Valid Measure Research Articles

Artificial intelligence for optimizing recruitment and retention in clinical trials: a scoping review.

The objective of our research is to conduct a comprehensive review that aims to systematically map, describe, and summarize the current utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the recruitment and retention of participants in clinical trials. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted using the search strategy developed by the authors. The search encompassed research published in English, without any time limitations, which utilizes AI in the recruitment process of clinical trials. Data extraction was performed using a data charting table, which included publication details, study design, and specific outcomes/results. The search yielded 5731 articles, of which 51 were included. All the studies were designed specifically for optimizing recruitment in clinical trials and were published between 2004 and 2023. Oncology was the most covered clinical area. Applying AI to recruitment in clinical trials has demonstrated several positive outcomes, such as increasing efficiency, cost savings, improving recruitment, accuracy, patient satisfaction, and creating user-friendly interfaces. It also raises various technical and ethical issues, such as limited quantity and quality of sample size, privacy, data security, transparency, discrimination, and selection bias. While AI holds promise for optimizing recruitment in clinical trials, its effectiveness requires further validation. Future research should focus on using valid and standardized outcome measures, methodologically improving the rigor of the research carried out.

A useful cognitive motor dual task paradigm in prodromal and manifest Huntington’s disease

IntroductionIndividuals with Huntington's disease (HD) experience increased difficulty with balance throughout disease progression. Adding a simultaneous cognitive task to a balance assessment, referred to as a dual task (DT) paradigm, may have a deleterious effect on balance, which can be expressed in terms of a Dual Task Cost (DTC), relative to a single task (ST) condition. The aim of this study is to explore whether a cognitive-motor DT paradigm uncovers balance deficits in prodromal (Pro-HD) and manifest HD, compared to healthy adults (HA). MethodsBalance under ST and DT conditions was examined using the BTracks Balance Plate and Balance software in 30 individuals with HD, 17 individuals with Pro-HD, and 20 HA. During the DT condition, participants were simultaneously administered a version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). DTC is calculated as the relative ratio of ST to DT, controlling for ST performance: DTC= (ST − DT)/ST x100. ResultsThe HA group performed significantly better than the HD group on both the ST and DT conditions (p < 0.01), while balance scores between the HA and the Pro-HD groups were not significantly different. The DTC scores, however, were significantly better in the HA compared to both the HD (p < 0.001) and Pro-HD (p < 0.05) groups. ConclusionOur findings indicate that the addition of a cognitive task interferes with participant's balance, reflecting real-life performance, and may have additional value for estimating transition to manifest disease, appraising fall risk, or serving as a valid outcome measure in observational and interventional trials in HD.

Symmetry-controlled SrRuO3/SrTiO3/SrRuO3 magnetic tunnel junctions: spin polarization and its relevance to tunneling magnetoresistance

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), that consist of two ferromagnetic electrodes separated by an insulating barrier layer, have non-trivial fundamental properties associated with spin-dependent tunneling. Especially interesting are fully crystalline MTJs where spin-dependent tunneling is controlled by the symmetry group of wave vector. In this work, using first-principles quantum-transport calculations, we explore spin-dependent tunneling in fully crystalline SrRuO3/SrTiO3/SrRuO3(001) MTJs and predict tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) of nearly 3000%. We demonstrate that this giant TMR effect is driven by symmetry matching (mismatching) of the incoming and outcoming Bloch states in the SrRuO3(001) electrodes and evanescent states in the SrTiO3(001) barrier. We argue that under the conditions of symmetry-controlled transport, spin polarization, whatever definition is used, is not a relevant measure of spin-dependent tunneling. In the presence of diffuse scattering, however, e.g. due to localized states in the band gap of the tunnel barrier, symmetry matching is no longer valid and TMR in SrRuO3/SrTiO3/SrRuO3(001) MTJs is strongly reduced. Under these conditions, the spin polarization of the interface transmission function becomes a valid measure of TMR. These results provide an important insight into understanding and optimizing TMR in all-oxide MTJs.

