Bicycle spiroergometry: comparison of standardized examination protocols for adolescents: is it necessary to define own standard values for each protocol?

Abstract Purpose To compare performance data of adolescents collected with five different bicycle spiroergometry protocols and to assess the necessity for establishing standard values for each protocol. Methods One-hundred-twenty adolescents completed two bicycle spiroergometries within 14 days. One of the two tests was performed based on our institutional weight-adapted protocol (P0). The other test was performed based on one out of four exercise protocols widely used for children and adolescents (P1, 2, 3 or 4) with 30 persons each. The two tests were performed in a random order. Routine parameters of cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) such as VO2peak, maximum power, O2 pulse, OUES, VE/VCO2 slope as well as ventilatory and lactate thresholds were investigated. Agreement between protocols was evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis, coefficients of variation (CV) and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Results None of the CPET parameters were significantly different between P0 and P1, 2, 3 or 4. For most of the parameters, low biases between P0 and P1–P4 were found and 95% confidence intervalls were narrow. CV and ICC values largely corresponded to well-defined analytical goals (CV < 10% and ICC > 0.9). Only maximal power (Pmax) showed differences in size and drift of the bias depending on the length of the step duration of the protocols. Conclusion Comparability between examination protocols has been shown for CPET parameters independent on step duration. Protocol-dependent standard values do not appear to be necessary. Only Pmax is dependent on the step duration, but in most cases, this has no significant influence on the fitness assessment.

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The Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Level 2 Test: Reliability of Performance Scores, Physiological Responses and Overload Characteristics in Competitive Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball Players

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2018-0091 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 67 (1) ◽

pp. 223-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Konstantinos Papanikolaou ◽

Athanasios Chatzinikolaou ◽

Theodoros Pontidis ◽

Alexandra Avloniti ◽

Chariklia K. Deli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Total Sample ◽

Test Reliability ◽

Maximum Speed ◽

Endurance Capacity ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Coefficients Of Variation ◽

Volleyball Players ◽

Body Load ◽

Level 2

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of the physiological and overload features of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2) in competitive male soccer (n = 20), basketball (n = 11), and volleyball players (n = 10). The participants completed Yo-Yo IE2 tests on three separate occasions with assessment of performance, heart rate, running speed, accelerations, decelerations and body load using GPS instrumentation. The intra-class correlation coefficient index, confidence intervals and coefficients of variation were calculated to assess the reliability of the test. Intra-class correlation coefficients for test-retest trials in the total sample ranged from large to nearly perfect (total distance: 0.896; mean speed: 0.535; maximum speed: 0.715; mean HR: 0.876; maximum HR: 0.866; body load: 0.865). The coefficients of variation for distance, mean speed, HR response, as well as acceleration and deceleration scores for test-retest trials ranged from 1.2 to 12.5% with no differences observed among particular sport disciplines. The CV for shuttles performed ranged from 4.4 to 5.5% in all sports. Similar results were obtained for the three different categories of players tested. These results suggest that the Yo-Yo IE2 test appears to be a reliable alternative for evaluating the ability to perform intermittent high-intensity running in different outdoor and indoor team sports. Players may need one or two familiarization tests to ensure valid assessment of intermittent endurance capacity. It appears that the Yo-Yo IE2 test incorporates accelerations and decelerations in a consistent and reproducible fashion.

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Reliability and Validity of a Novel Wearable Device for Measuring Elbow Strength

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s20123412 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (12) ◽

pp. 3412

Author(s):

Marcus Brookshaw ◽

Andrew Sexton ◽

Chris A. McGibbon

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Random Order ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Strength Measurement ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Improve Measurement ◽

Elbow Flexors And Extensors ◽

Muscle Groups

Muscle strength is an important clinical outcome in rehabilitation and sport medicine, but options are limited to expensive but accurate isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) or inexpensive but less accurate hand-held dynamometers (HHD). A wearable, self-stabilizing, limb strength measurement device (LSMD) was developed to fill the current gap in portable strength measurement devices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the LSMD in healthy adults. Twenty healthy adults were recruited to attend two strength testing sessions where elbow flexor and extensor strength was measured with the LSMD, with HHD and with IKD in random order, by two raters. Outcomes were intra-rater repeatability, inter-rater reproducibility and inter-session reproducibility using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Limits of agreement and weighted least products regression were used to test the validity of the LSMD relative to the criterion standard (IKD), and calibration formulas derived to improve measurement fidelity. ICC values for the LSMD were >0.90 for all measures of reliability and for both muscle groups, but over-predicted extensor strength and under-predicted flexor strength. Validity was established by transforming the data with the criterion standard-based calibration. These data indicate that the LSMD is reliable and conditionally valid for quantifying strength of elbow flexors and extensors in a healthy adult population.

