Validity and reliability of a new ankle dorsiflexion measurement device

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred Gatt ◽  
Nachiappan Chockalingam

Background: The assessment of the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle is an important clinical examination procedure. Evidence shows that the traditional goniometer is highly unreliable, and various designs of goniometers to measure the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle rely on the application of a known force to obtain reliable results. Hence, an innovative ankle dorsiflexion measurement device was designed to make this measurement more reliable by holding the foot in a selected posture without the application of a known moment. Objectives: To report on the comprehensive validity and reliability testing carried out on the new device. Methods: Following validity testing, four different trials to test reliability of the ankle dorsiflexion measurement device were performed. These trials included inter-rater and intra-rater testings with a controlled moment, intra-rater reliability testing with knees flexed and extended without a controlled moment, intra-rater testing with a patient population, and inter-rater reliability testing between four raters of varying experience without controlling moment. All raters were blinded. Study Design: A series of trials to test intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities. Results: Intra-rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.98 and inter-rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1) was 0.953 with a controlled moment. With uncontrolled moment, very high reliability for intra-tester was also achieved (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94 with knees extended and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95 with knees flexed). For the trial investigating test–retest reliability with actual patients, intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 was obtained. In the trial investigating four different raters with uncontrolled moment, intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91 was achieved. Conclusions: The new ankle dorsiflexion measurement device is a valid and reliable device for measuring ankle dorsiflexion in both healthy subjects and patients, with both controlled and uncontrolled moments, even by multiple raters of varying experience when the foot is dorsiflexed to its end of range of motion. Clinical relevance An ankle dorsiflexion measuring device has been designed to increase the reliability of ankle dorsiflexion measurement and replace the traditional goniometer. While the majority of similar devices rely on application of a known moment to perform this measurement, it has been shown that this is not required with the new ankle dorsiflexion measurement device and, rather, foot posture should be taken into consideration as this affects the maximum ankle dorsiflexion angle.

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Taelim Yoon ◽  
Jihyun Lee

Background/aims Ankle instability is one of the most common injuries that can occur during everyday life, sports and exercise. Recently, smartphone accelerometers have been used to measure single leg balance associated with ankle instability, because they are easy to use, inexpensive and can be used in small spaces. Thus, the purpose of this study was to introduce and investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the smartphone accelerometer when assessing ankle instability. Methods A total of 26 individuals who had ankle instability were recruited. The single leg stance balance was measured using a smartphone accelerometer (Accelerometer application) and a force platform (I-Balance) for 5 seconds with their eyes open or their eyes closed. Results In the eyes open position, intra-rater reliability of the smartphone accelerometer was excellent for both raters (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.87–0.90); and the inter-rater reliability was moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.71). In the eyes closed position, the intra-rater reliability of the smartphone accelerometer was excellent for both raters (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.90–0.93); the inter-rater reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.82). Additionally, there were fair positive correlations between the smartphone accelerometer and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, and between the smartphone accelerometer and I-Balance (r=0.33, 0.30 respectively). Conclusions The present study demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliabilities of two raters and moderate to good inter-rater reliabilities. The smartphone accelerometer offers several important advantages as a potential portable medical device to assess ankle instability accurately. Although there was a positive correlation, the relationships between the smartphone accelerometer and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and that between the smartphone accelerometer and I-Balance were fair. Future studies should investigate the validity of the smartphone accelerometer as a portable medical device for determining ankle instability.


Ultrasound ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa L Kennedy ◽  
Carol A Flavell ◽  
Kenji Doma

