Reliability of the Active-Knee-Extension and Straight-Leg-Raise Tests in Subjects With Flexibility Deficits

Context: The active-knee-extension test (AKE) and the straight-leg-raise test (SLR) are widely used for flexibility assessment. A number of investigations have tested the reliability of these measures, especially the AKE. However, in most studies, the sample involved subjects with normal flexibility. In addition, few studies have determined the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable difference (MDD), which can provide complementary and more clinically relevant information than the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) alone. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the AKE and LSR intrarater (test-retest) reliability in subjects with flexibility deficits, as well as the correlation between the 2 tests. Design: Reliability study. Setting: Academic laboratory. Subjects: 102 recreationally active participants (48 male, 54 female) with no injury to the lower limbs and with flexibility deficits in the hamstrings muscle group. Main Outcomes: Intrarater reliability was determined using the ICC, complemented by the SEM and MDD. Measures: All participants performed, in each lower limb, 2 trials of the AKE and the SLR. Results: The ICC values found for AKE and SLR tests were, respectively, .87-.94 and .93-.97. The values for SEM were low for both tests (2.6-2.9° for AKE, 2.2-2.6° for SLR), as well as the calculated MDD (7-8° for AKE, 6-7° for SLR). A moderate to strong, and significant, correlation between AKE and SLR was determined for the dominant limb (r = .71) and the nondominant limb (r = .67). Conclusions: These findings suggest that both AKE and SLR have excellent intrarater reliability. The SEMs and MDDs recorded are also very encouraging for the use of these tests in subjects with flexibility deficits.

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Test–Retest Reliability of Skill Tests in the F-MARC Battery for Youth Soccer Players

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.1177/0031512519866038 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 126 (5) ◽

pp. 1006-1023 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alexis Padrón-Cabo ◽

Ezequiel Rey ◽

Alexandra Pérez-Ferreirós ◽

Anton Kalén

Keyword(s):

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Young Male ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Limits Of Agreement ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Absolute Reliability ◽

Error Of Measurement

This study aimed to evaluate the test–retest reliability of soccer skill tests belonging to the F-MARC test battery. To avoid bias during talent identification and development, coaches and scouts should be using reliable tests for assessing soccer-specific skills in young male players. Fifty-two U-14 outfield male soccer players performed F-MARC soccer skill tests on two occasions, separated by 7 days. After familiarization, we administered two trial sessions of five skill tests: speed dribbling, juggling, shooting, passing, and heading. We assessed absolute reliability by expressing the standard error of measurement as a coefficient of variation with 95% limits of agreement, and we assessed relative reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient and with Pearson’s correlation ( r). The results demonstrated satisfactory relative and absolute reliability for speed dribbling, right foot juggling, short passing, shooting a dead ball right, shooting from a pass, heading in front, and heading right. However, reliability values for left foot juggling, chest-head-foot juggling, head-left-foot-right foot-chest-head juggling, long pass, and shooting a dead ball left tests were not strong enough to suggest their usage by coaches in training or sport scientists in research.

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Quantitative Mechanical Properties of the Relaxed Biceps and Triceps Brachii Muscles in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Reliability Study of the Myoton-3 Myometer

Stroke Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2012/617694 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Li-ling Chuang ◽

Ching-yi Wu ◽

Keh-chung Lin ◽

Shih-yu Lur

Keyword(s):

Standardized Testing ◽

Muscle Tone ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Minimal Detectable Change ◽

Intrarater Reliability ◽

Triceps Brachii ◽

Muscle Properties ◽

Subacute Stroke ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement

Objective. Test-retest reliability of the myotonometer was investigated in patients with subacute stroke.Methods. Twelve patients with substroke (3 to 9 months poststroke) were examined in standardized testing position twice, 60 minutes apart, with the Myoton-3 myometer to measure tone, elasticity, and stiffness of relaxed bilateral biceps and triceps brachii muscles. Intrarater reliability of muscle properties was determined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM), and the minimal detectable change (MDC).Results. Intrarater reliability of muscle properties of bilateral biceps and triceps brachii muscles were good (ICCs=0.79–0.96) except for unaffected biceps tone (ICC=0.72). The SEM and MDC of bilateral biceps and triceps brachii muscles indicated small measurement error (SEM%<10%, MDC%<25%).Conclusion. The Myoton-3 myometer is a reliable tool for quantifying muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness of the biceps and triceps brachii in patients with subacute stroke.

