scholarly journals Is There Any Relationship between Upper and Lower Limb Impairments in People with Multiple Sclerosis? A Kinematic Quantitative Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Coghe ◽  
Federica Corona ◽  
Giuseppina Pilloni ◽  
Micaela Porta ◽  
Jessica Frau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Motor Tasks ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Gait Parameters ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Spatiotemporal Parameters

Background. In people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), disability is generally assessed on the basis of ambulation abilities, whereas upper limb motor dysfunctions are less frequently considered. Nevertheless, they can severely affect the quality of life of pwMS. To date, it remains mostly unknown whether a relationship exists between upper and lower limb impairments. Aim. To investigate the existence of a relationship between upper and lower limb impairments in pwMS based on two fundamental motor tasks, namely walking and hand-to-mouth (HTM) movement. Methods. Twenty-eight pwMS with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores in the range of 1–6, and 21 healthy controls (HC) underwent a kinematic analysis of gait and HTM movement performed with a motion capture system. The spatiotemporal parameters for the two tasks were calculated and correlated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Results. The pwMS performed worse than HC on both tasks. Small to large correlations were found between the total HTM movement duration and most of the gait parameters (rho, 0.35–0.68; p<0.05). Conclusions. Both upper and lower limb motor abilities in pwMS worsen as disability increases. Nevertheless, their relationship is only moderate. This finding emphasizes the need for specific tests to quantify disability considering the overall motor function in pwMS.

scholarly journals Correlation Between Disability Measure and Black Hole (T1 Hypointense Lesion) Lesion Load in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Valizadeh ◽  
Elham Barati ◽  
Mohammad Ali Sahraian ◽  
Mohammad Reza Fattahi ◽  
Mana Moassefi
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Abstract Introduction: As the role of neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more prominent, the formation and evolution of chronic or persistent T1-hypointense lesions (Black Holes) have been used as markers of axonal loss and neuronal destruction to measure disease activity. However, findings regarding this subject are controversial. In this study we aim to clarify the level of importance of T1 hypointense lesions for estimating the prognosis of patients.Methods: We will search MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase and Web of Science for relevant studies. We will extract the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) between the T1 hypointense lesion volume and Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in participants. All included studies will be evaluated for the risk of bias. We will also perform a meta-analysis on the data. The risk of publication bias will be evaluated using Funnel plots. Finally, we will assess the confidence in cumulative evidence using an adapted version of GRADE.

scholarly journals Factors Determining Success in Youth Judokas

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 207-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goran Kuvačić ◽  
Saša Krstulović ◽  
Petra Đapić Caput
Keyword(s):  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Criterion Variable ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Applied Model ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Determining Factors ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
High Level

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare two models of determining factors for success in judo. The first model (Model A) included testing motor abilities of high-level Croatian judokas in the cadet age category. The sample in Model A consisted of 71 male and female judokas aged 16 ± 0.6 years who were divided into four subsamples according to sex and weight category. The second model (Model B) consisted of interviewing 40 top-level judo experts on the importance of motor abilities for cadets’ success in judo. According to Model A, the greatest impact on the criterion variable of success in males and females of heavier weight categories were variables assessing maximum strength, coordination and jumping ability. In the lighter weight male categories, the highest correlation with the criterion variable of success was the variable assessing agility. However, in the lighter weight female categories, the greatest impact on success had the variable assessing muscular endurance. In Model B, specific endurance was crucial for success in judo, while flexibility was the least important, regardless of sex and weight category. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients showed that there were no significant correlations in the results obtained in Models A and B for all observed subsamples. Although no significant correlations between the factors for success obtained through Models A and B were found, common determinants of success, regardless of the applied model, were identified.