Evaluating and identifying changes in the rate of unplanned discharge among Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities providing substance use disorder residential care

IntroductionQuality improvement (QI) methods play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive high-quality and timely care. Healthcare systems should use valid and reliable measures to inform QI efforts. Mental health settings including substance use disorder (SUD) residential programs have been slow to develop and incorporate quality measurement into routine practice. Unplanned discharge is of particular concern because this event is associated with harm including suicide. Healthcare systems require criteria that they can use to operationalize unplanned discharge as a quality measure in SUD residential programs. MethodsThe study included all discharges from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) residential SUD programs between 2018 and 2022. The study calculated crude and adjusted rates of irregular discharge. The study used the first two years of observation (2018–2019) in a logistic regression model to determine the parameter estimates for three important covariates, age, risk for homelessness, and principal diagnosis. The study tested permutations of bin size (N) and days (D) per bin to identify a single set of parameters to enable small and large facilities to have sufficient power to detect out-of-control processes (i.e., significant worsening or improvement in rates). Aligned with standard nomenclature, the study calculated the control limits based on three standard deviations (SD). Values that fell above or below three SD were statistically significant. ResultsThe cohort included 56 facilities (26,361 discharges). Irregular discharge was associated with younger age (18–40 years) and a principal diagnosis of a drug use disorder. Testing parameter values of 100 discharges (N) over 120 days (D) would yield enough power to detect modest relative changes to the irregular discharge rate for small and large facilities while testing frequently enough to make the evaluations temporally relevant. Because secular trends such as staff changes over time will impact results, the quality control method should allow for real-time feedback to those most proximal to the event. ConclusionsThe study created a set of parameters and a methodology that residential SUD programs can use to operationalize unplanned discharge locally. These data could assist programs in conducting QI work to address unplanned discharge and related harms.

An Updated Validation of Persian Versions of Six Personality Questionnaires: TEMPS-A, AFECTS, TCI, PANAS, NEO-FFI, PDQ-4

Background: The revision and updating of questionnaires are part of the list of comprehensive guidelines for using psychological questionnaires. The present study aimed to test the construct and convergent validity of the Persian versions of six personality questionnaires including the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A: 35 items), the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS: 48 items), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI: 125 items), the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS: 20 items), the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI: 60 items), and Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4: 99 items). Methods: The data from four independent samples of Iranian adults ( N1 = 1137, N2 = 558, N3 = 496, N4 = 478; total N = 2669, 70% female, 32.8 ± 10.7 old years) were analyzed by exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Pearson correlations between constructs of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Short Form (PID-5-BF: 25 items) or the ICD-11 compatible Personality Inventory for DSM-5–Brief Form Plus, Modified (PID5BF+M: 36 items) and the personality measures were used to evaluate convergent validity. Results: Although the number of factors of TEMPS-A and PDQ-4 were slightly different from the original structures, the results supported the factor structure and reliability (all α between 0.68 and 0.92) of all measures. Most factors of all measures were significantly related to either the PID-5-BF or the PID5BF+M constructs (all P &lt;.05). Conclusion: The findings supported both construct validity and convergent validity of all personality measures in Iranian samples. Mental health professionals can use the Persian version of all valid personality measures to draw personality profiles of adult populations.

Adapting the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.

Background and Purpose: This study adapted the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire to measure the organizational climate of nurse practitioners in acute care settings and validated the Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire (NP-ACOCQ). Methods: We used a three-phase instrument adaptation design. In phase 1, experts assessed face and content validity. In phase 2, pilot testing enabled item analysis and preliminary reliability testing. In phase 3, field testing supported exploratory factor analysis. Results: The NP-ACOCQ had a three-factor structure representing subscales. The subscales had Cronbach's alphas of 0.87, 0.90, and 0.94. The subscales, Institutional Visibility, Interprofessional Relationships, and Organizational Autonomy each had between 5 and 13 items. Conclusions: The NP-ACOCQ is a valid and reliable measure to assess organizational factors determining the acute care nurse practitioner work environment.