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Integrating video tracking and GPS to quantify accelerations and decelerations in elite soccer

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-97903-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Eduard Pons ◽

Tomás García-Calvo ◽

Francesc Cos ◽

Ricardo Resta ◽

Hugo Blanco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tracking System ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Video Tracking ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Coefficients Of Variation ◽

Acceleration And Deceleration ◽

Negative Relationships ◽

Video Tracking System

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze the degree of agreement comparing number and distance covered in different acceleration and deceleration sections registered by a video tracking system (MEDIACOACH) and a GPS device (WIMU PRO) during official competition. Data from a Spanish professional club were registered over the course of a season. First, the descriptive statistics presented more bursts of accelerations and decelerations in WIMU PRO than in MEDIACOACH, whereas the distances covered recorded by both systems were similar. Second, negative relationships were found (i.e., negative bias) comparing WIMU PRO to MEDIACOACH in the number of accelerations and decelerations between 0/1 m/s2 and ½ m/s2 (p < 0.05), and in the distances covered in accelerations and decelerations (p < 0.05) between 0/1 m/s2 and in accelerations and decelerations registered between 2/3 m/s2 and more than 3 m/s2. Moreover, the differences in means (i.e., standardized mean bias) across the two devices were trivial (> 0.19) and small (0.2–0.59) for most variables. The standardized typical errors in the estimate (TEE) were moderate (0.3–0.59) and small to moderate (0.1–0.29 to 0.3–0.59), respectively. Also, the Intra class Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) for agreement and consistency between systems showed good and excellent values (> 0.90). The magnitude of change in means (%) between systems, defined as the percentage change between the numbers or values, was below 14% and 7% for number and distances covered, respectively. All scores in the smallest worthwhile change were lower than 9% and in the coefficients of variation were lower than 95% and 15%, respectively. Thus, both systems demonstrated an acceptable degree of agreement and could be useful in analyzing players’ acceleration demands in professional soccer. However, caution is required when interpreting the results and a comparison with a gold standard is required in order to validate both systems.

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Assessment of Operator Reliability in Ultrasound of the Median and Ulnar Nerve Using Bland-Altman Analysis

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11112134 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 2134

Author(s):

Jörg Philipps ◽

Hannah Mork ◽

Maria Katz ◽

Mark Knaup ◽

Kira Beyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ulnar Nerve ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Sample Size Calculation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Altman Analysis ◽

Nerve Ultrasound ◽

Limits Of Agreement ◽

Bland Altman Analysis ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Coefficients Of Variation

Currently, there is no standardized method to evaluate operator reliability in nerve ultrasound. A short prospective protocol using Bland–Altman analysis was developed to assess the level of agreement between operators with different expertise levels. A control rater without experience in nerve ultrasound, three novices after two months of training, an experienced rater with two years of experience, and a reference rater performed blinded ultrasound examinations of the left median and ulnar nerve in 42 nerve sites in healthy volunteers. The precision of Bland–Altman agreement analysis was tested using the Preiss–Fisher procedure. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation, and Bland–Altman limits of agreement were calculated. The sample size calculation and Preiss–Fisher procedure showed a sufficient precision of Bland–Altman agreement analysis. Limits of agreement of all trained novices ranged from 2.0 to 2.9 mm2 and were within the test’s maximum tolerated difference. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals of limits of agreement revealed a higher precision in the experienced rater’s measurements. Operator reliability in nerve ultrasound of the median and ulnar nerve arm nerves can be evaluated with a short prospective controlled protocol using Bland–Altman statistics, allowing a clear distinction between an untrained rater, trained novices after two months of training, and an experienced rater.