A “free hand” real-time-ultrasound method is commonly applied to measure transversus abdominis. Potentially, this increases transversus abdominis measurement error due to uncontrolled variability in probe to skin force, inclination, and roll, particularly for novice examiners. This single-group repeated-measures reliability study compared the intra-rater reliability of transversus abdominis thickness and activation measurement by a novice examiner between free hand and a standardized probe force device method. The examiner captured ultrasound videos of transversus abdominis in a single session in healthy participants ( n =  33). Free hand ultrasound featured uncontrolled probe force, inclination, and roll, while probe force device method ultrasound standardized these parameters. Images of transversus abdominis at rest and contracted were measured and transversus abdominis activation calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement, and worthwhile differences were calculated. The probe force device method resulted in greater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75–0.96) and lower measurement error (coefficient of variation = 8.89–28.7%) compared to free hand (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.63–0.93; coefficient of variation = 6.52–29.4%). Reliability was good for all measurements except free hand TrA-C, which was moderate. TrA-C had the lowest reliability, followed by contracted thickness of the transverse abdominis, with resting thickness of the transverse abdominis being highest. Worthwhile differences were lower using a probe force device method versus free hand for resting thickness of the transverse abdominis and contracted thickness of the transverse abdominis and similar for TrA-C. Standardization using probe force device method ultrasound to measure transversus abdominis improved intra-rater reliability in a novice examiner. Use of a probe force device method is recommended to improve reliability through reduced sources of measurement error. Probe force device method intra- and inter-rater reliability in examiners of varying experience, in clinical populations, and to visualize other structures merits exploration.


2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Pedrini ◽  
Márcia Aparecida Gonçalves ◽  
Bruna Estima Leal ◽  
Michelle Gonçalves de Souza Tavares ◽  
Wellington Pereira Yamaguti ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the concurrent validity, as well as the intra- and inter-rater reliability, of assessing diaphragmatic mobility by area (DMarea) on chest X-rays of healthy adults. Methods: We evaluated anthropometric parameters, pulmonary function, and diaphragmatic mobility in 43 participants. Two observers (rater A and rater B) determined diaphragmatic mobility at two time points. We used Pearson’s correlation coefficient to evaluate the correlation between DMarea and the assessment of diaphragmatic mobility by distance (DMdist). To evaluate intra- and inter-rater reliability, we used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]), 95% CI, and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: A significant correlation was found between the DMarea and DMdist methods (r = 0.743; p < 0.0001). For DMarea, the intra-rater reliability was found to be quite high for the right hemidiaphragm (RHD)-ICC (2,1) = 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86-0.95) for rater A and ICC (2,1) = 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84-0.94) for rater B-and the left hemidiaphragm (LHD)-ICC (2,1) = 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93-0.97) for rater A and ICC (2,1) = 0.91 (95% CI: 0.81-0.95) for rater B-(p < 0.0001 for all). Also for DMarea, the inter-rater reliability was found to be quite high for the first and second evaluations of the RHD-ICC (2,1) = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-0.99) and ICC (2,1) = 0.95 (95% CI: 0.86-0.97), respectively-and the LHD-ICC (2,1) = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98-0.99) and ICC (2,1) = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87-0.97)-(p < 0.0001 for both). The Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the mobility of the RHD and that of the LHD. Conclusions: The DMarea method proved to be a valid, reliable measure of diaphragmatic mobility.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 594
Author(s):  
Mehmet Yıldız ◽  
Uğur Fidan

