Test-retest Reliability Scores Research Articles

Development and examination of a functional reactive agility test for older adults.

Reactive agility tests have become popular in sport for talent identification; however, the ability of these tests to evaluate physical function and falls risk in clinical populations warrants future study. To examine the reliability and construct validity of a novel functional reactive agility test (FRAT) across the lifespan. Forty-three young (24 ± 2years), 32 middle-aged (50 ± 2years), and 19 old (66 ± 4years) men performed a FRAT that included a rapid lateral movement (1.5m) in response to a randomly delayed visual stimulus. Test-retest reliability and minimum difference (MD) scores were determined from a subset of participants. There was no systematic error (P > 0.087) between testing days, and the intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement (% of the mean), and MD values for decision time, movement time, and total time ranged from 0.876 to 0.949, 4.16-9.24%, and 0.128-0.138s, respectively. The young men had faster decision times (P = 0.027) when compared to the older men and faster total times when compared to the middle-aged and older men (P < 0.001). The FRAT demonstrated acceptable reliability and construct validity between different age groups. Due to its limited space requirements, the FRAT may serve as a useful tool in future studies examining clinical populations.

The test retest reliability of gait outcomes in subjects with anterior knee pain

IntroductionAnterior knee pain (AKP) is a common condition frequently causing young, athletic patients to attend sports rehabilitation centres. Abnormal biomechanics are thought to contribute towards the development and chronicity of the condition. Gait analysis is commonly used to identify abnormal biomechanics in subjects with AKP, however the reliability of these measurements are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the test retest reliability of hip, knee and ankle kinematics during gait in an AKP population so the true effects of an intervention can be established. MethodsThirty-one subjects with AKP attended the 3D Motion Analysis Laboratory at Tygerberg Medical Campus of Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa, for gait analysis. Participants returned seven days later at approximately the same time to repeat the gait analysis assessment from day one. The same assessor tested all subjects on both occasions. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated for hip, knee and ankle kinematic outcomes on the affected side and used for analysis. ResultsAll outcomes obtained were acceptable to excellent test retest reliability scores for both measures of relative reliability (ICC = 0.78–0.9) and measures of absolute reliability (SEM = 0.94–4.2°). Hip frontal plane and ankle sagittal plane outcomes were the most reliable and had the lowest measurement error. Hip transverse plane outcomes were least reliable and demonstrated the highest measurement error. ConclusionHip, knee and ankle kinematic factors that are commonly associated with AKP can be measured reliably using gait analysis. Daily and weekly variation in symptoms in an AKP population may influence the reliability of knee sagittal plane outcomes. Therefore, it is important to document factors that could influence the kinematics such as pain, activity levels and the use of pain medication.

Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change for Common Clinical Physical Function Tests in Sarcopenic Men and Women.

To determine the test-retest reliability and minimum detectable change scores for seven common clinical measurements of muscle strength and physical function in a multiethnic sample of sarcopenic, malnourished men and women. Each participant visited the laboratory seven times over 25 to 26 weeks. Reliability was assessed for each measurement from Familiarization 1 to Familiarization 2 (R1), Familiarization 2 to baseline testing (R2), Familiarization 3 to 12-week testing (R3), and Familiarization 4 to 24-week testing (R4). Data were collected during a clinical trial at 23 sites in the United States, Belgium, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Sarcopenic, malnourished, older adults (N = 257; n = 98 men aged 76.8 ± 6.3, n = 159 women aged 75.9 ± 6.6). During each visit, participants completed the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPBB) and isometric handgrip and isokinetic leg extensor and flexor strength testing at a slow (1.05 rad/s) and fast (3.15 rad/s) velocity. Handgrip strength, gait speed, SPPB score, and isokinetic leg extension and flexion peak torque (PT) had intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) that were significantly greater than 0 (all ≥0.59) at R1, R2, R3, and R4, although most of these variables demonstrated systematic increases at R1, and several exhibited systematic variability beyond the baseline testing session. The ICCs and standard errors of the measurement (SEMs) generally improved with familiarization, which emphasizes the need for at least one familiarization trial for these measurements in sarcopenic, malnourished older adults. A three tier-approach to interpreting the clinical importance of statistically significant results that includes null hypothesis testing, examination and interpretation of the effect magnitude, and comparison of individual changes with the SEM and minimum detectable change of the measurements used is recommended.

