Test Retest Research Articles

The Test–Retest Reliability of a Belt-Fixated Dynamometer for Assessing Maximal Knee Strength, Inter-Limb Asymmetries, and Hamstring–Quadriceps Ratios

Evaluating maximal strength, inter-limb asymmetries, and the hamstring-to-quadriceps (HQ) ratio is essential for identifying strength deficits in athletes. This cross-sectional study assessed the test–retest (inter-visit) reliability of the EasyForce dynamometer for knee extension and flexion strength in 21 young healthy participants (11 women and 10 men; age = 19.4 ± 0.7 years). The dynamometer demonstrated excellent relative reliability, with ICC values of 0.99 for knee extension and 0.95–0.98 for knee flexion. Absolute reliability was also acceptable (typical error = 5.63–16.44 N; coefficient of variation = 3.94–6.80%). Reliability for inter-limb asymmetries (ICC = 0.90) and HQ ratios (ICC = 0.91–0.92) was good to excellent. Agreement for inter-limb asymmetry direction between visits was excellent for knee extension (κ = 0.90) and substantial for knee flexion (κ = 0.71). These findings suggest that EasyForce is reliable for assessing muscle strength, inter-limb asymmetries, and HQ ratios in physically active adults. Future research should explore the broader applicability of EasyForce in muscle strength assessment, particularly for professional athletes and during rehabilitation.

Psychometric properties of the Specific Phobia Dimensional Scale in an Australian adult community sample

ABSTRACT Objective The Specific Phobia Dimensional Scale (SP-D) is a 10-item scale developed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (Fifth Edition) Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum, Posttraumatic and Dissociative Disorder work group to supplement current categorical approaches to Specific Phobia (SP) assessment. The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the SP-D in an Australian community sample. Method A total of 285 participants (74% female) aged 18–76 years (M = 28.15; SD = 12.01) completed the study. A smaller subsample (n = 18) completed the measures of interest a second time to examine test–retest reliability. Results Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a unidimensional factor structure of the SP-D (root mean square error of approximation [RMSE] = 0.13; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.94). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability was high (a = 0.95 and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] = 0.95, respectively). The measure demonstrated adequate convergent validity with the Specific Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ; r s = 0.54), and unsatisfactory divergent validity with the Fear Questionnaire – Agoraphobia subscale (FQ-Ag; r s = 0.45). Conclusions Overall, the findings suggest that the SP-D can reliably and briefly measure SP symptoms within an Australian community sample. Further research is required to investigate divergent validity. Replication of the test–retest results are required due to small sample size. Overall, this study is limited in its female-biased convenience sample and recruitment methodologies.

The Development of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for the Assessment of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in the Italian Adult Population: Protocol for a Validity and Reproducibility Study

Background: Over the last decade, while studies on the detrimental effects of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption have increased, methodological limitations on the quality of available evidence have emerged. Starting from a critical reassessment of the NOVA classification, this project will aim to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which is based on the processing of consumed foods and specifically designed to estimate the UPF consumption and total dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients in the Italian adult population. Methods: This study will take place in selected workplaces and include healthy males and females aged ≥18 years, residing in Italy and with Italian citizenship. The FFQ will be online, voluntary, self-administered, semi-quantitative, and designed to assess food intake over the past year and distinguish between industrial, artisanal, and home-made products. This project will consist of two phases. First, a pilot study will be conducted to obtain the final version of the FFQ. The current food consumption of the target population will be investigated, through a 24 h dietary recall, and the face validity of the new tool will be tested. The second phase will involve at least 436 participants. To assess reproducibility, the FFQ will be administered twice (at an interval of 3–10 months), and the test–retest method will be used. A 7-day weighed dietary record (WDR) will also be completed after each FFQ administration. To evaluate criterion validity, data from the two WDRs will be compared against those from the first FFQ administration. Conclusions: The results will provide a new valid tool focused on food processing, potentially useful for future studies.