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Feasibility, Reliability, and Agreement of the WeeFIM Instrument in Dutch Children With Burns

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20110419 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 92 (7) ◽

pp. 958-966 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anuschka S. Niemeijer ◽

Heleen A. Reinders-Messelink ◽

Laurien M. Disseldorp ◽

Marianne K. Nieuwenhuis

Keyword(s):

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Intrarater Reliability ◽

Burn Centers ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Functional Consequences ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Dutch Children ◽

Error Of Measurement

Background Burns occur frequently in young children. To date, insufficient data are available to fully describe the functional consequences of burns. In different patient populations and countries, the WeeFIM instrument (“WeeFIM”) often is used to measure functional independence in children. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the WeeFIM instrument for use in Dutch burn centers. Design This was an observational study. Methods The WeeFIM instrument was translated into Dutch. All clinicians who rated the children with the instrument passed the WeeFIM credentialing examination. They scored consecutive children (n=134) aged 6 months to 16 years admitted to Dutch burn centers with acute burns during a 1-year period at 2 to 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postburn. To examine reliability, 2 raters scored a child at the same time (n=52, 9 raters) or the same rater scored a child twice within 1 week (n=7, 3 raters). Results After a few weeks, the WeeFIM assessment could be administered in less than 15 minutes. Clinicians thought it was difficult to rate a child aged between 2 and 4 years as well as the cognitive items. Nevertheless, reliability was good (all intraclass correlation coefficients [1,1] were above .80). The standard error of measurement was 3.7. Limitations Intrarater reliability was based on only 7 test-retest measurements. Within our clinical setting, it turned out to be difficult to schedule the same rater and patient twice in one week for repeated assessments. Assessments for interrater reliability, on the other hand, worked out well. Conclusions The WeeFIM instrument is a feasible and reliable instrument for use in children with burns. For evaluation of a child's individual progress, at least 11 points' improvement should be observed to state that a child has significantly improved.

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The Isometric Horizontal Push Test: Test–Retest Reliability and Validation Study

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2019-0357 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 581-584 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Antonio Dello Iacono ◽

Stephanie Valentin ◽

Mark Sanderson ◽

Israel Halperin

Keyword(s):

Strain Gauge ◽

Standard Error ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Force Plate ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Peak Force ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Error Of Measurement

Purpose: To investigate the test–retest reliability and criterion validity of the isometric horizontal push test (IHPT), a newly designed test that selectively measures the horizontal component of maximal isometric force. Methods: Twenty-four active males with ≥3 years of resistance training experience performed 2 testing sessions of the IHPT, separated by 3 to 4 days of rest. In each session, subjects performed 3 maximal trials of the IHPT with 3 minutes of rest between them. The peak force outputs were collected simultaneously using a strain gauge and the criterion equipment consisting of a floor-embedded force plate. Results: The test–retest reliability of peak force values was nearly perfect (intraclass correlation coefficient = ∼.99). Bland–Altman analysis showed excellent agreement between days with nearly no bias for strain gauge 1.2 N (95% confidence interval [CI], −3 to 6 N) and force plate 0.8 N (95% CI, −4 to 6 N). A nearly perfect correlation was observed between the strain gauge and force plate (r = .98, P < .001), with a small bias of 8 N (95% CI, 1.2 to 15 N) in favor of the force plate. The sensitivity of the IHPT was also good, with smallest worthwhile change greater than standard error of measurement for both the strain gauge (smallest worthwhile change: 29 N; standard error of measurement: 17 N; 95% CI, 14 to 20 N) and the force plate (smallest worthwhile change: 29 N; standard error of measurement: 18 N; 95% CI, 14 to 19 N) devices. Conclusions: The high degree of validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the IHPT, coupled with its affordability, portability, ease of use, and time efficacy, point to the potential of the test for assessment and monitoring purposes.

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Reliability and Validity of a 1-Person Technique to Measure Humeral Torsion Using Ultrasound

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-213-17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (6) ◽

pp. 590-596

Author(s):

Daniel C. Hannah ◽

Jason S. Scibek ◽

Christopher R. Carcia ◽

Amy L. Phelps

Keyword(s):

Injury Risk ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Reliability And Validity ◽

Intrarater Reliability ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Humeral Torsion ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Bilateral Difference ◽