scholarly journals Correlation between disability measure and Black Hole (T1 hypointense lesion) lesion load in brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS): Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Valizadeh ◽  
Elham Barati ◽  
Mohammad Ali Sahraian ◽  
Mohammad Reza Fattahi ◽  
Mana Moassefi
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Formation And Evolution ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Abstract Introduction: As the role of neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more prominent, the formation and evolution of chronic or persistent T1-hypointense lesions (Black Holes) have been used as markers of axonal loss and neuronal destruction to measure disease activity. However, findings regarding this subject are controversial. In this study we aim to clarify the level of importance of T1 hypointense lesions for estimating the prognosis of patients.Methods: We will search MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase and Web of Science for relevant studies. We will extract the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) between the T1 hypointense lesion volume and Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in participants. All included studies will be evaluated for the risk of bias. We will also perform a meta-analysis on the data. The risk of publication bias will be evaluated using Funnel plots. Finally, we will assess the confidence in cumulative evidence using an adapted version of GRADE.

Combined visual and motor evoked potentials predict multiple sclerosis disability after 20 years

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1348-1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina Schlaeger ◽  
Christian Schindler ◽  
Leticia Grize ◽  
Sophie Dellas ◽  
Ernst W Radue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Motor Evoked Potentials ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Disease Modifying Therapy ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Adaptive Processes ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Predictive Relationships ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Background: The development of predictors of multiple sclerosis (MS) disability is difficult due to the complex interplay of pathophysiological and adaptive processes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether combined evoked potential (EP)-measures allow prediction of MS disability after 20 years. Methods: We examined 28 patients with clinically definite MS according to Poser’s criteria with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, combined visual and motor EPs at entry (T0), 6 (T1), 12 (T2) and 24 (T3) months, and a cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at T0 and T2. EDSS testing was repeated at year 14 (T4) and year 20 (T5). Spearman rank correlation was used. We performed a multivariable regression analysis to examine predictive relationships of the sum of z-transformed EP latencies ( s-EPT0) and other baseline variables with EDSST5. Results: We found that s-EPT0 correlated with EDSST5 (rho=0.72, p<0.0001) and ΔEDSST5-T0 (rho=0.50, p=0.006). Backward selection resulted in the prediction model: E (EDSST5)=3.91–2.22×therapy+0.079×age+0.057× s-EPT0 (Model 1, R2=0.58) with therapy as binary variable (1=any disease-modifying therapy between T3 and T5, 0=no therapy). Neither EDSST0 nor T2-lesion or gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesion quantities at T0 improved prediction of EDSST5. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.89 for model 1. Conclusions: These results further support a role for combined EP-measures as predictors of long-term disability in MS.

scholarly journals Concurrent validity of the Sensory Organization Test measures in unilateral transtibial amputees

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prasath Jayakaran ◽  
Gillian M Johnson ◽  
S John Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Sensory Organization Test ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Sensory Organization ◽  
Clinical Measures ◽  
Transtibial Amputees ◽  
Lower Limb Amputees ◽  
Strategy Score

Background and Aim: The physical asymmetries associated with a prosthesis raises the question of validity of the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) measures (equilibrium score (ES) and strategy score (SS)) in lower limb amputees. This study explores the validity of these measures in transtibial amputees by correlating with their corresponding centre of pressure (COP) excursion/velocity measures. Technique: Fifteen transtibial amputees (69.5 ± 6.5 years) completed three trials for each of the six SOT conditions. Discussion: The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients between ESs and global COP excursion/velocity measures ranged from 0.52 to 0.71 for Conditions 1, 4 and 5, 0.79 to 0.85 for Conditions 2 and 3, and 0.39 to 0.43 for Condition 6. The coefficients for SSs ranged between 0.78 and 0.97 for Conditions 1 to 5 and 0.55 to 0.67 for Condition 6. The corresponding sound and prosthetic side COP variables demonstrated varying strengths of association with ES and SS. Clinical relevance Of the two clinical measures examined, the SSs are strongly reflective of COP excursion/velocity measures and these findings have application in the interpretation of SOT when evaluating balance in transtibial amputees.