Social and emotional competencies in Portuguese incarcerated males: psychometric properties of the SEC-Q questionnaire and their relation to health risk behaviors

This study departs from the acknowledged absence of validated measures to assess social and emotional competencies in incarcerated individuals. This is a critical gap given that most available programs aimed at fostering prosocial behavior and reducing antisocial behaviors are theoretically based on enhancing these competencies. This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire (SEC-Q) in a sample of 219 Portuguese incarcerated males (M age = 37.21 years, SD = 10.61), and to explore the impact of the SEC-Q dimensions on health risk behaviors in this population. The study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the factor structure of the SEC-Q. The four-factor model fitted well to the data (SB χ2 = 267.75; df = 120; Robust CFI = 0.99; Robust RMSEA = 0.06), and, as expected, it includes four dimensions: self-awareness, self-management and motivation, social awareness and prosocial behavior, and decision-making. The four dimensions showed appropriate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 74–81; McDonald’s omega = 75–82). Additionally, social and emotional competencies were related to higher self-control (rs=0.45, p <.01) and lower health risk behaviors (rs = − 0.25, p <.01), supporting convergent and divergent validity. Findings from the negative binomial regression suggest that higher social awareness and prosocial behavior is related to less health risk behaviors among incarcerated males. This study is a pivotal step to promote an affordable and valid measure to assess social and emotional competencies among Portuguese justice-involved males. SEC-Q can be an important complementary measure for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing criminal recidivism.

An examination of teachers’ views on video games and learning: Establishing the Games and Literacy Education (GALE) scale

Teachers' views impact if and how technologies are integrated into classroom practice, and research demonstrates that digital game-based learning can support student learning across content areas. Yet, quantitative examinations of teachers' views on digital game-based learning in literacy education are limited. This study establishes the Gaming and Literacy Education (GALE) Scale as a reliable and valid measure for examining literacy teachers' perspectives on digital games and learning. The GALE Scale is a 21-item five-factor model created by conducting an exploratory factor analysis with survey data from 516 literacy teachers in the central United States followed by a confirmatory factor analysis with data from another 516 teachers. While participants generally agreed that digital games can support student learning, they reported limited integration of games in their classrooms, and only 12.2% agreed they learned about game-based learning in their teacher preparation program. Given the efficacy of digital game-based learning across disciplines demonstrated in meta-analytic research, literacy teacher education and professional development on effective uses of games in literacy learning are warranted. Further, scholars can utilize the GALE Scale to examine teachers’ views on digital games and literacy learning across time and contexts.

Reviewing the use of the Brief Religious Coping Scale (Brief RCOPE) across diverse cultures and populations

To discern the religious coping methods which individuals employ when confronting life stressors, Pargament devised the Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE) in 1997. Subsequently, in 1998, Pargament et al. formulated an abbreviated iteration, the Brief RCOPE, intended for both research and practical application. The Brief RCOPE has been found to be a reliable and valid measure, however much of the research looking into the psychometric properties of this measure has been conducted in the United States. The aim of the current review was to draw together findings from studies which have investigated the reliability and/or validity of the measure amongst populations outside of the United States. A narrative approach was adopted, involving searches of academic databases using keywords and the application of specific inclusion criteria. It was found that the reliability of the measure has been demonstrated across a number of countries, and across a range of different religions. The measure has also demonstrated good convergent, construct and concurrent validity in diverse cultures. The findings from this review suggest that the Brief RCOPE can be used in a range of diverse religions and cultures. However, more research is needed to ascertain the accuracy of the measure with other religions and cultures and with those in minority groups.

The Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Italian Version of the Hip and Groin Outcome Score Questionnaire for a Young and Active Population.