Strong Linear Relationship ◽

Error Of Measurement

Context: Knowledge of the bilateral difference in humeral torsion (HT) enables clinicians to implement appropriate interventions for soft tissue restrictions of the shoulder to restore rotational motion and reduce injury risk. Whereas the current ultrasound method for measuring HT requires 2 assessors, a more efficient 1-person technique (1PT) may be of value. Objective: To determine if a 1PT is a reliable and valid alternative to the established 2-person technique (2PT) for indirectly measuring HT using ultrasound. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A convenience sample of 16 volunteers (7 men, 9 women; age = 26.9 ± 6.8 years, height = 172.2 ± 10.7 cm, mass = 80.0 ± 13.3 kg). Main Outcome Measure(s): We collected the HT data using both the 1PT and 2PT from a total of 30 upper extremities (16 left, 14 right). Within-session intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC [3,1]) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were assessed for both techniques. Simple linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis were used to examine the validity of the 1PT when compared with the established 2PT. Results: The 1PT (ICC [3,1] = 0.992, SEM = 0.8°) and 2PT (ICC [3,1] = 0.979, SEM = 1.1°) demonstrated excellent within-session intrarater reliability. A strong linear relationship was demonstrated between the HT measurements collected with both techniques (r = 0.963, r2 = 0.928, F1,28 = 361.753, P < .001). A bias of −1.2° ± 2.6° was revealed, and the 95% limits of agreement indicated the 2 techniques can be expected to vary from −6.3° to 3.8°. Conclusions: The 1PT for measuring HT using ultrasound was a reliable and valid alternative to the 2PT. By reducing the number of testers involved, the 1PT may provide clinicians with a more efficient and practical means of obtaining these valuable clinical data.a

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Test–Retest Reliability of Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer on Five Sit-to-Stand Measures in Healthy Young Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136829 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6829

Author(s):

Daniel Jerez-Mayorga ◽

Álvaro Huerta-Ojeda ◽

Luis Javier Chirosa-Ríos ◽

Francisco Guede-Rojas ◽

Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Peak Velocity ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Peak Strength ◽

Movement Velocity ◽

Sit To Stand ◽

Reliable Instrument ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Error Of Measurement

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability for the strength and movement velocity of the concentric phase from the five Sit-to-Stand (5STS), using three incremental loads measured by a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) in healthy young adults. Methods: The average and peak strength and velocity values of sixteen healthy adults (mean ± standard deviation (SD): age = 22.81 ± 2.13 years) were recorded at 5, 10 and 15 kg. To evaluate the reliability of FEMD, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) were obtained. Results: Reliability was high for the 10 kg (CV range: 3.70–4.18%, ICC range: 0.95–0.98) and 15 kg conditions (CV range: 1.64–3.02%, ICC: 0.99) at average and peak strength, and reliability was high for the 5 kg (CV range: 1.71–2.84%, ICC range: 0.96–0.99), 10 kg (CV range: 0.74–1.84%, ICC range: 0.99–1.00) and 15 kg conditions (CV range: 0.79–3.11%, ICC range: 0.99–1.00) at average and peak velocity. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that FEMD is a reliable instrument to measure the average and peak strength and velocity values during the five STS in healthy young adults.

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Using Unilateral Strength, Power and Reactive Strength Tests to Detect the Magnitude and Direction of Asymmetry: A Test-Retest Design

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports7030058 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 58 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Chris Bishop ◽

Paul Read ◽

Shyam Chavda ◽

Paul Jarvis ◽

Anthony Turner

Keyword(s):

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Test Reliability ◽

Systematic Bias ◽

Paired Samples ◽

Strength Tests ◽

Limb Asymmetry ◽

Healthy Athlete ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Error Of Measurement

The aims of the present study were to determine test-retest reliability for unilateral strength and power tests used to quantify asymmetry and determine the consistency of both the magnitude and direction of asymmetry between test sessions. Twenty-eight recreational trained sport athletes performed unilateral isometric squat, countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) tests over two test sessions. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated from both the best trial and as an average of three trials for each test. Test reliability was computed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and standard error of measurement (SEM). In addition, paired samples t-tests were used to determine systematic bias between test sessions and Kappa coefficients to report how consistently asymmetry favoured the same side. Within and between-session reliability ranged from moderate to excellent (ICC range = 0.70–0.96) and CV values ranged from 3.7–13.7% across tests. Significant differences in asymmetry between test sessions were seen for impulse during the isometric squat (p = 0.04; effect size = –0.60) but only when calculating from the best trial. When computing the direction of asymmetry across test sessions, levels of agreement were fair to substantial for the isometric squat (Kappa = 0.29–0.64), substantial for the CMJ (Kappa = 0.64–0.66) and fair to moderate for the DJ (Kappa = 0.36–0.56). These results show that when asymmetry is computed between test sessions, the group mean is generally devoid of systematic bias; however, the direction of asymmetry shows greater variability and is often inter-changeable. Thus, practitioners should consider both the direction and magnitude of asymmetry when monitoring inter-limb differences in healthy athlete populations.