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Reliability of Concentric Ankle Dorsiflexion Fatigue Testing

Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1139/h02-009 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 116-127 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Michelle M. Porter ◽

Anna Maria Holmbäck ◽

Jan Lexell

Keyword(s):

Fatigue Testing ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽

Physical Endurance ◽

Total Work ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Isokinetic Test ◽

Coefficients Of Variation ◽

Key Words Ankle Joint

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of an isokinetic test for ankle dorsiflexion fatigue on a Biodex dynamometer. Young (21 to 32 years), recreationally active men (n = 10) and women (n = 10) performed 50 concentric (60 • s−1) dorsiflexion contractions, on two different occasions. Total work (TW), losses in work (work fatigue; WF), as well as relative losses in peak torque, an example being "3-3" which compared the first three to last three repetitions, were measured. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) and coefficients of variation (CV), as well as the Bland-Altman plots and analyses showed that the variables using peak torque and TW were more reliable than WF, with WF having a CV of 11.3% and the best peak torque variable, 3-3, having a CV of 5.6%. In conclusion, ankle dorsiflexion fatigue can be reliably assessed on a Biodex dynamometer. Key words: ankle joint, skeletal muscle, reproducibility of results, muscle fatigue, physical endurance

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Reproducibility of Choroidal Thickness Measurements in Hemodialysis Patients. A Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-522828/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Özgür Eroğul ◽

Mehmet Murat Uzel ◽

Leyla Eryiğit Eroğul ◽

Ayşe Güzin Taşlıpınar Uzel ◽

Hamidu Hamısı Gobeka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Coherence Tomography ◽

Choroidal Thickness ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Spectral Domain ◽

Optical Coherence ◽

Single Session ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Coefficients Of Variation ◽

Thickness Measurements ◽

Sd Oct

Abstract PurposeTo investigate the effects of hemodialysis (HD) on the reproducibility of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) as measured by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)MethodsIn this study, 26 HD (26 eyes) patients had their pre- and post-HD SFCT measured, and the results were compared for reproducibility. Following a thorough ophthalmic examination, SD-OCT was performed three times in a row during a single session. The same physician measured SFCT after automatically identifying choroid with a software caliper. The reproducibility parameters, including intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), coefficients of variation (COV), and test-retest variability (TRTV) were then calculated.ResultsMales made up 53.85% of the 26 HD patients. There was a significant IOP difference between pre-HD (16.42±3.14 mmHg) and post-HD (14.21±2.78 mmHg) (P<0.001). SFCT decreased significantly from pre-HD 243.50±10.23 μm to post-HD 234.29±9.41 μm (P<0.001). ICC value increased significantly after HD, rising from 0.948 to 0.989 (P<0.001, for all). Pre- and post-HD COV values were 1.6% and 0.65%, respectively. Also, pre- and post-HD TRTV values were 7.864±1.996 μm and 3.074±1.536 μm, respectively.ConclusionThe reproducibility of SFCT as measured by OCT was lower during pre-HD compared to post-HD. Post-HD SD-OCT assessment appears to improve the reliability of clinical outcomes in the diagnosis and monitoring of HD patients.

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Prediction of lymph node metastase in NSCLC

Onkologische Welt ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1632899 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 01 (05) ◽

pp. 219-226 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

F. Beyer ◽

B. Buerke ◽

J. Gerss ◽

K. Scheffe ◽

M. Puesken ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lymph Nodes ◽

Fdg Pet ◽

Automatic Segmentation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Mediastinal Lymph Nodes ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Axial Diameter ◽

Pet Ct ◽

Fdg Pet Ct

SummaryPurpose: To distinguish between benign and malignant mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with NSCLC by comparing 2D and semiautomated 3D measurements in FDG-PET-CT.Patients, material, methods: FDG-PET-CT was performed in 46 patients prior to therapy. 299 mediastinal lymph-nodes were evaluated independently by two radiologists, both manually and by semi-automatic segmentation software. Longest-axial-diameter (LAD), shortest-axial-diameter (SAD), maximal-3D-diameter, elongation and volume were obtained. FDG-PET-CT and clinical/FDG-PET-CT follow up examinations and/or histology served as the reference standard. Statistical analysis encompassed intra-class-correlation-coefficients and receiver-operator-characteristics-curves (ROC). Results: The standard of reference revealed involvement in 87 (29%) of 299 lymph nodes. Manually and semi-automatically measured 2D parameters (LAD and SAD) showed a good correlation with mean

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Cardiorespiratory fitness assessment using risk-stratified exercise testing and dose–response relationships with disease outcomes

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-94768-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tomas I. Gonzales ◽

Kate Westgate ◽

Tessa Strain ◽

Stefanie Hollidge ◽

Justin Jeon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Maximal Oxygen Consumption ◽