Many laboratory and field tests are used in the literature to measure agility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a new Reactive Agility Test developed for badminton. A total of fourty male [ 20 elites (age: 20.8 ± 2.98 year, height: 174.55 ± 12.03 cm, weight: 65.70 ± 14.41 kg) and 20 sub-elites (age: 22.20±1,51, height: 170.01 ± 05.80 cm, weight: 62.45 ± 6,45 kg)] badminton players took part in the present study. For validity, the difference and relationship between newly developed reactive agility and planned changing direction tests in terms of elit and sub-elit players was examined. In the reliability measurements of test-retest, The Reactive Agility Test at same route was performed twice. Independent sample t test was carried out in order to detect the difference among the groups in the search for validity. The identification of the relations between the two different tests was performed with linear regression analysis. The reliability of test-retest was tried to be estimated with the coefficient of variances and intraclass correlation coefficient, and the Bland Altman method. In addition, a systematic difference between the test and the retest was estimated with the paired t test. At the end of the study, while there was not a significant difference found in the rates of planned changing direction of the elit and sub-elit players, it was detected that reactive agility rates were better in the elit players (7.14±4.85 sec and 9.87±5.07 sec, respectively). Moreover, a high coefficient determination was revealed between two tests (r2: 0.63, p<0.01). In the comparison of test-retest, a high intraclass correlation coefficient (0.930) and a very low coefficient of variances (4.7) were found. Furthermore, it was observed in the Bland Altman graph that a 95% of concordance range of the data obtained between two measurements was a good and narrow concordance.  In conclusion, it was determined that the new developed badminton specific Reactive Agility Test is a valid and reliable measurement method and it is suggested that this test protocol can be used to enhance and monitor reactive agility ability of badminton players.Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetLiteratürde çevikliğin ölçülmesi amacıyla birçok laboratuvar ve saha testi kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı badminton sporuna göre düzenlenmiş Reaktif Çeviklik Testinin güvenirlik ve geçerliğinin araştırılmasıdır. Araştırmaya toplam kırk erkek [20 elit (yaş: 20,8±2,98 yıl, boy uzunluğu: 174,55±12,03 cm, vücut ağırlığı:65,70±14,41 kg) ve 20 sub-elit (yaş: 22,20±1,51 yıl, boy uzunluğu: 170,01±05,80 cm, vücut ağırlığı:62,45±6,45 kg)] badminton oyuncusu katılmıştır. Geçerlik için yeni geliştirilen reaktif çeviklik ile planlı yön değiştirme testlerinin elit ve sub-elit katılımcılar arasındaki istatistiksel karşılaştırması ve ilişkisi analiz edilmiştir. Test-tekrar test güvenirlik ölçümlerinde aynı rotadaki reaktif çeviklik testi birer gün arayla iki kez uygulanmıştır. Geçerlik çalışmasında gruplar arası farkın belirlenmesi için bağımsız değişken t testi ve testler arası ilişkinin fonksiyonel olarak açıklanması ve bu ilişkinin bir modelle tanımlanması için basit doğrusal regresyon analizi yapılmıştır. Test-tekrar test güvenirliği varyasyon katsayısı, sınıf içi korelasyon katsayısı ve Bland Altman metodu ile kestirim edilmiştir. Ayrıca test- tekrar test arasında sistematik bir farkın olup olmadığı eşleştirilmiş t testi ile sınanmıştır.  Çalışma sonunda elit ve sub-elit oyuncuların planlı yön değiştirme bulguları anlamlı bir fark bulunmazken, reaktif çeviklik derecelerinin elit oyuncularda istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklı (sırasıyla 7,14±4.85 sn ve 9,87±5,07 sn) şekilde düşük olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bununla beraber her iki test arasında yüksek düzeyde  bir açıklayıcılık katsayısı tespit (r2: 0,63, p<0.01) edilmiştir. Test- tekrar test karşılaştırılmasında yüksek bir sınıf içi korelasyon katsayısı (0,930) ve çok düşük varyasyon katsayısı (4,7) belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca Bland-Altman grafiğinde iki ölçüm arasında elde edilen tüm verilerin %95 uyum aralığının dar ve iyi bir uyum gösterdiği gözlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak,  badminton sporuna göre düzenlenmiş Reaktif Çeviklik Testinin geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçüm yöntemi olduğu tespit edilmiştir ve badminton oyuncularının reaktif çeviklik becerilerinin geliştirilmesinde ve gelişimlerinin takibinde kullanılabileceği önerilmektedir. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 1479-1491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulong Wang ◽  
Shanshan Guo ◽  
Jiejiao Zheng ◽  
Qing Mei Wang ◽  
Yuling Zhang ◽  
...  