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Test–Retest Reliability of the Total Motion Release® Scale

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2020-0275 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Emilie N. Miley ◽

Ashley J. Reeves ◽

Madeline P. Casanova ◽

Nickolai J.P. Martonick ◽

Jayme Baker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ◽

Standard Error ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

The Body ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Error Of Measurement

Context: Total Motion Release® (TMR®) is a novel treatment paradigm used to restore asymmetries in the body (eg, pain, tightness, limited range of motion). Six primary movements, known as the Fab 6, are performed by the patient and scored using a 0 to 100 scale. Clinicians currently utilize the TMR® scale to modify treatment, assess patient progress, and measure treatment effectiveness; however, the reliability of the TMR® scale has not been determined. It is imperative to assess scale reliability and establish minimal detectable change (MDC) values to guide clinical practice. Objective: To assess the reliability of the TMR® scale and establish MDC values for each motion in healthy individuals in a group setting. Design: Retrospective analysis of group TMR® assessments. Setting: University classroom. Participants: A convenience sample of 61 students (23 males and 38 females; 25.48 [5.73] y), with (n = 31) and without (n = 30) previous exposure to TMR®. Intervention: The TMR® Fab 6 movements were tested at 2 time points, 2 hours apart. A clinician with previous training in TMR® led participant groups through both sessions while participants recorded individual motion scores using the 0 to 100 TMR® scale. Test–retest reliability was calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1) for inexperienced, experienced, and combined student groups. Standard error of measurement and MDC values were also assessed for each intraclass correlation coefficient. Outcome Measure: Self-reported scores on the TMR® scale. Results: Test–retest reliability ranged from 0.57 to 0.95 across the Fab 6 movements, standard error of measurement values ranged from 4.85 to 11.77, and MDC values ranged from 13.45 to 32.62. Conclusion: The results indicate moderate to excellent reliability across the Fab 6 movements and a range of MDC values. Although this study is the first step in assessing the reliability of the TMR® scale for clinical practice, caution is warranted until further research is completed to establish reliability and MDC values of the TMR® scale in various settings to better guide patient care.

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Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of the Flexicurve Index, Flexicurve Angle, and Manual Inclinometer for the Measurement of Thoracic Kyphosis

Rehabilitation Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2013/475870 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Eva Barrett ◽

Karen McCreesh ◽

Jeremy Lewis

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Interrater Reliability ◽

Thoracic Kyphosis ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

The Other ◽

Intrarater Reliability ◽

Secondary Objective ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Level Of Agreement ◽

Error Of Measurement

Objective. This study aimed to describe the interrater and intrarater reliability of the flexicurve index, flexicurve angle, and manual inclinometer in swimmers. A secondary objective was to determine the level of agreement between the inclinometer angle and the flexicurve angle and to provide an equation to approximate one angle from the other.Methods. Thirty swimmers participated. Thoracic kyphosis was measured using the flexicurve and the manual inclinometer. Intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% confidence interval, and standard error of measurement were computed.Results. The flexicurve angle and index showed excellent intrarater (ICC = 0.94) and good interrater (ICC = 0.86) reliability. The inclinometer demonstrated excellent intrarater (ICC = 0.92) and interrater (ICC = 0.90) reliability. The flexicurve angle was systematically smaller and correlated poorly with the inclinometer angle (R2=0.384). The following equations can be used for approximate conversions: flexicurve angle = (0.275 × inclinometer angle) + 8.478; inclinometer angle = (1.396 × flexicurve angle) + 8.694.Conclusion. The inclinometer and flexicurve are both reliable instruments for thoracic kyphosis measurement in swimmers. Although the flexicurve and inclinometer angles are not directly comparable, the approximate conversion factors provided will permit translation of flexicurve angle to inclinometer angle and vice versa.

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Test-retest reliability of a smartphone app for measuring core stability for two dynamic exercises

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.7485 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. e7485 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Paloma Guillén-Rogel ◽

Cristina Franco-Escudero ◽

Pedro J. Marín

Keyword(s):

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Dynamic Exercise ◽

Core Stability ◽

Smartphone App ◽

Minimal Detectable Change ◽

Exercise Tests ◽

Minimum Detectable Difference ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Error Of Measurement

Background Recently, there has been growing interest in using smartphone applications to assess gait speed and quantify isometric core stability exercise intensity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the between-session reliability and minimal detectable change of a smartphone app for two dynamic exercise tests of the lumbopelvic complex. Methods Thirty-three healthy young and active students (age: 22.3 ± 5.9 years, body weight: 66.9 ± 11.3 kg, height: 167.8 ± 10.3 cm) participated in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (%CV), and Bland–Altman plots were used to verify the reliability of the test. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimum detectable difference (MDD) were calculated for clinical applicability. Results The ICCs ranged from 0.73 to 0.96, with low variation (0.9% to 4.8%) between days of assessments. The Bland–Altman plots and one-sample t-tests (p > 0.05) indicated that no dynamic exercise tests changed systematically. Our analyses showed that SEM 0.6 to 1.5 mm/s-2) and MDD (2.1 to 3.5 mm/s-2). Conclusion The OCTOcore app is a reliable tool to assess core stability for two dynamic exercises. A minimal change of 3.5 mm/s-2 is needed to be confident that the change is not a measurement error between two sessions.

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