Development of a Survey to Explore Factors Influencing the Adoption of Best Practices for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Offloading.

The primary purpose of this study was to develop 2 survey tools to explore factors influencing adoption of best practices for diabetic foot ulcer offloading treatment in primary health care settings. One survey was intended for the patients receiving care for a diabetic foot ulcer in primary health care settings and the other was intended for the health professionals providing treatment. The second purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 2 surveys. Development and validation of survey instruments. Two surveys were developed using a published guide. Following review of pertinent literature and identification of variables to be measured, a bank of items was developed and pretested to determine clarity of the item and responses. Psychometric testing comprised measurement of content validity index (CVI) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Only items obtaining satisfactory CVI and ICC scores were included in the final version of the surveys. The final version of the patient survey contained 41 items and the final version of the survey for health care professionals contained 21 items. The patient-intended survey's items demonstrate high content validity scores and satisfactory test-retest reliability scores. The overall CVI score was 0.98. Forty of the 49 items eligible for testing obtain satisfactory ICC scores. One item's test-retest reliability could not be tested but it was retained based on its high CVI. The health professional-intended survey, an overall CVI score of 0.91 but items had lower ICC scores (63%, 31 of the 49 items), did not achieve a satisfactory ICC score for inclusion in the final instrument. This project led to development of 2 instruments designed to identify and explore factors influencing adoption of best practices for diabetic foot ulcer offloading treatment in the primary health care setting. Future research and testing is required to translate these French surveys into English and additional languages, in order to reach a broader population.

Development and validation of an early childhood development scale for use in low-resourced settings

BackgroundLow-cost, cross-culturally comparable measures of the motor, cognitive, and socioemotional skills of children under 3 years remain scarce. In the present paper, we aim to develop a new caregiver-reported early childhood development (ECD) scale designed to be implemented as part of household surveys in low-resourced settings.MethodsWe evaluate the acceptability, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and discriminant validity of the new ECD items, subscales, and full scale in a sample of 2481 18- to 36-month-old children from peri-urban and rural Tanzania. We also compare total and subscale scores with performance on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-III) in a subsample of 1036 children. Qualitative interviews from 10 mothers and 10 field workers are used to inform quantitative data.ResultsAdequate levels of acceptability and internal consistency were found for the new scale and its motor, cognitive, and socioemotional subscales. Correlations between the new scale and the BSID-III were high (r > .50) for the motor and cognitive subscales, but low (r < .20) for the socioemotional subscale. The new scale discriminated between children’s skills based on age, stunting status, caregiver-reported disability, and adult stimulation. Test-retest reliability scores were variable among a subset of items tested.ConclusionsResults of this study provide empirical support from a low-income country setting for the acceptability, reliability, and validity of a new caregiver-reported ECD scale. Additional research is needed to test these and other caregiver reported items in children in the full 0 to 3 year range across multiple cultural and linguistic settings.

Validation, test-retest reliability and norm scores for the Dutch Catquest-9SF.

The Catquest-9SF questionnaire is a unidimensional, reliable, valid and short patient-reported outcome measure for quantifying benefits in visual functioning from cataract surgery. Our aim was to develop a formal Dutch translation, calculate norm scores, assess its validity and test-retest reliability and provide an easy way for use in clinical practice. Translation of the questionnaire was performed according to guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. Catquest-9SF was obtained in 657 patients pre- and postcataract surgery. We applied Rasch and classical analyses to determine the questionnaire performance with characteristics such as unidimensionality, reliability, separation and differential item functioning. Test-retest reliability was assessed in another group of 145 patients. A cut-off value to discriminate between people with and without cataract, norm scores and a reliable change index (RCI) were calculated using data from a sample of 916 'healthy' persons from the normal population. The Dutch Catquest-9SF was unidimensional, and both person and item reliability were high; 0.87 and 0.99, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94, test-retest reliability was 0.85 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93. Catquest-9SF showed to be responsive to the effect of cataract surgery (effect size=1.27; p<0.001). The cut-off value was -1.90, and RCI was 2.27. A quick-access table with norm scores and percentiles was established to facilitate clinical interpretation. This investigation provides validity and reliability of the Dutch Catquest-9SF as well as norm scores and a new tool to facilitate the clinical interpretation of patient scores. This makes Catquest-9SF suitable for routine use in clinical practice.

