Validity of an Inexpensive Hanging Scale During Isometric Shoulder Movements

Context: Strength assessment is essential to prescribe exercise in sports and rehabilitation. Low-cost valid equipment may allow continuous monitoring of training. Objective: To examine the validity of a very low-cost hanging scale by comparing differences in the measures of peak force to a laboratory grade load cell during shoulder abduction, flexion, extension, and internal and external rotations. Design: Analytical study. Participants: Thirty-two healthy subjects (18 women, age 26 [10] y, height 172 [8] cm, mass 69 [13] kg, body mass index 23 [4] kg/m2). Main Outcome Measures: The dependent variable was the maximal peak force (in kilogram-force). The independent variable was the instrument (laboratory grade load cell and hanging scale). Results: No differences were observed while comparing the results. The intraclass correlation coefficients1,1 ranged from .96 to .99, showing excellent results. The Cronbach alpha test also returned >.99 for all comparisons. The SEM ranged from 0.02 to 0.04 kgf, with an averaged SD from 0.24 to 0.38 kgf. The correlation was classified as high for all tested movements (r > .99; P < .001), with excellent adjusted coefficients of determination (.96 < r2 < .99). Bland–Altman results showed high levels of agreement with bias ranging from 0.27 to 0.48. Conclusions: Hanging scale provides valid measures of isometric strength with similar output measures as laboratory grade load cell.

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Influence of Handgrip Stabilization During Isokinetic Knee Strength Assessment in Older Women

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.1177/0031512520914109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 127 (4) ◽

pp. 671-683

Author(s):

João P. Nunes ◽

Paolo M. Cunha ◽

Jerry L. Mayhew ◽

Alex S. Ribeiro ◽

Paulo S. Junior ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Women ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Knee Extension ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Strength Assessment ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Knee Strength ◽

Hands On ◽

Angular Velocities

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of holding the chair handles during the assessment of older women’s knee flexion and extension isokinetic and isometric strength. Of 57 older women (≥60 years) selected from a convenience sample for this research, 23 were randomly chosen to perform the tests twice for reliability analyses. Each participant performed maximal isokinetic knee extension and flexion at 60°/s and 180°/s angular velocities and isometric tests under two conditions: (a) holding the lateral handle of the chair (HOLD) and (b) supporting the hands on the shoulders with the arms crossed (i.e., not holding the handle [NHOLD]). Participants performed significantly better in the HOLD compared with the NHOLD condition. Slightly lower intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.870–0.956) were noted for the HOLD than for the NHOLD condition (ICC = 0.900–0.981) so that the HOLD performance on Days 1 and 2 was different on some measures. Owing to the higher reliability coefficients in the NHOLD condition, results suggest that, when assessing knee strength in older women, the evaluee should place their hands over their shoulders with arms crossed in front of the chest (NHOLD) to maximize assessment reliability (reproducibility of performance).

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Reliability of the ForceFrame With and Without a Fixed Upper-Limb Mold in Shoulder Rotation Strength Assessments Compared With Traditional Hand-Held Dynamometry

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2020-0434 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Jamon Couch ◽

Marc Sayers ◽

Tania Pizzari

Keyword(s):

Upper Limb ◽

External Rotation ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Shoulder Abduction ◽

Minimal Detectable Change ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Shoulder Strength ◽