scholarly journals Toward Capturing the Exposome: Exposure Biomarker Variability and Co-Exposure Patterns in the Shared Environment

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Kei Chung ◽  
Kurunthachalam Kannan ◽  
Germaine M. Buck Louis ◽  
Chirag J. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Shared Environment ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemical ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Exposure Biomarker ◽  
Exposure Patterns ◽  
Household Environment ◽  
Study Participants

AbstractBACKGROUND:Along with time, variation in the exposome is dependent on the location and sex of study participants. One specific factor that may influence exposure co-variations is a shared household environment.OBJECTIVES:To examine the influence of shared household and partner’s sex in relation to the variation in 128 endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) exposures among couples.METHODS:In a cohort comprising 501 couples trying for pregnancy, we measured 128 (13 chemical classes) persistent and non-persistent EDCs and estimated 1) sex-specific differences; 2) variance explained by shared household; and 3) Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients (rs) for females, males, and couples’ exposures.RESULTS:Sex was correlated with 8 EDCs including polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (p< 0.05). Shared household explained 43% and 41% of the total variance for PFASs and blood metals, respectively, but less than 20% for the remaining 11 EDC classes. Co-exposure patterns of the exposome were similar between females and males, with within-classrs higher for persistent and lower for non-persistent chemicals. Medianrss of polybrominated compounds and urine metalloids were 0.45 and 0.09, respectively, for females (0.41 and 0.08 for males), whereas lowerrss for these 2 classes were found for couples (0.21 and 0.04).CONCLUSIONS:Overall, sex did not significantly affect EDC levels in couples. Individual, rather than shared environment, could be a major factor influencing the co-variation of 128 markers of the exposome. Correlations between exposures are lower in couples than in individual partners and have important analytical and sampling implications for epidemiological study.

Do you see the same cat that I see? Relationships between Qualitative Behaviour Assessment and indicators traditionally used to assess temperament in domestic cats

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-223
Author(s):  
IC Travnik ◽  
AC Sant'Anna
Keyword(s):  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Emotional Expressions ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Qualitative Behaviour ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Coding Method

This study into the behaviour of domestic cats (Feliscatus) aimed to assess the relationship between behavioural expressions obtained via the Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) and quantitative outcomes of temperament tests. Four behavioural tests were used: Unfamiliar person (UP); Novel object (NO); Conspecific reaction (CR); and Food offering (FO) tests. Tests were filmed and assessed using an ethogram that included 25 discrete behavioural categories, generating quantitative information (coding method) on the existing temperament dimensions. Videos were also assessed by another observer using the QBA method, based on a list of 20 adjectives rated in visual analogue scales (rating method). Data were analysed using Principal Component Analysis. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to relate the principal components (PC) of QBA to the temperament dimensions obtained with the coding method. The QBA allowed us to identify three PC, explaining 76.63% of the total variance. PC1 ranged from 'calm/relaxed/friendly' to 'tense/fearful/alert', reflecting the valence of cats' behavioural and emotional expressions towards the stimuli tested. PC2 ranged from 'indifferent' to 'agitated/active', indicating the level of emotional arousal, and PC3 ranged from 'aggressive' to 'suspicious' and could be interpreted as an axis of 'aggressiveness — caution' in response to the stimuli. The first PC obtained for each test by using the coding method was significantly correlated with the PC1 of QBA, suggesting that the variations in cats' behavioural and emotional expressions identified by QBA were correlated with the main quantitative outcomes of temperament tests traditionally applied for domestic cats. QBA could be a promising tool for identifying and differentiating cat temperament profiles. Further research is required to assess the potential use of QBA as a feasible and practical method for use in shelters.

scholarly journals Dose Correlation of Danggui and Chuanxiong Drug Pairs in the Chinese Medicine Prescription Based on the Copula Function

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Xuan Zhao ◽  
Wei Lin ◽  
Jiawei Li ◽  
Yunhui Chen ◽  
Anamica Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Copula Function ◽  
Prescription Database ◽  
Irregular Menstruation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient

Dosage is essential for studying the compatibility and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. Danggui and Chuanxiong are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for ailments and treatment of various disorders. 628 traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions containing Danggui and Chuanxiong were extracted from the self-built prescription database and screened for the three groups of prescriptions, i.e., irregular menstruation, sores, and stroke. We processed and tested the dosage of Danggui and Chuanxiong and selected the optimal copula function, Gumbel copula function, from the Archimedes function family and elliptical copula function family to establish the data model. To establish the presence of a correlation between the dose of Danggui and Chuanxiong, a graph of the joint distribution function of rank correlation coefficients, Kendall’s rank correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, was used. Our results suggest that the model using the Gumbel copula function better reflects the correlation between the dose of Danggui and Chuanxiong. For irregular menstruation, sores, and strokes, Kendall’s rank correlation coefficients were 0.6724, 0.5930, and 0.7757, respectively, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were 0.8536, 0.7812, and 0.9285, respectively. In all three prescription groups, the dose of Danggui and Chuanxiong was positively correlated, implying that, as the dosage of one drug increases, the dosage of the other increases as well. From the perspective of data mining and mathematical statistics, the use of the copula function model to evaluate the correlation between the prescribed dosage of the two drugs was innovative and provided a new model for the scientific interpretation of the compatibility of traditional drugs. This might also serve to guide the clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine.

scholarly journals Evaluating the muscular strength, functional capacity, and risk of sarcopenia in elderly women who practice Mat Pilates

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Vicentini de Oliveira ◽  
Amanda Mansano de Souza ◽  
Áurea Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Mateus Dias Antunes ◽  
Natália Serra Lovato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Level Of Significance

Abstract Introduction: Despite the importance of appropriate levels of muscular strength to maintain the functional capacity and a healthy life in old age, the current literature still lacks studies that investigate the profile of elderly women who practice Mat Pilates regarding these variables. Objective: This study aimed to analyze muscular strength, functional capacity, and risk of sarcopenia in elderly women who practiced Mat Pilates. Method: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 50 elderly women who practice Mat Pilates in the city of Maringá, Paraná. Sociodemographic and health questionnaires were used, in addition to tests created by a Latin American development group for maturity called Grupo de Desenvolvimento Latino Americano para a Maturidade (GDLAM), sitting-rising test, arm curl test, and SARC-F questionnaire. For data analysis, Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney U tests, as well as Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficients, were used. The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: The 70-79-year-old elderly women showed worse results in the functional capacity and muscular strength tests of the upper limbs and a higher risk of sarcopenia than the individuals who were under 70 years of age. Muscular strength was inversely related to the reduction of the risk of sarcopenia, and functional capacity was directly associated with this risk. Conclusion: A good functional capacity seems to be related to the reduction of the risk of sarcopenia. Age seems to be an intervening factor for reducing muscular strength levels and functional capacity and increasing the risk of sarcopenia.

scholarly journals Assessing the agricultural trade complementarity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 464-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoang Viet
Keyword(s):  
Regional Integration ◽  
Similarity Index ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
World Market ◽  
Agricultural Trade ◽  
Southeast Asian ◽  
Agricultural Export ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Asean Countries

This paper aims to investigate the agricultural trade complementarity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries on the global agricultural market over the period 1997–2015 by employing the trade complementarity index (TCI), the export similarity index (ESI), and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients for competitiveness indicators. The results indicate that: (i) the ASEAN countries’ agricultural export patterns are weakly complementary in matching the regional import demands; while (ii) they are relatively complementary in exporting agricultural products to the world market; (iii) the countries’ agricultural competitiveness patterns are more affected by and benefited from the global integration than the regional integration; and (iv) the countries, moreover, tend to become more substitutable over time. The research results suggest that the ASEAN countries should cooperate and utilise the internal markets to enhance the competitiveness and predominantly focus on the external global markets.

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