Reliability, validity and normative data of the Italian version of the Bus Story test

ObjectivesEvaluation of the reliability and the validity of the Italian version of the Bus Story Test (I-BST), providing normative data in Italian children. MethodsA total of 552 normally developing children (278 males and 274 females) aged 3; 6 to 9; 0 years, were enrolled. Test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliability were analysed on a sample of respectively 145, 178 and 178 children. Normative data were gathered from all the enrolled children and estimate centiles according to the CG-LMS method provided. The children were divided into 11 age classes of six months each; percentile scores and standard error measurement were analysed in children from age class 4; 0-4; 5 years to age class 8; 6-811 years. Age effects on I-BST were analysed. ResultsResults showed high test-retest, intra- and inter-rater reliability scores. A significant age effect on I-BST scores emerged from the ANOVA test analysis; in particular, as age increases, so do I-BST scores. ConclusionThe I-BST is a reliable and valid tool. The availability of normative data for Italian speaking children may help clinicians during clinical assessment.

Magnetic resonance enterography is feasible and reliable in multicenter clinical trials in patients with Crohn's disease, and may help select subjects with active inflammation.

Reliable tools for patient selection are critical for clinical drug trials. To evaluate a consensus-based, standardised magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) protocol for selecting patients for inclusion in Crohn's disease (CD) multicenter clinical trials. This study recruited 20 patients [Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores: <150 (n = 8); 150-220 (n = 4); 220-450 (n = 8)], to undergo ileocolonoscopy and two MREs (with and without colonic contrast) within a 14-day period. Procedures were scored centrally using, Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA), and both Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) and Simplified Endoscopic Score (SES-CD). 37 MREs were acquired. Both MREs were evaluable in 16 patients for calculation of test-retest and inter-reader reliability scores. The MaRIA scores for the terminal ileum had excellent test-retest and inter-reader reliability, with correlations >0.9. The proximal ileum showed strong within-reader agreement (0.90-0.96), and fair between-reader agreement (0.59-0.72). MRE procedures were tolerable. MaRIA scores correlated with CDEIS and SES-CD (0.63 and 0.71), but not with CDAI (0.34). MRE identified 3 patients with intra-abdominal complications, who would otherwise have been included in clinical trials. Furthermore, both MRE and ileocolonoscopy identified active bowel wall inflammation in 2 patients with CDAI <150, and none in 1 patient with CDAI > 220. Data quality was good/excellent in 85% of scans, and fair or better in 96%. Magnetic resonance enterography of high-quality and reproducibility was feasible in a global multi- centre setting, with evidence for improved selectivity over CDAI and ileocolonoscopy in identifying appropriate CD patients for inclusion in therapeutic intervention trials.

Exploration of a new tool for assessing emotional inferencing after traumatic brain injury

Objective: To explore validity of an assessment tool under development—the Emotional Inferencing from Stories Test (EIST). This measure is being designed to assess the ability of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to make inferences about the emotional state of others solely from contextual cues.Methods and procedures: Study 1: 25 stories were presented to 40 healthy young adults. From this data, two versions of the EIST (EIST-1; EIST-2) were created. Study 2: Each version was administered to a group of participants with moderate-to-severe TBI—EIST 1 group: 77 participants; EIST-2 group: 126 participants. Participants also completed a facial affect recognition (DANVA2-AF) test. Participants with facial affect recognition impairment returned 2 weeks later and were re-administered both tests.Main outcomes: Participants with TBI scored significantly lower than the healthy group mean for EIST-1, F(1,114) = 68.49, p < 0.001, and EIST-2, F(1,163) = 177.39, p < 0.001. EIST scores in the EIST-2 group were significantly lower than the EIST-1 group, t = 4.47, p < 0.001. DANVA2-AF scores significantly correlated with EIST scores, EIST-1: r = 0.50, p < 0.001; EIST-2: r = 0.31, p < 0.001. Test–re-test reliability scores for the EIST were adequate.Conclusions: Both versions of the EIST were found to be sensitive to deficits in emotional inferencing. After further development, the EIST may provide clinicians valuable information for intervention planning.

Reliability and validity of the computerized Revised Token Test: comparison of reading and listening versions in persons with and without aphasia.