Test Retest Reliability

Context: An imbalance between shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength in athletes is proposed to increase the risk of sustaining a shoulder injury. Hand-held (HHD) and externally fixed dynamometry are reliable forms of assessing shoulder IR and ER strength. A new externally fixed device with an attachable fixed upper-limb mold (The ForceFrame) exists; however, its reliability in measuring shoulder strength is yet to be investigated. Objective: To determine the test–retest reliability of the ForceFrame, with and without the fixed upper-limb mold, in the assessment of shoulder IR and ER strength, as compared with HHD. Design: Test–retest reliability study. Setting: Laboratory, clinical. Participants: Twenty-two healthy and active individuals were recruited from the university community and a private physiotherapy practice. Main Outcome Measures: Maximal isometric shoulder IR and ER strength was measured using the ForceFrame and traditional HHD in neutral and at 90° shoulder abduction. Mean (SD) strength measures were calculated. Test–retest reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (3, 1). The SEM and minimal detectable change were calculated. Results: Good to excellent test–retest reliability was found for all shoulder strength tests across Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) and externally fixed dynamometry (EFD) are reliable forms (intraclass correlation coefficients [3, 1] = .854–.916). The minimal detectable changes ranged between 25.61 and 41.84 N across tests. Test–retest reliability was not affected by the dynamometer or testing position. Conclusions: The results from this study indicate that both the ForceFrame and HHD are suitable for measuring shoulder strength in clinical practice. The use of the fixed upper-limb mold with the ForceFrame does not improve reliability.

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Assessment of craniocervical motion in Down syndrome: a pilot study of two measurement techniques

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2019.7.peds191 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Jonathan E. Martin ◽

Brandon G. Rocque ◽

Andrew Jea ◽

Richard C. E. Anderson ◽

Joshua Pahys ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Down Syndrome ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Measurement Techniques ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Craniocervical Junction ◽

Clear Understanding ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Reliable Assessment ◽

Flexion Extension

OBJECTIVEHypermobility of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) in patients with Down syndrome (DS) is common. Whereas atlantoaxial (C1–2) hypermobility is well characterized, occipitoatlantal (Oc–C1) laxity is recognized but poorly defined. A clear understanding of the risks associated with DS-related hypermobility is lacking. Research efforts to address the topic of axial cervical spine instability in the patient with DS require a reliable and reproducible means of assessing CCJ mobility. The authors conducted a pilot study comparing two methods of quantifying motion of the CCJ on dynamic (flexion/extension) plain radiographs: the delta–condyle-axial interval (ΔCAI) and the delta–basion-axial interval (ΔBAI) methods.METHODSDynamic radiographs from a cohort of 10 patients with DS were evaluated according to prescribed standards. Independent movement of Oc–C1, C1–2, and Oc–C2 was calculated. Interrater and intrarater reliability for CCJ mobility was then calculated for both techniques.RESULTSMeasurement using the ΔCAI technique had excellent fidelity with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.77, 0.71, and 0.80 for Oc–C1, C1–2, and Oc–C2, respectively. The ΔBAI technique had lower fidelity, yielding respective ICCs of 0.61, 0.65, and 0.50.CONCLUSIONSThis pilot study suggests that ΔCAI is a superior measurement technique compared to ΔBAI and may provide reliable assessment of the mobility of the CCJ on dynamic radiographs in the pediatric patient with DS. The use of reliable and reproducible measurement techniques strengthens the validity of research derived from pooled database efforts.

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Photographic assessment of cephalometric measurements

The Angle Orthodontist ◽

10.2319/120712-925.1 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 83 (6) ◽

pp. 1049-1058 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Liliane de Carvalho Rosas Gomes ◽

Karla Orfelina Carpio Horta ◽

Luiz Gonzaga Gandini ◽

Marcelo Gonçalves ◽

João Roberto Gonçalves

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Facial Profile ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Standardized Protocol ◽

Lateral Cephalograms ◽

Cephalometric Measurements ◽

The Relationship

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the relationship between craniofacial measurements obtained from cephalometric radiographs and analogous measurements from profile photographs. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalograms and standardized facial profile photographs were obtained from a sample of 123 subjects (65 girls, 58 boys; age 7–12 years). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated from repeated photographic measurements to evaluate method reliability. Analogous cephalometric and photographic measurements were compared to assess Pearson correlation coefficients. Linear regression analyses were conducted between the measurements that achieved correlation coefficients greater than r = 0.7. Results: The reliability of the photographic technique was satisfactory. Most measurements showed ICCs above 0.80 and highly significant correlations (P ≤ .001) with cephalometric variables. Among all measurements used, the A'N'B' angle was the most effective in explaining the variability of its analogous cephalometric, mainly for female subjects (r2 = 0.80). The FMA' angle showed the best results for vertical assessment (r2 = 0.65). Conclusions: The photographic method has proven to be a repeatable and reproducible tool provided that a standardized protocol is followed. Therefore, it may be considered a feasible and practical diagnostic alternative, particularly if there is a need for a low-cost and noninvasive method.