The HAGOS (Hip and Groin Outcome Score) questionnaire is a valid and reliable measure of the self-assessment of symptoms, activity limitation, participation restriction, and quality of life (Qol) of subjects with hip and/or groin pain. The aims of this study are to translate and transculturally adapt the HAGOS into Italian (HAGOS-I) and to assess its internal consistency, validity, and reliability in physically active, young, and middle-aged subjects. The translation and transcultural adaptation of (HAGOS-I) was carried out according to international guidelines. Eight-one subjects (mean age 28.19) were included in this study. All the participants completed the HAGOS-I, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-I), the Oxford Hip Score (OHS-I), and the Short Form 36 Health Surveys (SF-36-I). The Cronbach's α for the six HAGOS subscales ranged from 0.63 to 0.87. Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the six HAGOS-I subscales and the LEFS-I (rs = 0.44-0.68; p < 0.01). Only one HAGOS-I subscale (Participation in Physical Activities) did not reach statistical significance with the OHS-I, while the remaining five had a moderate correlation (rs = 0.40-0.60; p < 0.01). The test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) ranged from 0.57 to 0.86 for the six HAGOS-I subscales. The HAGOS-I is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in clinical settings with young and middle-aged subjects with hip and/or groin pathologies.

The psychometric properties of the Swahili version of the Primary Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder screen for DSM-5 among adults in Kenya.

The psychometric properties of the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) are undocumented in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at large. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swahili version of the tool, S-PC-PTSD-5, in a community sample of adults 18 years and older drawn from Nairobi, Mombasa and Kwale counties in Kenya. Analysis of cross-sectional data from 1431 adults from the community was conducted, examining the reliability, factorial structure, measurement invariance, and convergent and divergent validity of the interviewer-administered S-PC-PTSD-5. Out of 1431 adults who completed the S-PC-PTSD-5, 666 (46.5%) reported experiencing at least one traumatic event. Internal consistency of the S-PC-PTSD-5 was good overall, with alpha and omega values above 0.7. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated a one-factor structure of the S-PC-PTSD-5 for the overall sample. Multigroup CFA also demonstrated factorial invariance for sex for the one-factor structure of S-PC-PTSD-5. Scores for S-PC-PTSD-5 significantly correlated (positively) with those of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD7) and depressive symptoms (PHQ9), indicating convergent validity. S-PC-PTSD-5 scores also significantly correlated (negatively) with the WHO-5 wellbeing index, supporting divergent validity. The S-PC-PTSD-5 is a reliable and valid unidimensional measure. It appears to be a valuable screening measure for probable PTSD in both urban and rural community settings in Kenya. Nonetheless, to confidently identify those who may need treatment/additional support, further research on the reliability and validity of S-PC-PTSD-5 is required, especially its diagnostic accuracy at different cutoff scores.

Assessment of the reliability, responsiveness, and meaningfulness of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) for lysosomal storage disorders.

To evaluate the reliability, responsiveness, and validity of theScale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) in patients with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) who present with neurological symptoms, and quantify the threshold for a clinically meaningful change. We analyzed data from three clinical trial cohorts (IB1001-201, IB1001-202, and IB1001-301) of patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) and GM2 Gangliosidoses (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease) comprising 122 patients and 703 visits. Reproducibility was described as re-test reliability between repeat baseline visits or baseline and post-treatment washout visits. Responsiveness was determined in relation to the Investigator's, Caregiver's, and Patient's Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I). The CGI-I data was also used to quantify a threshold for a clinically meaningful improvement on the SARA scale. Using a qualitative methods approach, patient/caregiver interviews from the IB1001-301 trial were further used to assess a threshold of meaningful change as well as the breadth of neurological signs and symptoms captured and evaluated by the SARA scale. The Inter-Class Correlation (ICC) was 0.95 or greater for all three trials, indicating a high internal consistency/reliability. The mean change in SARA between repeat baseline and post-treatment washout visit assessments in all trials was -0.05, SD 1.98, i.e., minimal, indicating no significant differences, learning effects or other systematic biases. For the CGI-I responses and change in SARA scores, Area Under the Curve (AUC) values were 0.82, 0.71, and 0.77 for the Investigator's, Caregiver's, and Patient's CGI-I respectively, indicating strong agreement. Further qualitative analyses of the patient/caregiver interviews demonstrated a 1-point or greater change on SARA to be a clinically meaningful improvement which is directly relevant to the patient's everyday functioning and quality of life. Changes captured by the SARA were also paralleled by improvement in a broad range of neurological signs and symptoms and beyond cerebellar ataxia. Qualitative and quantitative data demonstrate the reliability and responsiveness of the SARA score as a valid measure of neurological signs and symptoms in LSDs with CNS involvement, such as NPC and GM2 Gangliosidoses. A 1-point change represents a clinically meaningful transition reflecting the gain or loss of complex function.