This study assessed the reliability and validity of intermodality associations and differences in persons with aphasia (PWA) and healthy controls (HC) on a computerized listening and 3 reading versions of the Revised Token Test (RTT; McNeil & Prescott, 1978). Thirty PWA and 30 HC completed the test versions, including a complete replication. Reading versions varied according to stimulus presentation method: (a) full-sentence presentation, (b) self-paced word-by-word full-sentence construction, and (c) self-paced word-by-word presentation with each word removed with the onset of the next word. Participants also received tests of aphasia and reading severity. The listening version produced higher overall mean scores than each of the reading versions. Differences were small and within 1 standard error of measurement of each version. Overall score test-retest reliability among versions for PWA ranged from r=.89 to r=.97. Correlations between the listening and reading versions ranged from r=.79 to r=.85. All versions correlated highly with aphasia and reading severity. Correlations were generally low for the HC due to restricted variability. Factor analysis yielded a 2-factor solution for PWA and a single-factor for HC. Intermodality differences were small, and all 4 versions were reliable, concurrently valid, and sensitive to similar linguistic processing difficulties in PWA.

The Validation and Reliability of the Chinese Version of the Speech Handicap Index for Patients With Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the translated Chinese version of the Speech Handicap Index (SHI) questionnaire for Chinese-speaking patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer. The original English version of the SHI was translated into Chinese. Forty-two consecutive patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer were included in the study. All subjects were asked to complete the Chinese version of the SHI and the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UWQOL V.04). Fifteen patients were randomly retested on both questionnaires 2weeks later. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and group validity of the Chinese version of the SHI were tested using Cronbach α, Spearman correlation coefficient (r), and Mann-Whitney U tests. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed, and the P value was set to 0.05. The Cronbach α for the total SHI, the speech domain, and the psychosocial domain were 0.96, 0.90, and 0.92, respectively. The test-retest reliability scores for the total SHI, the speech domain, the psychosocial domain, and the overall question were 0.94, 0.97, 0.90, and 0.83, respectively. To measure construct validity, Spearman correlation coefficients between different items of the SHI and the UWQOL were all >0.4, which signified a moderate to significant correlation. There were significant differences between patient groups when divided by age, clinical stage, educational level, radiotherapy, and reconstruction, on all or on parts of the various SHI domains. The Chinese version of the SHI is a valid and reliable tool for the speech assessment of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Toward Assessment of Child Survivors of Restavèk in Haiti: Development and Evaluation of a Locally Adapted Psychosocial Assessment Instrument

Restavèk is a form of child domestic slavery in Haiti that affects an estimated 300,000 children. This article describes the development and evaluation of an instrument to assess mental health and psychosocial problems among survivors of restavèk living in Port au Prince, Haiti. The Youth Self-Report was adapted to reflect the mental health problems that emerged in a previous qualitative study among the same target population. Internal consistency reliability scores were acceptable to good for all scales. Test-retest reliability scores were adequate for all scales, and good for the internalizing and total problems scales. Criterion validity could not be assessed.

Evaluation of Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of PSS Stress Measuring Scale in the Moroccan Population

1. Dalal Ben Loubir[1][1],[2][2] 2. Zeineb Serhier[1][1] 3. Omar Battas[2][2] 4. Mohamed Agoub[2][2] 5. Mohammed Bennani Othmani[1][1] 1. 1Medical Informatics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco 2. 2Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco 1. Dalal Ben Loubir, Faculte de Medecine et de Pharmacie de Casablanca, Hassan II University, 19 Rue, Tarik Ibnou Ziad, B.P. 9154, Casablanca, 20000, Morocco. Email: dallouber{at}gmail.com This study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the classic Arabic version of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10) in a large sample of Moroccan population. A cross-sectional survey was yielded between December 2013 and January 2014 following an accidental sampling. Individuals aged above 18, from different socioeconomic categories, were invited to take part in the study. The participants had completed a questionnaire including the classic Arabic versions of PSS10. Two data collection methods involving the paper questionnaire (PQ) and an electronic questionnaire (EQ) were solicited. The psychometric properties of PSS10 were examined by internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and factorial structure. A total of 1,099 individuals have participated in the study. Internal consistencies of the classic Arabic PSS10 for both of PQ and EQ were respectively α = 0.72 and α = 0.85; the test–retest reliability score was 0.91. In both of PQ and EQ, PSS10 scores were higher among females ( p < .01), and were positively and significantly correlated with the DASS21 subscales. The principal component analysis provided a two-factor structure. The percentages of variance explained by the two factors were 55.58 for EQ and 54.61 for PQ. The classic Arabic version of the PSS10 showed satisfactory psychometric properties in both data collection methods. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #aff-2