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Normalization of Early Isometric Force Production as a Percentage of Peak Force During Multijoint Isometric Assessment

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2019-0217 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 478-482

Author(s):

Paul Comfort ◽

Thomas Dos’Santos ◽

Paul A. Jones ◽

John J. McMahon ◽

Timothy J. Suchomel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coefficient Of Variation ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Force Production ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Peak Force ◽

Specific Force ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Time Specific ◽

Very High

Purpose: To determine the reliability of early force production (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ms) relative to peak force (PF) during an isometric mid-thigh pull and to assess the relationships between these variables. Methods: Male collegiate athletes (N = 29; age 21.1 [2.9] y, height 1.71 [0.07] m, body mass 71.3 [13.6] kg) performed isometric mid-thigh pulls during 2 separate testing sessions. Net PF and net force produced at each epoch were calculated. Within- and between-session reliabilities were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients and coefficient of variation percentages. In addition, Pearson correlation coefficients and coefficient of determination were calculated to examine the relationships between PF and time-specific force production. Results: Net PF and time-specific force demonstrated very high to almost perfect reliability both within and between sessions (intraclass correlation coefficients .82–.97; coefficient of variation percentages 0.35%–1.23%). Similarly, time-specific force expressed as a percentage of PF demonstrated very high to almost perfect reliability both within and between sessions (intraclass correlation coefficients .76–.86; coefficient of variation percentages 0.32%–2.51%). Strong to nearly perfect relationships (r = .615–.881) exist between net PF and time-specific net force, with relationships improving over longer epochs. Conclusion: Based on the smallest detectable difference, a change in force at 50 milliseconds expressed relative to PF > 10% and early force production (100, 150, 200, and 250 ms) expressed relative to PF of >2% should be considered meaningful. Expressing early force production as a percentage of PF is reliable and may provide greater insight into the adaptations to the previous training phase than PF alone.

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Heart Rate Measures From Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers in a Laboratory and Free-Living Setting: Validation Study

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/14120 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. e14120 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Andre Matthias Müller ◽

Nan Xin Wang ◽

Jiali Yao ◽

Chuen Seng Tan ◽

Ivan Cherh Chiet Low ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Low Cost ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Free Living ◽

Time Points ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Activity Trackers ◽

Data Points

Background Wrist-worn activity trackers are popular, and an increasing number of these devices are equipped with heart rate (HR) measurement capabilities. However, the validity of HR data obtained from such trackers has not been thoroughly assessed outside the laboratory setting. Objective This study aimed to investigate the validity of HR measures of a high-cost consumer-based tracker (Polar A370) and a low-cost tracker (Tempo HR) in the laboratory and free-living settings. Methods Participants underwent a laboratory-based cycling protocol while wearing the two trackers and the chest-strapped Polar H10, which acted as criterion. Participants also wore the devices throughout the waking hours of the following day during which they were required to conduct at least one 10-min bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to ensure variability in the HR signal. We extracted 10-second values from all devices and time-matched HR data from the trackers with those from the Polar H10. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean absolute errors, and mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) between the criterion and the trackers. We constructed decile plots that compared HR data from Tempo HR and Polar A370 with criterion measures across intensity deciles. We investigated how many HR data points within the MVPA zone (≥64% of maximum HR) were detected by the trackers. Results Of the 57 people screened, 55 joined the study (mean age 30.5 [SD 9.8] years). Tempo HR showed moderate agreement and large errors (laboratory: ICC 0.51 and MAPE 13.00%; free-living: ICC 0.71 and MAPE 10.20%). Polar A370 showed moderate-to-strong agreement and small errors (laboratory: ICC 0.73 and MAPE 6.40%; free-living: ICC 0.83 and MAPE 7.10%). Decile plots indicated increasing differences between Tempo HR and the criterion as HRs increased. Such trend was less pronounced when considering the Polar A370 HR data. Tempo HR identified 62.13% (1872/3013) and 54.27% (5717/10,535) of all MVPA time points in the laboratory phase and free-living phase, respectively. Polar A370 detected 81.09% (2273/2803) and 83.55% (9323/11,158) of all MVPA time points in the laboratory phase and free-living phase, respectively. Conclusions HR data from the examined wrist-worn trackers were reasonably accurate in both the settings, with the Polar A370 showing stronger agreement with the Polar H10 and smaller errors. Inaccuracies increased with increasing HRs; this was pronounced for Tempo HR.