Validity of the Addiction-like Eating Behavior Scale among Patients with Compulsive Eating.

Food addiction (FA) and binge eating disorder (BED) co-occur and share compulsive eating symptoms. When using an FA measure, it is important to evaluate its performance in a population presenting compulsive eating. The study aims to validate the Addiction-like Eating Behavior Scale (AEBS) among a clinical sample characterized by compulsive eating and overweight/obesity and to evaluate its incremental validity over the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS). Patients seeking help for compulsive eating (n = 220), between January 2020 and July 2023, completed online questionnaires, including FA, compulsive eating, and BMI evaluations. The factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent, divergent, and incremental validity were tested. The sample had a mean age of 44.4 years old (SD = 12.7) and a mean BMI of 38.2 (SD = 8.0). The two-factor structure provided a good fit for the data, with factor loadings from 0.55 to 0.82 (except for item 15) and the internal consistency was high (ω = 0.84-0.89). The AEBS was positively correlated with the YFAS (r = 0.66), binge eating (r = 0.67), grazing (r = 0.47), craving (r = 0.74), and BMI (r = 0.26), and negatively correlated with dietary restraint (r = -0.37), supporting good convergent and divergent validity. For each measure of compulsive eating, linear regression showed that the AEBS "appetite drive" subscale had a unique contribution over the YFAS. This study provided evidence that the AEBS is a valid measure among a clinical sample of patients with compulsive eating and overweight/obesity. However, questions remain as to whether the AEBS is a measure of FA or compulsive eating.

Perceptions of adults with type 1 diabetes toward diabetes-specific quality of life measures: a survey-based qualitative exploration

BackgroundDiabetes-specific quality of life (QoL) questionnaires are commonly used to assess the impact of diabetes and its management on an individual’s quality of life. While several valid and reliable measures of diabetes-specific QoL exist, there is no consensus on which to use and in what setting. Furthermore, there is limited evidence of their acceptability to people with diabetes. Our aim was to explore perceptions of adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) toward five diabetes-specific QoL measures.MethodsAdults (aged 18 + years) with T1D living in Australia or the United Kingdom (UK) were eligible to take part in ‘YourSAY: QoL’, an online cross-sectional survey. Recruitment involved study promotion on diabetes-related websites and social media, as well as direct invitation of people with T1D via a hospital client list (UK only). In random order, participants completed five diabetes-specific QoL measures: Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL-19); Diabetes Care Profile: Social and Personal Factors subscale (DCP); DAWN Impact of Diabetes Profile (DIDP); Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life Scale: Burden Subscale (DSQoLS); Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire (Diabetes QOL-Q). They were invited to provide feedback on each questionnaire in the form of a brief free-text response. Responses were analysed using inductive, thematic template analysis.ResultsOf the N = 1,946 adults with T1D who completed the survey, 20% (UK: n = 216, Australia: n = 168) provided qualitative responses about ≥ 1 measure. All measures received both positive and negative feedback, across four themes: (1) clarity and ease of completion, e.g., difficulty isolating impact of diabetes, dislike of hypothetical questions, and preference for ‘not applicable’ response options; (2) relevance and comprehensiveness, e.g., inclusion of a wide range of aspects of life to improve personal relevance; (3) length and repetition, e.g., length to be balanced against respondent burden; (4) framing and tone, e.g., preference for respectful language and avoidance of extremes.ConclusionsThese findings suggest opportunities to improve the relevance and acceptability of existing diabetes-specific QoL measures, and offer considerations for developing new measures, which need to be better informed by the preferences of people living with diabetes.