Reproducibility of graph-theoretic brain network metrics: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the reproducibility of graph-theoretic brain network metrics. Primary research studies of test-retest reliability conducted on healthy human subjects were included that quantified test-retest reliability using either the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) or the coefficient of variance. The MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey databases were searched up to February 2014. Risk of bias was assessed with 10 criteria weighted toward methodological quality. Twenty-three studies were included in the review (n=499 subjects) and evaluated for various characteristics, including sample size (5-45), retest interval (<1 h to >1 year), acquisition method, and test-retest reliability scores. For at least one metric, ICCs reached the fair range (ICC 0.40-0.59) in one study, the good range (ICC 0.60-0.74) in five studies, and the excellent range (ICC>0.74) in 16 studies. Heterogeneity of methods prevented further quantitative analysis. Reproducibility was good overall. For the metrics having three or more ICCs reported for both functional and structural networks, six of seven were higher in structural networks, indicating that structural networks may be more reliable over time. The authors were also able to highlight and discuss a number of methodological factors affecting reproducibility.

Computerised pinch dynamometry in the assessment of adult hand spasticity.

The hand engages with the environment through the grasp, stabilisation, manipulation and release of objects during everyday tasks, activities and routines. Upper motor neuron syndrome following acquired brain injury may negatively impact hand function, reducing strength, range of motion and motor control. It is important for clinicians to reliably measure such impacts, particularly for the impact of intervention and to monitor change in performance over time. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability and construct validity of Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry for measuring fine hand motor performance following acquired brain injury. The Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry protocol was completed by 36 community dwelling adults and 27 healthy adults using a simulated pinch and release task in lateral and pincer grip positions. Measurements were conducted over two testing occasions approximately five weeks apart. Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry output was evaluated to determine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the measure. Test-retest reliability scores using Kendall coefficient of concordance ranged from W = 0.61-0.94. Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry discriminated between participants with and without acquired brain injury (z = 4.97-6.50, P < 0.05) and between the affected and non-affected hand of participants with acquired brain injury (z = 3.37-5.22, P < 0.001). Dynamic Computerised pinch Dynamometry in both lateral and pincer positions had fair to excellent test-retest reliability, and had good construct validity for discrimination between participants with and without acquired brain injury as well as between the affected and non-affected hand of participants with acquired brain injury.

Biomechanical Factors Associated With Time to Complete a Change of Direction Cutting Maneuver

Cutting ability is an important aspect of many team sports, however, the biomechanical determinants of cutting performance are not well understood. This study aimed to address this issue by identifying the kinetic and kinematic factors correlated with the time to complete a cutting maneuver. In addition, an analysis of the test-retest reliability of all biomechanical measures was performed. Fifteen (n = 15) elite multidirectional sports players (Gaelic hurling) were recruited, and a 3-dimensional motion capture analysis of a 75° cut was undertaken. The factors associated with cutting time were determined using bivariate Pearson's correlations. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to examine the test-retest reliability of biomechanical measures. Five biomechanical factors were associated with cutting time (2.28 ± 0.11 seconds): peak ankle power (r = 0.77), peak ankle plantar flexor moment (r = 0.65), range of pelvis lateral tilt (r = -0.54), maximum thorax lateral rotation angle (r = 0.51), and total ground contact time (r = -0.48). Intraclass correlation coefficient scores for these 5 factors, and indeed for the majority of the other biomechanical measures, ranged from good to excellent (ICC >0.60). Explosive force production about the ankle, pelvic control during single-limb support, and torso rotation toward the desired direction of travel were all key factors associated with cutting time. These findings should assist in the development of more effective training programs aimed at improving similar cutting performances. In addition, test-retest reliability scores were generally strong, therefore, motion capture techniques seem well placed to further investigate the determinants of cutting ability.

An Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Rudimentary Observed Cognitive Assessment (ROCA)

To determine the psychometric properties of the Rudimentary Observed Cognitive Assessment (ROCA), a new screening tool designed for physical therapists to systematically assess individuals with cognitive impairments. Prospective analysis of test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and concurrent validity. All raters were blinded to each other’s assessments. Concurrent validity was evaluated through comparison of participant’s ROCA scores to scores on the Functional Independence Measure/Functional Assessment Measure (FIM/FAM) and Ranchos Los Amigo (RLA) Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale. The FIM/FAM and RLA scales are criterion standards for assessing functional independence and global level of cognitive functioning in individuals with brain injury. Sub-acute, inpatient brain injury rehabilitation program. Convenience sample of 98 participants with moderate-severe acquired brain injury admitted to the program. Not applicable ROCA scores, mean FIM/FAM cognitive score, RLA scores. Test-retest and inter-rater reliability scores were excellent (ICC’s = .988 and .989 respectively). ROCA scores correlated significantly with mean FIM/FAM cognitive scores (rs=.822, p<.001) and RLA scores (rs=.827, p<.001), suggesting good concurrent validity. The ROCA is a reliable and valid screening tool for physical therapists to assess key cognitive skills that often impact on rehabilitation participation and outcomes. This scale was designed to promote an interdisciplinary, evidence-informed approach to the assessment and treatment of individuals with brain injury. Further research needs to evaluate the constructs underlying the hierarchical organization of the scale, and the clinical utility of its accompanying evidence-based treatment manual.

Turkish version of the Rotator Cuff Quality of Life questionnaire in rotator cuff-impaired patients.

To date, the "Rotator Cuff Quality of Life" (RC-QOL) measure has not been translated into Turkish. The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire and determine the reliability and reproducibility of the "Turkish version of the RC-QOL" (Tur-RC-QOL) questionnaire on Turkish-speaking patients. The translation followed an established forward-and-backward translation procedure. Thirty Turkish-speaking, rotator cuff-impaired patients were enrolled in the study. The validity of the Tur-RC-QOL was assessed and compared with the "Shoulder Pain and Disability Index" (SPADI) and the "Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index" (WORC) using Pearson's correlation coefficients. A test-retest interval of 2 days was used to assess the reliability. Internal consistency was tested by Cronbach's alpha, relative reliability with "intraclass correlation coefficient" (ICC), and absolute reliability using the formula for the "standard error of measurement" (SEM). The Cronbach's alpha scores were high for the total scores and subheadings of the Tur-RC-QOL, in the range of 0.83-0.98. Excellent test-retest reliability scores were found for the total score and for all parts of the Tur-RC-QOL, with the exception of "Part E". The ICC score for Part E was relatively lower than other parts (ICC = 0.71), and the SEM score was relatively higher (17.92 %). The Pearson correlation coefficients for the Tur-RC-QOL were high for SPADI (r = 0.90, p < 0.001) and WORC (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that the Tur-RC-QOL is a reliable and valid instrument to assess the quality of life of rotator cuff-impaired patients. III.

A simplified version of the weight-bearing ankle lunge test: Description and test–retest reliability

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to describe a new version of the weight-bearing ankle lunge test (WBLT) that is simple to administer, that allows clinicians and sports medicine practitioners to directly assess (in degrees) the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in a very short period of time while adopting a comfortable testing position; as well as (2) to determine the test–retest reliability of the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion measure obtained from the new version of the WBLT. A total of 50 active adults completed this study. All participants performed the new version of the WBLT on three different occasions, with a two-week interval between testing sessions. Reliability was examined through the change in the mean between consecutive pairs of testing sessions (ChM), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change at 95% confidence interval (MDC95), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,k). The findings showed negligible or trivial ChM values for all the flexibility measures analysed (<1°). Furthermore, the SEM and MDC95 scores for the ankle dorsiflexion measure were 1.3 and 3.8 respectively, and the ICC2k was 0.95. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the ankle dorsiflexion measure obtained from the new version of the WBLT has excellent test–retest reliability scores. Thus, an observed change larger than 3.8° from baseline scores after performing a treatment would indicate that a real change in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was likely.

Development of Principle of Suitability for Children Scale

The present study was aimed to develop a scale of Principle of Suitability for Children (PSCS). Research has been carried out on 245 teachers, (126 (52%) of them are working in general education classes and 119 (48%) of them are working in kindergarten classes), from two different branches. The opinions of the teachers with regard to the principle of suitability for children have been evaluated by using PSCS. In order to test the factor structure of PSCS, explanatory factor analyses were conducted. As a result of this factor analysis, it was determined that PSCS consists of 35 items under two independent factors named as Internal Structural Features (17 items) and Formal Structural Features (18 items). Lastly, to examine the reliability of PSCS, the inner- consistency of whole scale and its sub factors, split-half and test re-test reliability scores were calculated and observed to have an adequate level.