Evaluating the reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the performance-oriented mobility assessment among patients with chronic stroke

BackgroundThe Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) is a reliable instrument for evaluating the mobility (balance and gait) of patients with chronic stroke to manage their risk of falling; however, it has not been validated among Chinese patients with stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese POMA in patients with stroke.MethodsThe POMA was applied to volunteer patients with stroke from the Shanghai MCC Hospital. The patients underwent the Chinese POMA, Berg balance scale (BBS), and timed up and go (TUG) tests on the first day of inpatient treatment. The same physician repeated the tests the next day to assess test–retest reliability, and upon the patient’s discharge from the inpatient department, two different physicians measured inter-rater reliability.ResultsThe study involved 76 patients with stroke (age: 62.04 ± 9.76 years; 34.2% female). The results showed that the Chinese POMA had good overall internal consistency (σ=. 875), with a moderate consistency between its two subscales (balance σ = 0.875; gait σ = 0.668). The individual items showed high test–retest (ICC = 0.997) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.988). The content validity test showed high correlations between the Chinese POMA, the BBS (rs = 0.70), and the TUG (rs = −0.75). However, the confirmatory factor analysis suggested that the two-factor model (balance and gait) was mediocre.ConclusionThe Chinese POMA showed acceptable reliability and validity for evaluating mobility (balance and gait) in Chinese patients with stroke in terms of their risk of falling. However, further evaluation of the two-factor model (balance and gait) is required.

Validation of the Psychometric Properties of the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory in the University Population

This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI) within the context of the university population in Ecuador. The CRSI measures how individuals manage interpersonal conflicts, a critical skill for university students. A sample of 746 university students from various institutions across Ecuador participated in the study. The CRSI, which categorizes conflict resolution styles into five types (competing, avoiding, accommodating, collaborating, and compromising), was translated and culturally adapted for the Ecuadorian context. Psychometric analyses, including factor analysis and reliability testing, were conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the inventory. The factor analysis supported the five-factor structure of the CRSI, confirming that the inventory is suitable for measuring distinct conflict resolution styles in this population. The inventory showed good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.70 for all subscales. Additionally, the test–retest reliability indicated stability over time. The validated CRSI provides a robust instrument for understanding and improving conflict resolution skills among university students in Ecuador, contributing to better interpersonal relationships and academic environments.

Validity and Reliability of the Transcultural Arabic Adaptation of the Food-Mood Questionnaire Among College Students

A culturally adapted screening tool for mental health and dietary quality is needed to address the significant challenges in mental health and suboptimal diets among college students. The purpose of this study was to validate the Food-Mood Questionnaire (FMQ), originally developed in English, among Arab college students. Students attending the University of Sharjah were invited to complete the questionnaire (n = 224). Two weeks later, participants completed the same questionnaire again. An exploratory factor analysis revealed three main factors: mental distress, prudent and Western diets. Cronbach’s α was 0.86, 0.72, and 0.531 for the three factors, respectively. The Intra-Class-Correlation (ICC) for the test–retest reliability ranged from 0.67 to 0.87 (p < 0.001). The findings of this study showed that the Arabic version of the FMQ is a valid and reliable tool and could be used to screen for the mental distress and dietary intake of college students in the Arab world.

Measuring Eco-Anxiety with the Polish Version of the 13-Item Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13): Latent Structure, Correlates, and Psychometric Performance