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Reliability of Navigated Lower Limb Alignment in High Tibial Osteotomies

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546508319314 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 36 (11) ◽

pp. 2179-2186 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Patrick Goleski ◽

Blaine Warkentine ◽

Darrick Lo ◽

Cassie Gyuricza ◽

Daniel Kendoff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Tibial Slope ◽

Tibial Rotation ◽

Limb Alignment ◽

3 Dimensional ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Flexion Extension

Background Navigation allows for determination of the mechanical axis of the lower extremity during high tibial osteotomy (HTO) procedures. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the reliability of noninvasive registration with an image-free navigation system for HTO and (2) determine the accuracy of the navigation system to monitor changes in lower limb alignment as compared with alignment measured with a novel 3-dimensional computed tomography method. Hypothesis Navigated limb alignment demonstrates good reliability and accuracy in all 3 planes. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Thirteen cadaver legs were used to examine the intra- and interobserver registration reliability of 3 observers. Initial coronal, sagittal, and axial alignment was measured on 6 legs, 3 times each, at intervals >36 hours. Navigated HTOs were then performed on all 13 legs, pre- and postoperative alignment was recorded, and data were compared with equivalent measures obtained by 3-dimensional computed tomography. Reliability and accuracy data were both analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients with the following established thresholds: good, >0.75; fair, 0.4 to 0.75; and poor, <0.4. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients for intraobserver reliability were categorized as follows: varus-valgus, good; flexion-extension fair; and femoral-tibial rotation, poor. For interobserver reliability, results were varus-valgus, fair; flexion-extension, fair; and femoral-tibial rotation, poor. Intraclass correlation coefficients for navigation accuracy were varus-valgus, good; tibial slope, good; and tibial torsion, poor. Maximum differences in navigation-computed tomography measurements were Δ varus-valgus angle, 4.5°; Δ tibial slope, 8.8°; and Δ tibial torsion, 16.5°. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Navigation may be reliable and clinically useful for dynamic monitoring of coronal leg alignment but has limits in determination of sagittal and axial plane alignment.

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Heart Rate Measures From Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers in a Laboratory and Free-Living Setting: Validation Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.14120 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Andre Matthias Müller ◽

Nan Xin Wang ◽

Jiali Yao ◽

Chuen Seng Tan ◽

Ivan Cherh Chiet Low ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Low Cost ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Free Living ◽

Time Points ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Activity Trackers ◽

