scholarly journals Intrasession and Intersession Reliability of Isometric Trunk and Hip Strength Measurements Using the Portable Tension Dynamometer

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Sakiko Oyama ◽  
Edgar Garza ◽  
Kylie Dugan

Context: The trunk/pelvis is an important link between the upper- and lower-extremities. Therefore, assessing strength of the trunk and hip muscles that control the segments is clinically meaningful. While an isokinetic dynamometer can be used to measure trunk strength, the equipment is expensive and not portable. Objective: To test the reliability of simple trunk and hip strength measures that utilize a bar, straps, and a portable tension dynamometer. Design: Test–retest reliability study. Setting: Biomechanics research laboratory. Patients (or Other Participants): Twenty college-age individuals (10 males/10 females, age = 20.9 [3.7] y) participated. Intervention(s): The participants attended 2 testing sessions, 1 week apart. The participants’ trunk-flexion, rotation, and hip abduction strength were measured at each session. Main Outcome Measures: Peak trunk flexion, rotation, and hip abduction forces were normalized to the participant’s body weight (BW). In addition, hip-abduction torque was calculated by multiplying the force times the leg length and normalized to BW. The trial data from both sessions were used to calculate the intrasession reliability, and the averages from the 2 sessions were used to calculate the intersession reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients, SEM, and minimal detectable change were calculated to evaluate reliability of measures. Results: The intrasession intraclass correlation coefficients (SEM) for trunk flexion, rotation, hip abduction, and hip abduction torque were .837 (5.2% BW), .978 (1.3% BW), .955 (1.0% BW), and .969 (5.8 N·m/BW), respectively. The intersession reliability for trunk flexion, rotation, hip abduction, and hip abduction torque were .871 (4.3% BW), .801 (3.8% BW), .894 (1.5% BW), and .968 (5.9 N·m/BW), respectively. Conclusions: The measures of trunk and hip abduction strength are highly repeatable within a session. The reliability of the measures between sessions was also good/excellent with relatively small SEM and minimal detectable change. The tests described in this study can be used to assess changes in trunk/hip strength over time.

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 479-486
Author(s):  
Yuki Kondo ◽  
Kyota Bando ◽  
Yosuke Ariake ◽  
Wakana Katsuta ◽  
Kyoko Todoroki ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The reliability of the evaluation of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and its two abbreviated versions are confirmed for balance characteristics and reliability. However, they are not utilized in cases of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the BESTest and its abbreviated versions in persons with mild to moderate spinocerebellar ataxia. METHODS: The BESTest was performed in 20 persons with SCA at baseline and one month later. The scores of the abbreviated version of the BESTest were determined from the BESTest scores. The interclass correlation coefficient (1,1) was used as a measure of relative reliability. Furthermore, we calculated the MDC in the BESTest and its abbreviated versions. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients (1,1) and MDC at 95% confidence intervals were 0.92, 8.7(8.1%), 0.91, 4.1(14.5%), and 0.81, 5.2(21.6%) for the Balance, Mini-Balance, and Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Tests, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The BESTest and its abbreviated versions had high test-retest reliability. The MDC values of the BESTest could enable clinicians and researchers to interpret changes in the balance of patients with SCA more precisely.


2011 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 424-429
Author(s):  
Keith Rome ◽  
David George Survepalli ◽  
Maria Lobo ◽  
Nicola Dalbeth ◽  
Fiona McQueen ◽  
...  

Background: Plantar pressure measurements are commonly used to evaluate foot function in chronic musculoskeletal conditions. However, manually identifying anatomical landmarks is a source of measurement error and can produce unreliable data. The aim of this study was to evaluate intratester reliability associated with manual masking of plantar pressure measurements in patients with gout. Methods: Twenty-five patients with chronic gout (mean disease duration, 22 years) were recruited from rheumatology outpatient clinics. Patients were excluded if they were experiencing an acute gout flare at the time of assessment, had lower-limb amputation, or had diabetes mellitus. Manual masking of peak plantar pressures and pressure-time integrals under ten regions of the foot were undertaken on two occasions on the same day using an in-shoe pressure measurement system. Test-retest reliability was assessed by using intraclass correlation coefficients, SEM, 95% limits of agreement, and minimal detectable change. Results: Mean peak pressure intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.92 to 0.97, with SEM of 8% to 14%. The 95% limits of agreement ranged from−150.3 to 133.5 kPa, and the minimal detectable change ranged from 30.8 to 80.6 kPa. For pressure-time integrals, intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.86 to 0.94, and SEM were 5% to 29%, with the greater errors observed under the toes. The 95% limits of agreement ranged from −48.5 to 48.8 kPa/sec, and the minimal detectable change ranged from 6.8 to 21.0 kPa/sec. Conclusions: These findings provide clinicians with information confirming the errors associated with manual masking of plantar pressure measurements in patients with gout. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(5): 424–429, 2011)


10.2196/26443 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e26443
Author(s):  
Ariane Do Khac ◽  
Claire Jourdan ◽  
Sylvain Fazilleau ◽  
Claire Palayer ◽  
Isabelle Laffont ◽  
...  