Background/Objectives: The Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13) is a thirteen-item measure of eco-anxiety, with four dimensions: (1) affective symptoms, (2) rumination, (3) behavioural symptoms, and (4) anxiety about personal impact. Being a recently developed questionnaire, data on its psychometrics are limited. The aim of this study was to introduce a Polish version of the HEAS-13 and examine its psychometric properties. Methods: Our sample consisted of 634 Polish-speaking adults, with ages ranging from 18 to 67 years. We assessed the HEAS-13’s factor structure, internal consistency, test–retest reliabilities, and its concurrent validity via relationships with climate-related variables, psychopathology symptoms, and well-being. We put emphasis on examining the discriminant validity of the HEAS-13 against general psychological distress. Results: As expected, the Polish HEAS-13 demonstrated strong factorial validity with an intended four-factor structure. The internal consistency and test–retest reliabilities of the scale were good and moderate, respectively. Higher levels of eco-anxiety were associated with higher environmental concerns, the experience of climate change (i.e., one’s perception of being affected by climate change), pro-environmental behavioural engagement, climate change worry, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as lower levels of well-being. We empirically supported the strong discriminant validity of the HEAS-13, demonstrating that eco-anxiety was separable from general psychological distress. We also noted that females, younger people, and those with lower educational levels experienced higher eco-anxiety. To facilitate the use of this measure, we propose a potential screening cut-off value for the HEAS-13, which can indicate meaningfully elevated levels of eco-anxiety. Conclusions: Overall, the Polish version of the HEAS-13 has strong psychometric properties, usefully enabling the examination of climate-related anxiety. Our findings highlight its potential in cross-cultural research and healthcare practice.

Supplemental Material for Moderators of Test–Retest Reliability in Implicit and Explicit Attitudes

Supplemental Material for Moderators of Test–Retest Reliability in Implicit and Explicit Attitudes

Psychometric Validation of the CLN2 Quality of Life Questionnaire in Participants with CLN2 Disease Treated with Cerliponase Alfa

Objectives: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 Quality of Life (CLN2 QoL) questionnaire. Methods: Data from children with CLN2 disease aged 3–16 years receiving cerliponase alfa in the BMN 190-201 and BMN 190-202 clinical studies, collected via purposive sampling, were used to assess convergent and divergent validity, internal consistency and reliability. The clinically important difference (CID) was estimated with distribution- and anchor-based methods. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS. Results: CLN2 QoL data of 22 participants were analysed. Ceiling effects were observed in 22 items (35% threshold); no floor effects were observed. Internal consistency analysis showed good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha and Omega reliability >0.7) for four domains at study completion; only one domain had good reliability at baseline. All domains had good test–retest reliability (correlation >0.5) except Feeding With G-Tube and Seizures. Convergent and divergent correlation analysis showed moderate-strong correlations (>0.4) between PedsQL and CLN2 QoL total scores, between the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) total score and most CLN2 QoL domains at baseline, and between CLN2 QoL total score and most PedsQL domains at week 97. Known groups validity showed a significant difference in means for the Behaviour domain (p = 0.05) for reasons that could not be clarified. CID was 6.79–12.94 for domains; total score CID was 6.91 using distribution-based and 6.13–13.05 using anchor-based methods. Conclusions: This study is the first to validate the CLN2 QoL and to estimate the CID of this instrument in CLN2 patients. Our results show good validity and reliability of this tool.

Chinese translation and validation of the Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI) for medical college students

BackgroundPsychological flexibility (PF) is defined as the ability to pursue valuable life goals despite the existence of distress. The Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index (PPFI) is a new measure of psychological flexibility that can address existing deficiencies. This study aimed to translate and validate the psychometric characteristics of the Chinese version of the PPFI among medical college students.MethodsThe study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the PPFI according to guidelines recommended by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Phase 2 was a cross-sectional survey conducted on 945 medical college students in China. The psychometric performances of the scale were assessed using construct validity, divergent validity, criterion validity, incremental validity, internal consistency, and test-rest reliability.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis (EFA, n1 = 440) showed that the Chinese version of the PPFI consisted of 3 factors, with a total of 15 items. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, n2 = 440) showed that the three-factor structure fit well (χ2/df\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$df$$\\end{document}=2.469, SRMR = 0.051, RMSEA = 0.058, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.985). The total Chinese PPFI score had a moderate positive association with the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (CompACT, r = 0.344) and a negative association with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II, r = -0.334). Furthermore, the Chinese PPFI demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.826) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.817, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe 15-item Chinese version of the PPFI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring PF in Chinese medical students. However, additional studies are needed to validate its psychometric properties in more generalizable samples and other contexts.