Data Points

BACKGROUND Wrist-worn activity trackers are popular, and an increasing number of these devices are equipped with heart rate (HR) measurement capabilities. However, the validity of HR data obtained from such trackers has not been thoroughly assessed outside the laboratory setting. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the validity of HR measures of a high-cost consumer-based tracker (Polar A370) and a low-cost tracker (Tempo HR) in the laboratory and free-living settings. METHODS Participants underwent a laboratory-based cycling protocol while wearing the two trackers and the chest-strapped Polar H10, which acted as criterion. Participants also wore the devices throughout the waking hours of the following day during which they were required to conduct at least one 10-min bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to ensure variability in the HR signal. We extracted 10-second values from all devices and time-matched HR data from the trackers with those from the Polar H10. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean absolute errors, and mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) between the criterion and the trackers. We constructed decile plots that compared HR data from Tempo HR and Polar A370 with criterion measures across intensity deciles. We investigated how many HR data points within the MVPA zone (≥64% of maximum HR) were detected by the trackers. RESULTS Of the 57 people screened, 55 joined the study (mean age 30.5 [SD 9.8] years). Tempo HR showed moderate agreement and large errors (laboratory: ICC 0.51 and MAPE 13.00%; free-living: ICC 0.71 and MAPE 10.20%). Polar A370 showed moderate-to-strong agreement and small errors (laboratory: ICC 0.73 and MAPE 6.40%; free-living: ICC 0.83 and MAPE 7.10%). Decile plots indicated increasing differences between Tempo HR and the criterion as HRs increased. Such trend was less pronounced when considering the Polar A370 HR data. Tempo HR identified 62.13% (1872/3013) and 54.27% (5717/10,535) of all MVPA time points in the laboratory phase and free-living phase, respectively. Polar A370 detected 81.09% (2273/2803) and 83.55% (9323/11,158) of all MVPA time points in the laboratory phase and free-living phase, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HR data from the examined wrist-worn trackers were reasonably accurate in both the settings, with the Polar A370 showing stronger agreement with the Polar H10 and smaller errors. Inaccuracies increased with increasing HRs; this was pronounced for Tempo HR.

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Consistency of Peak and Mean Concentric and Eccentric Force Using a Novel Squat Testing Device

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.2013-0191 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 322-325 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Matt S. Stock ◽

Micheal J. Luera

Keyword(s):

High Reliability ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Peak Force ◽

Isokinetic Dynamometry ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Force Curves ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Muscle Actions

The ability to examine force curves from multiple-joint assessments combines many of the benefits of dynamic constant external resistance exercise and isokinetic dynamometry. The purpose of this investigation was to examine test-retest reliability statistics for peak and mean force using the Exerbotics eSQ during maximal concentric and eccentric squats. Seventeen resistance-trained men (mean ± SD age = 21 ± 2 years) visited the laboratory on two occasions. For each trial, the subjects performed two maximal concentric and eccentric squats, and the muscle actions with the highest force values were analyzed. There were no mean differences between the trials (P> .05), and the effect sizes were < 0.12. When the entire force curve was examined, the intraclass correlation coefficients (model 2,1) and standard errors of measurement, respectively, were concentric peak force = 0.743 (8.8%); concentric mean force = 0.804 (6.0%); eccentric peak force = 0.696 (10.6%); eccentric mean force = 0.736 (9.6%). These findings indicated moderate-to-high reliability for the peak and mean force values obtained from the Exerbotics eSQ during maximal squat testing. The analysis of force curves from multiple-joint testing provides researchers and practitioners with a reliable means of assessing performance, especially during concentric muscle actions.

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Validation of a Low-Cost Electrocardiography (ECG) System for Psychophysiological Research

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21134485 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (13) ◽

pp. 4485

Author(s):

Ruth Erna Wagner ◽

Hugo Plácido da Silva ◽

Klaus Gramann

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Mobile Systems ◽

Recording Device ◽

Limits Of Agreement ◽

Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽

Psychophysiological Research ◽

Recorded Data

Background and Objective: The reliability of low-cost mobile systems for recording Electrocardiographic (ECG) data is mostly unknown, posing questions regarding the quality of the recorded data and the validity of the extracted physiological parameters. The present study compared the BITalino toolkit with an established medical-grade ECG system (BrainAmp-ExG). Methods: Participants underwent simultaneous ECG recordings with the two instruments while watching pleasant and unpleasant pictures of the “International Affective Picture System” (IAPS). Common ECG parameters were extracted and compared between the two systems. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) and the Bland–Altman Limits of Agreement (LoA) method served as criteria for measurement agreement. Results: All but one parameter showed an excellent agreement (>80%) between both devices in the ICC analysis. No criteria for Bland–Altman LoA and bias were found in the literature regarding ECG parameters. Conclusion: The results of the ICC and Bland–Altman methods demonstrate that the BITalino system can be considered as an equivalent recording device for stationary ECG recordings in psychophysiological experiments.

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