Background Clinical evaluation of a pressure ulcer is based on quantitative and qualitative evaluation. In clinical practice, acetate tracing is the standard technique used to measure wound surface area; however, it is difficult to use in daily practice (because of material availability, data storage issues, and time needed to calculate the surface area). Planimetry techniques developed with mobile health (mHealth) apps can be used to overcome these difficulties. Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate the metrological properties of a free-access mHealth app, called imitoMeasure, to assess pressure ulcers. Methods This was a noninterventional, validation study. We included patients with spinal cord injury presenting with a pressure ulcer, regardless of its stage or location. We performed wound measurements with a ruler, and we performed acetate tracing using a transparent dressing with a wound measurement grid. Wound evaluation via the mHealth app was conducted twice by the main investigator and also by a coinvestigator to determine validity, intrarater reproducibility, and interrater reproducibility. Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to compute the minimal detectable change percentage. Results Overall, 61 different pressure ulcers were included. The validity, intrarater reproducibility, and interrater reproducibility of the mHealth app vs acetate tracing (considered the method of reference) were good, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.97 (95% CI 0.93-0.99), 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-0.99), and 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99), respectively, and minimal detectable change percentages between 17% and 35%. Conclusions The imitoMeasure app had good validity and reproducibility. It could be an alternative to standard wound assessment methods. Further studies on larger and more diverse wounds are needed. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04402398; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04402398


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Jamon Couch ◽  
Marc Sayers ◽  
Tania Pizzari

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.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 7954
Author(s):  
Antoine Langeard ◽  
Charlotte Mathon ◽  
Mourad Ould-Slimane ◽  
Leslie Decker ◽  
Nicolas Bessot ◽  
...  

Background: During gait, the braking index represents postural control, and consequently, the risk of falls. Previous studies based their determination of the braking index during the first step on kinetic methods using force platforms, which are highly variable. This study aimed to investigate whether determining the braking index with a kinematic method, through 3D motion capture, provides more precise results. Methods: Fifty participants (20 to 40 years) performed ten trials in natural and fast gait conditions. Their braking index was estimated from their first step simultaneously using a force platform and VICON motion capture system. The reliability of each braking index acquisition method was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error measurements, and the minimal detectable change. Results: Both kinetic and kinematic methods allowed good to excellent reliability and similar minimum detectable changes (10%). Conclusion: Estimating the braking index through a kinetic or a kinematic method was highly reliable.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Brett D. Tarca ◽  
Thomas P. Wycherley ◽  
Anthony Meade ◽  
Paul Bennett ◽  
Katia E. Ferrar

Context: Abdominal musculature underpins core stability, which can allow for optimal performance in many activities of daily living (eg, walking and rising from a chair). Therefore, assessment of the abdominal muscles poses as an important consideration for clinicians in order to identify people at risk of injury or functional decline. Objective: This study aimed to build on the limited amount of knowledge surrounding abdominal muscle strength assessments by investigating the validity and reliability of hand-held dynamometry (HHD) for the assessment of isometric abdominal flexion strength. Study Design and Participants: Comparative analysis for validity and test–retest reliability was employed on a cohort of apparently healthy individuals. HHD was compared with the criterion, isokinetic dynamometry, through an isometric contraction of trunk flexion on both instruments. Hand-held dynamometry assessments only were performed on a subsequent day for reliability analysis. The peak values for all assessments were recorded. Results: A total of 35 participants were recruited from the University of South Australia and the general public. Comparative analysis between the HHD and isokinetic dynamometer showed good agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients = .82), with the Bland–Altman plots confirming no proportional bias. Reliability analysis for the HHD reported good consistency (intraclass correlation coefficients = .87). Conclusion: HHD together with the participant setup (supine, trunk flexed, and supported at 25° with the legs horizontal and remaining unfixed) is a valid and reliable tool to assess isometric abdominal flexion strength.


2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine D. Johnson ◽  
Kyung-Min Kim ◽  
Byung-Kyu Yu ◽  
Susan A. Saliba ◽  
Terry L. Grindstaff