Validity and reliability of the TechPH scale in assessing Iranian older adults’ attitudes toward technology

Background and aimGiven the rapid technological advancements and increased usage of digital tools, understanding older people's attitudes toward technology is vital. Assessing their views can help identify barriers and facilitators to adoption. This understanding is essential for developing effective educational strategies and user-friendly technologies that enhance seniors' quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to psychometrically evaluate the scale for measuring attitudes—both willingness and anxiety—toward technology (TechPH) in Iranian older adults.MethodsThis methodological study was conducted on 420 older individuals (aged 60 and above) in Tehran in 2024 to perform a psychometric test of the attitudes toward technology scale (TechPH). Validation was carried out using translation validity methods, including translation-back translation with bilingual experts (n = 2), face validity with a sample of the older population (n = 10), content validity with a panel of 11 experts, and construct validity through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (n = 420). Instrument reliability was determined through test–retest and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) methods with a sample of older individuals (n = 30). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 and EQS 6.4 software.ResultsA comparison of Persian and English translations revealed acceptable translation validity and cultural adaptability for the scale. Each item's Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were determined, with a total average CVI of 0.95. The results of EFA indicated that the sample size was adequate, as shown by the KMO value of 0.754. Additionally, Bartlett's sphericity test demonstrated a significant correlation between the items (χ2 = 221.819, df = 15, P < 0.0001). EFA revealed that two extracted factors explained 41.002% and 18.111% of the total variance. Furthermore, CFA yielded suitable estimates based on the general fit indices of the model (RMSEA = 0.061, IFI = 0.979, GFI = 0.983, CFI = 0.978, CMIN/DF = 1.769, MFI = 0.989, AGFI = 0.942). In evaluating test–retest stability and internal consistency, the values of the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's α were 0.85 and 0.77, respectively, indicating appropriate reliability for the scale.ConclusionP.TechPH, the first Persian version of the scale for measuring technophilia and technophobia among Iranian older people, has favorable psychometric properties. It can serve as a standard tool for assessing older people’s attitudes toward technology in various studies.

Psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the Child Self-Report Playfulness questionnaire

Playfulness represents the disposition to play and has important mental health benefits. Children’s playfulness is mainly rated by parents, teachers or trained assessors but playfulness is not always reflected in overt behavior. Fortunately, even young children are able to provide a perspective on their playfulness, as illustrated by research with the Child Self-Report Playfulness questionnaire (CSRP). This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the CSRP. We included 332 children (M age = 5.43 years). Internal consistency of the Dutch version of the CSRP was suboptimal at first administration and acceptable during retest. Test–retest reliability (with an interval of 8 weeks) was adequate. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that a one-factor model fits the CSRP, which supports the idea that playfulness in young children is a unidimensional construct. Scores on the CSRP were not significantly correlated with scores on a parent-rated questionnaire and an observation tool measuring playfulness. Further research to discover how informant and administration discrepancies affect playfulness scores is warranted given this lack of convergence. Children’s self-perception of playfulness may complement more traditional measures such as parent reports in future research.

Domain‐General Individual Differences in Visual Comparison: Generalisability and Stability of Visual Comparison Ability Re‐Visited

ABSTRACTVisual comparison is the ability to ‘match’ visual stimuli like fingerprints or faces and decide whether they are from the same source or different sources (e.g., fingerprint‐matching). Limited research has investigated individual differences in this ability. In this paper, we present the results of three studies that explore the generalisability and stability of five visual comparison tasks (fingerprints, faces, artificial‐prints, footwear and toolmarks). We report data from three new studies examining the generalisability and stability of footwear comparison (Exp. 1) and toolmark comparison (Exp. 2), as well as the generalisability of all five comparison tasks (Exp. 3). Our results reveal that visual comparison ability generalises across all five comparison tasks and has stable test–retest reliability over time.

