Test-Retest Reliability of Three Dynamic Tests Obtained from Active Females Using the Neurocom Balance Master

2006 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 326-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Naylor ◽  
William A. Romani

Context:There is a growing need for objective measures of proprioception and balance in athletic females.Objective:To determine the intertester and intratester reliability of the Neurocom Balance Master (NBM) forward lunge (FL), step up and over (SUO), and step quick turn (SQT) tests on a young, healthy, female population.Design:Repeated measures design.Setting:University medical laboratory.Participants:15 young healthy female volunteers (height 155.1 cm ± 18.5 cm, mass 61.1 kg ± 7.3 kg, age 24.2 years ± 2.9 years).Measurements:The average of three trials on the FL, SUO, and SQT taken during each of three testing sessions on the NBM long force plate.Results:Inter and intratester reliability for the FL (ICC r = 0.71 to r = 0.93) and SQT (ICC r = 0.70 to r = 0.88) ranged from good to excellent while reliability for the SUO ranged from fair to excellent (ICC r = 0.59 to r = 0.92).Conclusions:The three NBM tests are reliable in healthy, young, physically active females.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanzhi Bi ◽  
Xin Hou ◽  
Jiahui Zhong ◽  
Li Hu

AbstractPain perception is a subjective experience and highly variable across time. Brain responses evoked by nociceptive stimuli are highly associated with pain perception and also showed considerable variability. To date, the test–retest reliability of laser-evoked pain perception and its associated brain responses across sessions remain unclear. Here, an experiment with a within-subject repeated-measures design was performed in 22 healthy volunteers. Radiant-heat laser stimuli were delivered on subjects’ left-hand dorsum in two sessions separated by 1–5 days. We observed that laser-evoked pain perception was significantly declined across sessions, coupled with decreased brain responses in the bilateral primary somatosensory cortex (S1), right primary motor cortex, supplementary motor area, and middle cingulate cortex. Intraclass correlation coefficients between the two sessions showed “fair” to “moderate” test–retest reliability for pain perception and brain responses. Additionally, we observed lower resting-state brain activity in the right S1 and lower resting-state functional connectivity between right S1 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the second session than the first session. Altogether, being possibly influenced by changes of baseline mental state, laser-evoked pain perception and brain responses showed considerable across-session variability. This phenomenon should be considered when designing experiments for laboratory studies and evaluating pain abnormalities in clinical practice.


2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas P Gross ◽  
Michele C Battié

Abstract Background and Purpose. Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are measurement tools used in predicting readiness to return to work following injury. The interrater and test-retest reliability of determinations of maximal safe lifting during kinesiophysical FCEs were examined in a sample of people who were off work and receiving workers' compensation. Subjects. Twenty-eight subjects with low back pain who had plateaued with treatment were enrolled. Five occupational therapists, trained and experienced in kinesiophysical methods, conducted testing. Methods. A repeated-measures design was used, with raters testing subjects simultaneously, yet independently. Subjects were rated on 2 occasions, separated by 2 to 4 days. Analyses included intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence intervals. Results. The ICC values for interrater reliability ranged from .95 to .98. Test-retest values ranged from .78 to .94. Discussion and Conclusion. Inconsistencies in subjects' performance across sessions were the greatest source of FCE measurement variability. Overall, however, test-retest reliability was good and interrater reliability was excellent.


2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerrolyn Ramstrand ◽  
Christina Björk Andersson ◽  
David Rusaw

This study aimed to investigate if prolonged use of shoes incorporating an unstable sole construction could facilitate improvements of balance in a sample of developmentally disabled children. Ten children (six male and four female) aged between 10 and 17 years participated in the study. Children were fitted with shoes incorporating an unstable sole (Masai Barefoot Technology®) and instructed to wear them for a minimum of two hours per day for eight weeks. A within subjects repeated measures design was used. Children were tested prior to receiving the shoes, four weeks after receiving the shoes and eight weeks after receiving the shoes. A force plate capable of rotating about a single axis (NeuroCom International Inc, Oregon) was used to test static balance, reactive balance and directional control. Static balance was not found to be influenced by prolonged use of the footwear; however, significant improvements were noted in children's reactive balance both with the shoes and barefoot. Results suggest that reactive balance can be improved by prolonged and regular use of shoes incorporating an unstable sole construction.