Context:The reliability of clinical techniques to quantify thoracic spine rotation range of motion (ROM) has not been evaluated.Objective:To determine the intratester and intertester reliability of 5 thoracic rotation measurement techniques.Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Setting:University research laboratory.Patients or Other Participants:Forty-six healthy volunteers (age = 23.6±4.3 years, height = 171.0±9.6 cm, mass = 71.4 ±16.7 kg).Main Outcome Measure(s):We tested 5 thoracic rotation ROM techniques over 2 days: seated rotation (bar in back and front), half-kneeling rotation (bar in back and front), and lumbar-locked rotation. On day 1, 2 examiners obtained 2 sets of measurements (sessions 1, 2) to determine the within-session intertester reliability and within-day intratester reliability. A single examiner obtained measurements on day 2 (session 3) to determine the intratester reliability between days. Each technique was performed 3 times per side, and averages were used for data analysis. Reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Differences between raters during session 1 were determined using paired t tests.Results:Within-session intertester reliability estimates ranged from 0.85 to 0.94. Ranges for the SEM were 1.0° to 2.3° and for the MDC were 2.8° to 6.3°. No differences were seen between examiners during session 1 for seated rotation (bar in front, both sides), half-kneeling rotation (bar in front, left side), or the lumbar locked position (both sides) (all values of P > .05). Within-day intratester reliability estimates ranged from 0.86 to 0.95. Ranges for the SEM were 0.8° to 2.1° and for the MDC were 2.1 ° to 5. 9°. Between-days intratester reliability estimates ranged from 0.84 to 0.91. Ranges for the SEM were 1.4° to 2.0° and for the MDC were 3.9° to 5.6°.Conclusions:All techniques had good reliability and low levels of measurement error. The seated rotation, bar in front, and lumbar-locked rotation tests may be used reliably when more than 1 examiner is obtaining measurements.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11521
Author(s):  
Basilio A.M. Goncalves ◽  
David J. Saxby ◽  
Adam Kositsky ◽  
Rod S. Barrett ◽  
Laura E. Diamond

Background Muscle strength testing is widely used in clinical and athletic populations. Commercially available dynamometers are designed to assess strength in three principal planes (sagittal, transverse, frontal). However, the anatomy of the hip suggests muscles may only be recruited submaximally during tasks performed in these principal planes. Objective To evaluate the inter-session reliability of maximal isometric hip strength in the principal planes and three intermediate planes. Methods Twenty participants (26.1 ± 2.7 years, 50% female) attended two testing sessions 6.2 ± 1.8 days apart. Participants completed 3-5 maximal voluntary isometric contractions for hip abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, and internal and external rotation measured using a fixed uniaxial load cell (custom rig) and commercial dynamometer (Biodex). Three intermediate hip actions were also tested using the custom rig: extension with abduction, extension with external rotation, and extension with both abduction and external rotation. Results Moderate-to-excellent intraclass correlation coefficients were observed for all principal and intermediate muscle actions using the custom rig (0.72–0.95) and the Biodex (0.85–0.95). The minimum detectable change was also similar between devices (custom rig = 11–31%; Biodex = 9–20%). Bland-Altman analysis revealed poor agreement between devices (range between upper and lower limits of agreement = 77–131%). Conclusions Although the custom rig and Biodex showed similar reliability, both devices may lack the sensitivity to detect small changes in hip strength commonly observed following intervention.


1991 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 989-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Shaw ◽  
Truman E. Coggins

This study examines whether observers reliably categorize selected speech production behaviors in hearing-impaired children. A group of experienced speech-language pathologists was trained to score the elicited imitations of 5 profoundly and 5 severely hearing-impaired subjects using the Phonetic Level Evaluation (Ling, 1976). Interrater reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Overall, the magnitude of the coefficients was found to be considerably below what would be accepted in published behavioral research. Failure to obtain acceptably high levels of reliability suggests that the Phonetic Level Evaluation may not yet be an accurate and objective speech assessment measure for hearing-impaired children.


Author(s):  
Marcos A Soriano ◽  
G Gregory Haff ◽  
Paul Comfort ◽  
Francisco J Amaro-Gahete ◽  
Antonio Torres-González ◽  
...  

The aims of this study were to (I) determine the differences and relationship between the overhead press and split jerk performance in athletes involved in weightlifting training, and (II) explore the magnitude of these differences in one-repetition maximum (1RM) performances between sexes. Sixty-one men (age: 30.4 ± 6.7 years; height: 1.8 ± 0.5 m; body mass 82.5 ± 8.5 kg; weightlifting training experience: 3.7 ± 3.5 yrs) and 21 women (age: 29.5 ± 5.2 yrs; height: 1.7 ± 0.5 m; body mass: 62.6 ± 5.7 kg; weightlifting training experience: 3.0 ± 1.5 yrs) participated. The 1RM performance of the overhead press and split jerk were assessed for all participants, with the overhead press assessed on two occasions to determine between-session reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and 95% confidence intervals showed a high reliability for the overhead press ICC = 0.98 (0.97 – 0.99). A very strong correlation and significant differences were found between the overhead press and split jerk 1RM performances for all participants (r = 0.90 [0.93 – 0.85], 60.2 ± 18.3 kg, 95.7 ± 29.3 kg, p ≤ 0.001). Men demonstrated stronger correlations between the overhead press and split jerk 1RM performances (r = 0.83 [0.73-0.90], p ≤ 0.001) compared with women (r = 0.56 [0.17-0.80], p = 0.008). These results provide evidence that 1RM performance of the overhead press and split jerk performance are highly related, highlighting the importance of upper-limb strength in the split jerk maximum performance.


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