New Psychometric Evidence of the Life Satisfaction Scale in Older Adults: An Exploratory Graph Analysis Approach.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of a life satisfaction scale in older Peruvian adults using an exploratory graph analysis (EGA) approach. A total of 407 older adults aged between 60 and 95 years (M = 69.5; SD = 6.7) from three comprehensive elderly care centers (CIAMs) in Lima, Peru, were recruited. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was analyzed using EGA with the Gaussian GLASSO model to assess its dimensionality and structural consistency. The relationship with other variables was analyzed using scales such as the GAD-7 and PHQ-9. The network structure of the SWLS indicates a single dimension. Additionally, network loadings (nodes) were examined, showing high values (>0.35) for most items except item 1, which had a moderate loading (>0.25). Structural reliability showed that a single dimension was identified 100% of the time. The post hoc CFA considering the unidimensional network structure obtained through EGA showed satisfactory fit (χ2/df = 3.48, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.92, SRMR = 0.02, RMSEA = 0.07 [90% CI 0.05, 0.08]). Finally, internal consistency reliability was acceptable (ω = 0.92). The SWLS measure is robust and consistent. These findings are a valuable reference for advancing research on aging in Peru, as they provide a practical, valid, and reliable measure.

Development and Validation of the Cheers Attitudes towards Non-drinkers Scale (CANS).

Non-drinkers report experiencing stigma, which can act as a barrier to non-drinking. Two studies were undertaken to develop and test a new scale to measure attitudes towards non-drinkers. In Study 1, 29 items were presented to 426 Australian drinkers. In Study 2, the refined 12-item Cheers Attitudes to Non-drinkers Scale (CANS) was presented to 389 drinkers. Alcohol consumption, Harm and the Regan Attitudes towards Non-drinkers Scale (RANDS) were presented for scale validation. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors representing the Threats to Fun, Connection and Self that drinkers perceive non-drinkers to pose. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale meets the required fit indices and had good reliability (α = 0.842). Evidence of validity was shown through significant correlations with Alcohol Consumption, Harm and the RANDS. These studies show the CANS to be a reliable and valid measure that could be utilised to understand and modify the stigma experienced by non-drinkers.

Validity, Agreement and Reliability of the ForceFrame Dynamometer in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

Restoring maximal muscle strength of the knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction is of great importance to reduce the re-injury rate after ACL reconstruction and to reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is essential that clinicians and healthcare providers use valid and reliable measures to assess knee muscle strength to ensure a safe return to sport. To evaluate the reliability (test-retest reliability, inter-tester reliability and test-retest agreement) and validity (concurrent validity, convergent validity and ForceFrame (FF) vs.isokinetic dynamometer (ID) agreement) of the ForceFrame (FF) dynamometer during isometric testing of the knee extensors and flexors. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-seven participants with ACL injury or reconstruction were recruited for participation in this study. maximal voluntary isometric contration (MVIC) of the knee extensors and flexors was tested on two separate days. Day one included validity assessments with FF, a gold-standard ID and a handheld dynamometer (HHD). Day two included reliability assessments with FF performed by two assessors. Main outcome measures were day-to-day test-retest reliability and agreement and inter-tester reliability of FF, and concurrent validity (FF vs.an ID and a HHD). Reliability was tested as test-retest and inter-tester reliability using interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while agreement was tested using Bland & Altman plots with limits of agreement (LOA), standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). Concurrent validity between FF, ID, and HHD was assessed using Pearson's correlations and mean difference was evaluated by Bland & Altman plots. Twenty-seven participants (10 females, 17 males) with a median age of 25 years (range 19-60) were included in this study. There was a good day-to-day test-retest reliability for MVIC of KE (ICC=0.77, CI95:0.48-0.90) and KF (ICC=0.83, CI95:0.61-0.92) and excellent inter-tester reliability for MVIC of KE (ICC=0.97, CI95:0.94-0.98) and KF (ICC=0.93, 95CI:0.85-0.97). Standard error of measurement (SEM) was 8% and 9%, while the smallest detectable change (SDC) was 22% and 27% for KE and KF, respectively. FF showed fair concurrent validity compared to ID for KE (r=0.56), poor concurrent validity for knee flexors (KF (r=0.24) and compared to HHD a moderate correlation for KE (r=0.74) and poor correlation for KF (r=0.12). Bland & Altman plots between FF and the ID showed a mean difference of -0.51 Nm/kg for KE and -0.32Nm/kg for KF. FF can be used to obtain reliable and valid results to assess MVIC of the KE, but not the KF. It should be noted that absolute results produced by the FF may be considered an underestimation of actual MVIC. The test position to assess KF in FF does not appear to be optimal, and different test-positions may be considered. Level 3.