2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren C. Olmsted ◽  
Jay Hertel

Context:The effects of custom-molded foot orthotics on neuromuscular processes are not clearly understood.Objective:To examine these effects on postural control in subjects with different foot types.Design:Between-groups, repeated-measures design.Setting:Athletic training laboratory.Subjects:30 healthy subjects assigned to groups by foot type: planus (n = 11), rectus (n = 12), or cavus (n = 7).Interventions:Custom-fit semirigid orthotics.Main Outcome Measures:Static postural control was measured on a force plate. Dynamic postural control was measured using the Star Excursion Balance Test. Both measurements were assessed with and without orthotics at baseline and 2 weeks later.Results:For static postural control, a significant condition-by-group interaction was found. Subjects with cavus feet had a decreased center-of-pressure velocity while wearing orthotics. For dynamic postural control, a significant condition-by-direction-by-group interaction was found. Subjects with cavus feet had increased reach distances in 3 of 8 directions while wearing orthotics.Conclusions:Custom orthotics were associated with some improvements in static and dynamic postural control in subjects with cavus feet.


2006 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee E. Roth ◽  
Michael G. Miller ◽  
Marc Ricard ◽  
Donna Ritenour ◽  
Brenda L. Chapman

Context:It has been theorized that aquatic balance training differs from land balance training.Objective:To compare the effects of balance training in aquatic and land environments.Design:Between-groups, repeated-measures design.Setting:Biomechanics laboratory and pool.Participants:24 healthy subjects randomly assigned to aquatic (n = 8), land (n = 10), or control (n = 6) groups.Intervention:Four weeks of balance training.Main Outcome Measures:Balance was measured (pre, mid, post, follow-up). COP variables: radial area, y range, x range in single leg (SL), tandem (T), single leg foam (SLF), and tandem form (TF) stance.Results:A significant condition × time interaction for x range was found, with improvements for SL, SLF, and TF. Radial area improved, with post-test 1.01 ± .23 cm2and follow-up 1.06 ± .18 cm2significantly lower than pretest 1.18 ± .23 cm2. Y range significantly improved, with posttest (4.69 ± 1.02 cm2) lower than pretest (5.89 ± 1.26 cm2). The foam conditions (SLF & TF) were significantly different from non-foam conditions (SL & T) for all variables.Conclusions:Results of this study show that balance training can effectively be performed in both land and aquatic environments.


Author(s):  
Catalina Capitán-Jiménez ◽  
Luis Fernando Aragón-Vargas

Perceived thirst (TP) was evaluated as a dependent variable: can it distinguish among several levels of acute dehydration, is it reliable, and how does it respond to the ingestion of a fixed water volume post exercise? In a repeated-measures design, eight physically active students (24.5±3.6 years, mean±SD), reported to the laboratory on four non-consecutive days. They remained at rest or exercised at 32±3°C db and 65±6% rh to a randomly assigned dehydration equivalent to 1, 2, and 3% of body mass (BM). Following exercise, participants ingested a fixed water volume of 1.20% BM in 30 minutes; urine output, TP and plasma volume changes were assessed every 30 minutes over 3 hours. Post-exercise TP was not different before and after showering (p = 0.860), but it was significantly different among conditions (TP = 2.50 ± 0.45, 4.44 ± 0.72, 6.38 ± 0.82, and 8.63 ± 0.18 for 0, 1, 2, and 3% BM, p = 0.001). TP was associated with net fluid balance (rpart = -0.62, p < 0.0001) but, soon after drinking, TP was the same regardless of dehydration (p>0.05). Thirst perception is valid and reliable in the absence of drinking but it responds inappropriately to water intake.


2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (09) ◽  
pp. 612-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Scollie ◽  
Marlene Bagatto ◽  
Sheila Moodie ◽  
Jeff Crukley

Background: Measurement of the real ear response of a fitted hearing aid allows matching of the frequency response to prescriptive targets, as well as comparison of the response to both threshold and loudness discomfort level (LDL). These processes are recommended procedures for hearing aid fittings. The real ear aided response (REAR) is often predicted based on the coupler response of the device, the real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD), and the microphone location effect (MLE). Individualized measurement of the RECD tends to increase the accuracy of this prediction. A commercial hearing aid has been developed that measures the individual RECD and incorporates the data into the software-assisted fitting process. Purpose: This study evaluated the test-retest reliability and predictive validity of this particular method for measuring the RECD. Research Design: A repeated measures design was used to evaluate differences between subsequent measures of the RECD in the same ear, and prediction differences associated with using the RECD (and other information) to predict the REAR. Study Sample: Fifteen ears, on a convenience sample of ten adults (45–86 yr) and five children (6–15 yr) were tested. All participants were hearing aid users. Data Collection and Analysis: Predicted and measured REARs were collected using normal clinical procedures, on an Audioscan Verifit VF-1 for two test signals/levels. Reliability, mean differences between predicted and measured REARs, and 95% confidence intervals of the prediction accuracy are reported. Results: The RECD procedure had test-retest reliability within 2.5 dB for 14 out of 15 ears between 500 and 4000 Hz, and had predictive accuracy within 5 dB between 500 and 4000 Hz for 14 out of 15 ears. However, errors associated with earhook misalignment were discovered. Also, the RECD values measured using this hearing-aid-specific procedure differ somewhat from the normative data available from insert earphone RECDs. Conclusions: This procedure, when measured according to recommendations, provides a reasonably accurate prediction of the REAR. Functionally, this procedure does not replace the range of measures offered by modern real ear measurement systems. However, given the inaccuracy of software-assisted fittings without a measure of individual ear canal acoustics, use of this procedure may have the potential to improve the accuracy of fittings versus fittings completed without real ear measurement.