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.

Test–retest Reliability and Responsiveness of the Machine Learning-based Short-form of the Berg Balance Scale in Persons with Stroke

ObjectiveTo examine the test–retest reliability, responsiveness, and clinical utility of the machine learning-based short-form of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS-ML) in persons with stroke. DesignRepeated measures design. SettingA department of rehabilitation in a medical center. ParticipantsThis study recruited two groups: 50 persons who were more than 6 months post-stroke to examine the test–retest reliability, and 52 persons who were within 3 months post-stroke to examine the responsiveness. Test–retest reliability was investigated by administering assessments twice at a 2-week interval. Responsiveness was investigated by gathering data at admission and discharge from hospital. InterventionsNot applicable. Main outcome measureBBS-ML. ResultsThe BBS-ML exhibited excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99), acceptable minimal random measurement error (minimal detectable change % = 13.6%), and good responsiveness (Kazis' effect size and standardized response mean values ≥ 1.34). On average, the participants completed the BBS-ML in around 6 minutes per administration. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the BBS-ML appears an efficient measure with excellent test–retest reliability and responsiveness. Moreover, the BBS-ML may be utilized as a substitute for the original BBS to monitor the progress of balance function in persons with stroke.

Voluntary Attention Assessing Tests in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using Eye Tracking

Background/Objectives: The development of techniques for assessing cognitive functions using eye tracking is particularly important for children with developmental disabilities. In this paper, we present pilot results from the validation of two methods for assessing voluntary attention based on eye tracking. Methods: The study involved 80 children aged 3 to 8 years with neurodevelopmental disorders. Children performed two eye-tracking tests in which they had to ‘catch’ a stimulus by looking at it. They also completed the Attention Sustained subtest of the Leiter-3 International Performance Scale. In the first test, the stimuli were presented at different locations on the screen in subtests with stimuli onset asynchrony of 2 s and 1 s. A translucent blue marker marked the position of the gaze on the screen. The number of trials in which the gaze marker approached the stimulus was determined. In the second test, the location of the stimuli on the screen was changed based on gaze fixation in the ROI area. The time taken to complete the task was evaluated. Results: The results of both eye-tracking tests showed significant correlations with scores on the Attention Sustained Leiter-3 subtest and significant test–retest reliability. Conclusions: The results indicate that the present eye-tracking tests can be used for assessing voluntary attention in children with some neurodevelopmental disorders, and further research is warranted to assess the feasibility of these tests for a broader range of developmental disorders. Our findings could have practical implications for the early intervention and ongoing monitoring of attention-related issues.

Creation and Validation of the MMQ-9: A Short Version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for Middle-Aged and Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives Memory concerns are common among older adults. The Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) is a well-validated participant-reported measure consisting of 57 items across three subscales assessing satisfaction with memory, self-perceived memory ability, and memory strategy use, respectively. Because short scales are often desired to accommodate clinical time constraints and reduce respondent burden, we created and evaluated 9-item versions of each subscale (MMQ-9). Methods In Study 1, we used an optimization strategy to identify subsets of items that maximized subscale reliability in a sample of 560 adults ages 50–90. In Study 2, we examined psychometric properties of the MMQ-9 in an independent sample of 638 adults ages 51–95. Results Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of each subscale met published criteria for good measurement properties. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the original factor structure. A hierarchical series of invariance models showed excellent fit, confirming robust measurement invariance across age, gender, and education. Conclusions The shortened MMQ-9 is a reliable, valid, and invariant measure of metamemory in middle-aged and older adults. Clinical Implications The MMQ-9 is a reasonable instrument of choice when brief yet psychometrically strong measures of participant-reported memory are required for clinical assessment of patients with memory concerns.