Cognitive Distortion Scale for Bangladesh: Development and Properties

The purpose of the study was to develop a scale for assessing cognitive distortions in Bangladesh and establishing psychometric properties for Bangladeshi population. The scale was named as Bangladesh Cognitive Distortion Scale (BCDS). Items were constructed through three stages of intensive expert evaluation where 128 respondents participated and both item analysis and factor analysis were undertaken. Finalized BCDS with 39 items was administered to 478 respondents to calculate its psychometric properties. Concurrent validity of BCDS was found 0.828 by calculating correlation between the score of BCDS and clinician’s subjective rating. Predictive validity considering anxiety and depression scale was found 0.756 and 0.841, respectively. Convergent validity (0.670) was confirmed through the correlation between the DAS and BCDS and divergent validity was established by the discriminate value (F=649.564, α&lt;0.01) of clinical and non-clinical groups. Internal consistency reliability of BCDS (Cronbach Alpha- 0.962 and test-retest- 0.890) was found very high. The cut-off point for measuring cognitive distortion by BCDS was found 56 with sensitivity 87% and specificity 88%. According to the percentile norm, total score 56 to 72, 73 to 91, 92 to 109, 110 and above represents the mild, moderate, severe, and profound levels of cognitive distortions respectively. BCDS not only will help both clinicians and researchers to assess cognitive distortions within a short time but also could be used as a valid and reliable outcome measure in cognitive behavior therapy. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 97-109, 2024 (July)

Tibial acceleration alone is not a valid surrogate measure of tibial load in response to stride length manipulation

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between peak tibial acceleration and peak ankle joint contact forces in response to stride length manipulation during level-ground running. MethodsTwenty-seven physically active participants ran 10 trials at preferred speed in each of 5 stride length conditions: preferred, ±5 %, and ±10 % of preferred stride length. Motion capture, force platform, and tibial acceleration data were directly measured, and ankle joint contact forces were estimated using an inverse-dynamics-based static optimization routine. ResultsIn general, peak axial tibial accelerations (p < 0.001) as well as axial (p < 0.001) and resultant (p < 0.001) ankle joint contact forces increased with stride length. When averaged within the 10 strides of each stride condition, moderate positive correlations were observed between peak axial acceleration and joint contact force (r = 0.49) as well as peak resultant acceleration and joint contact force (r = 0.51). However, 37% of participants illustrated either no relationship or negative correlations. Only weak correlations across participants existed between peak axial acceleration and joint contact force (r = 0.12) as well as peak resultant acceleration and ankle joint contact force (r = 0.18) when examined on a step-by-step basis. ConclusionThese results suggest that tibial acceleration should not be used as a surrogate for ankle joint contact force on a step-by-step basis in response to stride length manipulations during level-ground running. A 10-step averaged tibial acceleration metric may be useful for some runners, but an initial laboratory assessment would be required to identify these individuals.

Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM)

The Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM) is used to assess interpersonal sensitivity. This study explored the factor structure, internal consistency, and criterion validity of the Italian version of the IPSM (IPSM-It) in non-clinical emerging adults. 374 participants aged between 18 and 31 years (64.4% female; M = 21.96, SD = 2.91) were included in the study. They completed the IPSM, the Beck Depression Inventory-I, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-II, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the original structure of the measure did not fit the data well. An exploratory factor analysis was also conducted and the results supported a 27-item version of the IPSM and a three-factor structure (Interpersonal Worry and Dependency, Low Self- Esteem, and Unassertive Interpersonal Behavior). The IPSM-It showed good internal consistency and criterion validity. The IPSM-It appeared to be a reliable and valid measure for assessing IPS in Italian culture.