Estimation Method ◽

The Novel ◽

Exercise Tests ◽

Metabolic Equivalent ◽

Fitness Assessment ◽

Disease Outcomes ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

The Uk

AbstractCardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease, but assessing CRF in the population is challenging. Here we develop and validate a novel framework to estimate CRF (as maximal oxygen consumption, VO2max) from heart rate response to low-risk personalised exercise tests. We apply the method to examine associations between CRF and health outcomes in the UK Biobank study, one of the world’s largest and most inclusive studies of CRF, showing that risk of all-cause mortality is 8% lower (95%CI 5–11%, 2670 deaths among 79,981 participants) and cardiovascular mortality is 9% lower (95%CI 4–14%, 854 deaths) per 1-metabolic equivalent difference in CRF. Associations obtained with the novel validated CRF estimation method are stronger than those obtained using previous methodology, suggesting previous methods may have underestimated the importance of fitness for human health.

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Objectivation of an Educational Model in Cranial Osteopathy Based on Experience

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57030246 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (3) ◽

pp. 246

Author(s):

Jesús Requena-García ◽

Evelyn García-Nieto ◽

David Varillas-Delgado

Keyword(s):

Scientific Evidence ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Lateral Compression ◽

Educational Model ◽

Reliability Study ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Observer Reliability ◽

Fundamental Part ◽

Manual Palpation ◽

Base Of The Skull

Background and Objectives: The techniques directed to the cranial field in osteopathy are the most questioned due to the lack of scientific evidence. In osteopathic practice, manual palpation is essential and, therefore, measuring reliability is fundamental. The objective of this study is to assess the precision and objectification of an educational model in cranial osteopathy based on experience. Materials and Methods: A reliability study was conducted in a cadaver skull where a strain gauge was placed on the sphenobasilar synchondrosis (SBS) of the base of the skull. Three cranial osteopathic techniques (lateral compression, anteroposterior compression, and compression maneuver of the mastoids) were performed 25 times by osteopaths with different degrees of experience (5–10 years, 1–5 years, <1 year). Measurements were computed for each of the three techniques of each group in comparison with the osteopath with >15 years of experience. Data were analyzed to check for inter- and intra-observer reliability using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Results: Reliability in osteopaths with 5–10 years’ experience (observer 1 and observer 2) performing all three techniques was higher (p < 0.001) than the osteopath with >15 years’ experience. Little or no reliability were observed in osteopaths with less experience. Conclusions: The experience of the osteopaths determines the reliability and effectiveness of the cranial techniques, a fundamental part in objectifying these techniques. This model can help implement objective training in cranial osteopathy formation.

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A trait of mind: stability and robustness of sleep across sleep opportunity manipulations during simulated military operational stress

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsab219 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alice D LaGoy ◽

J David Cashmere ◽

Meaghan E Beckner ◽

Shawn R Eagle ◽

Aaron M Sinnott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Military Personnel ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Sleep Architecture ◽

Sleep Restriction ◽

Spectral Parameters ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Operational Stress ◽

Spectral Activity ◽

Sleep Parameters ◽

The Stability

Abstract Study Objectives Within-subject stability of certain sleep features across multiple nights is thought to reflect the trait-like behavior of sleep. However, to be considered a trait, a parameter must be both stable and robust. Here, we examined the stability (i.e., across the same sleep opportunity periods) and robustness (i.e., across sleep opportunity periods that varied in duration and timing) of different sleep parameters. Methods Sixty-eight military personnel (14 W) spent 5 nights in the sleep laboratory during a simulated military operational stress protocol. After an adaptation night, participants had an 8-hour sleep opportunity (23:00–07:00) followed by 2 consecutive nights of sleep restriction and disruption which included two 2-hour sleep opportunities (01:00–03:00; 05:00–07:00) and, lastly, another 8-hour sleep opportunity (23:00–07:00). Intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated to examine differences in stability and robustness across different sleep parameters. Results Sleep architecture parameters were less stable and robust than absolute and relative spectral activity parameters. Further, relative spectral activity parameters were less robust than absolute spectral activity. Absolute alpha and sigma activity demonstrated the highest levels of stability that were also robust across sleep opportunities of varying duration and timing. Conclusions Stability and robustness varied across different sleep parameters, but absolute NREM alpha and sigma activity demonstrated robust trait-like behavior across variable sleep opportunities. Reduced stability of other sleep architecture and spectral parameters during shorter sleep episodes as well as across different sleep opportunities has important implications for study design and interpretation.

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