Measuring Emotional Self-Efficacy of Students in Online Synchronous Teaching Environments in India

ABSTRACT Emotional self-efficacy of students has been found to be associated with their overall performance in different contexts. The exponential growth of online education and increased use of online synchronous teaching-learning environments presents an opportunity to assess the emotional self-efficacy of students in this unique context. Although there has been research in the area of technological self-efficacy, the unique demands of real-time online teaching in synchronous environments necessitate a deeper understanding of emotional self-efficacy. Grounded in Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory (1982) and Mayer and Salovey’s Emotional Intelligence model (1997), this study aims to develop and validate a standardized scale to measure the emotional self-efficacy of students in online synchronous teaching environments in India. The study was conducted on a diverse sample of 480 students from two universities in India. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the first draft of the scale, which initially included 19 items scored on a 5-point Likert Scale. Two items were dropped from the scale model, with the final version containing 17 items. The four factors identified are “Perceiving emotions,” “Using emotions to facilitate thinking,” “Regulating emotions,” and “Recognizing classmates’ emotions.” The identified factors aligned with the adopted theoretical framework, and the cumulative proportion of variance in the rotated solution was 61.9%. The test–retest reliability of the scale was 0.752. The research has significant implications for designing online courses and programs, as well as for creating policies and practices to capitalize on the emotional gains of students through a well-planned strategy. The study calls for further research in the area of cross-cultural applications of the scale and the relationship between emotional self-efficacy and educational outcomes.

Reliability, reference values and factors related to maximum bite force measured by the Innobyte system in healthy adults with natural dentitions

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the predictors of maximum bite force (MBF), as measured with the Innobyte system, and to assess the reliability and reference values for MBF in young adults with natural dentitions.MethodsThis cross-sectional test–retest study included 101 dental students with natural dentitions. Participants had their dental occlusion examined and completed three questionnaires: the Temporomandibular disorders Pain Screener, Oral Behavior Checklist, and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale. Body mass index and muscle mass percentage were determined, and handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer. The MBF was measured with Innobyte, with reliability assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient, expressing reference values as MBF percentiles. Bivariate tests and multiple linear regression models were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient for the MBF was 0.90, with 10th to 90th percentiles of 487–876 N for females and 529–1003 N for males. A positive relationship existed between the MBF and male sex, muscle mass percentage, overbite, handgrip strength, and possible sleep/awake bruxism. Stepwise regression showed that overbite, handgrip strength, and possible sleep/awake bruxism had the greatest effect on the MBF, explaining 27% of the variation.ConclusionsThis study provides reference values for MBF when using the Innobyte system and shows excellent reliability. Overbite, general strength, and self-reported bruxism appear to be important predictors of MBF.Clinical relevanceInnobyte is a reliable device that can be used to measure MBF bilaterally. Self-reported bruxism is associated with an 8%–10% increase in MBF.

Human capital development practices and performance of business organizations in imo state

The study examined human capital development practices and performance of business organizations in Imo State. It specifically focused on the influence of developmental human capital development and collaborative human capital development practices on market share and customers’ satisfaction of business organizations. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 96 (ninety-six) registered business organizations in Imo State. The entire population of the study was used due to its manageable size. Data was collected with a structured questionnaire designed by the researchers. The questionnaire was validated by two professionals in the field of measurement and evaluation of the principal researcher’s institution, and the reliability of the instrument was determined with test re-test which yielded a coefficient of 0.87. Data was collected through physical contact with the respondents. Data collected was analyzed with mean and standard deviation. Analysis of the data collected revealed that both developmental and collaborative human capital development practices have positive influence on both market share and customers’ satisfaction of business organizations. Thus, it was recommended that: management of organizations should prioritize the use of developmental human capital development approaches like training and development, performance appraisal, and performance counseling to prepare their employees for higher performance; and management of organization should encourage the use of collaborative human capital development practices like goal setting, role-clarification, and interpersonal relations to increase the productivity of their employees.