2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent M. Kelln ◽  
Patrick O. McKeon ◽  
Lauren M. Gontkof ◽  
Jay Hertel

Context:Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) has been shown to be a reliable, objective way to obtain strength measurements in elderly and physically impaired subjects.Objective:To estimate the intratester, intertester, and intersession reliability of HHD testing of lower extremity movements in young, healthy subjects.Design:Repeated measures.Setting:Sports medicine laboratory.Participants:Nine males and eleven females (Mean age = 26 years).Measurements:Strength measures of 11 right lower extremity movements were taken by 3 different testers on 2 separate days using a HHD.Results:Intratester ICC range was .77 to .97 with SEM range of .01 to .44 kg. Mean intertester ICC range was .65 to .87 with SEM range of .11 to 1.05 kg. Mean intersession ICC range was .62 to .92 with SEM range of .01 to .83 kg.Conclusions:HHD has the potential to be a reliable tool for strength measurements in healthy, strong subjects; however, there are noteworthy limitations with movements where subjects can overpower the testers.


2006 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean P. Flanagan ◽  
Kara M. Kessans ◽  
George J. Salem

Context:Information regarding how the mechanical demand differs with variants of the step exercise may be used by clinicians to more appropriately prescribe lower-extremity exercise.Objective:To quantify the joint torque contributions of the lower extremity during three different step exercises: forward step-up (FS), lateral step-up (LS), and step-down (SD).Design:An experiment with a repeated measures design.Setting:Biomechanics laboratory.Participants:18 healthy subjects (9 men, 9 women, age 25.67 ± 4.23 years, height 1.73 ± 0.10 meters, mass 72.73 ± 10.67 kilograms).Intervention:Participants performed three sets of three repetitions of each exercise while instrumented for biomechanical analysis.Main Outcome Measure:Mechanical effort of the hip, knee, and ankle of both limbs during each exercise.Results:The greatest contribution from the hip was required during the FS, while the contribution from the knee was required during the SD. The greatest contribution from the ankle was required during the LS and SD.Conclusion:Choice of step exercise results in different distributions of mechanical demand across the lower extremities.


2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 502-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn A Emery ◽  
J David Cassidy ◽  
Terry P Klassen ◽  
Rhonda J Rosychuk ◽  
Brian H Rowe

AbstractBackground and Purpose. There is a need in sports medicine for a static and dynamic standing balance measure to quantify balance ability in adolescents. The purposes of this study were to determine the test-retest reliability of timed static (eyes open) and dynamic (eyes open and eyes closed) unipedal balance measurements and to examine factors associated with balance. Subjects. Adolescents (n=123) were randomly selected from 10 Calgary high schools. Methods. This study used a repeated-measures design. One rater measured unipedal standing balance, including timed eyes-closed static (ECS), eyes-open dynamic (EOD), and eyes-closed dynamic (ECD) balance at baseline and 1 week later. Dynamic balance was measured on a foam surface. Reliability was examined using both intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland and Altman statistical techniques. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine other potentially influencing factors. Results. Based on ICCs, test-retest reliability was adequate for ECS, EOD, and ECD balance (ICC=.69, .59, and .46, respectively). The results of Bland and Altman methods, however, suggest that caution is required in interpreting reliability based on ICCs alone. Although both ECS balance and ECD balance appear to demonstrate adequate test-retest reliability by ICC, Bland and Altman methods of agreement demonstrate sufficient reliability for ECD balance only. Thirty percent of the subjects reached the 180-second maximum on EOD balance, suggesting that this test is not appropriate for use in this population. Balance ability (ECS and ECD) was better in adolescents with no past history of lower-extremity injury. Discussion and Conclusion. Timed ECD balance is an appropriate and reliable clinical measurement for use in adolescents and is influenced by previous injury.


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