean 104.56 ± 24.66 months. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94), intra-reliability (ICC = 0.977) and inter-reliability (ICC = 0.972) of T-NSAA were excellent. SEM and MDC values were low indicating satisfactory absolute agreement (< %10). The T-NSAA had strong correlations with the MFM-total score, 6-MWT, and VLERS (p < 0.01). T-NSAA is a valid and reliable tool to assess ambulatory status of Turkish-speaking DMD population. NCT05549999, Date of registration: September 19, 2022.