Objective:The aim of this study was to validate a novel pictorial-based Longshi Scale for evaluating a patient’s disability by healthcare professionals and non-professionals.Design:Prospective study.Setting:Rehabilitation departments from a grade A, class 3 public hospital, a grade B, class 2 public hospital, and a private hospital and seven community rehabilitation centers.Subjects:A total of 618 patients and 251 patients with functional disabilities were recruited in a two-phase study, respectively.Main measures:Outcome measure: pictorial scale of activities of daily living (ADLs, Longshi Scale). Reference measure: Barthel Index. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the validity of Longshi Scale against Barthel Index.Results:In phase 1 study, from March 2016 to August 2016, the results demonstrated that the Longshi Scale was both reliable and valid (intraclass correlation coefficient based on two-way random effect (ICC2,1) = 0.877–0.974 for intra-rater reliability; ICC2,1= 0.928–0.979; κ = 0.679–1.000 for inter-rater reliability; intraclass correlation coefficient based on one-way random effect (ICC1,1) = 0.921–0.984 for test–retest reliability and Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.836–0.899). In the second phase, in March 2018, results further demonstrated that the Longshi Scale had good inter-rater and intra-rater reliability among healthcare professionals and non-professionals including therapists, interns, and personal care aids (ICC1,1= 0.822–0.882 on Day 1; ICC1,1= 0.842–0.899 on Day 7 for inter-rater reliability). In addition, the Longshi Scale decreased assessment time significantly, compared with the Barthel Index assessment ( P < 0.01).Conclusion:The Longshi Scale could potentially provide an efficient way for healthcare professionals and non-professionals who may have minimal training to assess the ADLs of functionally disabled patients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marília Duarte Valim ◽  
Maria Helena Palucci Marziale ◽  
Miyeko Hayashida ◽  
Fernanda Ludmilla Rossi Rocha ◽  
Jair Lício Ferreira Santos

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Questionnaire for Compliance with Standard Precaution for nurses. METHODS : This methodological study was conducted with 121 nurses from health care facilities in Sao Paulo's countryside, who were represented by two high-complexity and by three average-complexity health care facilities. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha and stability was calculated by the intraclass correlation coefficient, through test-retest. Convergent, discriminant, and known-groups construct validity techniques were conducted. RESULTS : The questionnaire was found to be reliable (Cronbach's alpha: 0.80; intraclass correlation coefficient: (0.97) In regards to the convergent and discriminant construct validity, strong correlation was found between compliance to standard precautions, the perception of a safe environment, and the smaller perception of obstacles to follow such precautions (r = 0.614 and r = 0.537, respectively). The nurses who were trained on the standard precautions and worked on the health care facilities of higher complexity were shown to comply more (p = 0.028 and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS : The Brazilian version of the Questionnaire for Compliance with Standard Precaution was shown to be valid and reliable. Further investigation must be conducted with nurse samples that are more representative of the Brazilian reality. The use of the questionnaire may support the creation of educational measures considering the possible gaps that can be identified, focusing on the workers' health and on the patients' safety.


2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 658-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. N. Sletten ◽  
L. Nordsletten ◽  
G. A. Hjorthaug ◽  
J. C. Hellund ◽  
I. Holme ◽  
...  

Four methods for measuring volar angulation in 5th metacarpal neck fractures were tested for validity and reliability. Mid-medullary canal measurement in the lateral view (method MC-90) has previously been proven valid in a cadaveric study, hence used as a reference to test validity of the latter three. These three yielded a significant different mean fracture angle compared with MC-90, with only minor enhancement in reliability. Therefore, none of these three methods is recommended as a better standard method than the MC-90, where reliability was found to be substantial (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.53–0.81). Two methods for measuring shortening in 5th metacarpal neck fractures were compared, and stipulation of shortening by drawing a line through the most distal point of the heads of the neighbouring 3rd and 4th metacarpals (method SH-Stip) is a simple method with excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.81–0.96) for estimating shortening, requiring only radiological examination of the injured hand.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 205846011985518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Phexell ◽  
Anna Åkesson ◽  
Marcus Söderberg ◽  
Anetta Bolejko

Background Different low-dose computed tomography (CT) pelvimetry methods can be used to evaluate the size of birth canal before delivery. CT pelvimetry might generate an acceptable low fetal radiation dose but its measurement accuracy is unknown. Purpose To investigate intra- and inter-rater measurement reliability of cross-sectional and two spiral CT pelvimetry methods: standard spiral and short spiral. Material and Methods Ten individuals (age ≥60 years, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) having a CT scan of the abdomen also had CT pelvimetry scans. Three radiologists made independent measurements of each pelvimetry method on two occasions and also in consensus for a reference pelvimetry computed from the standard-dose CT scan of the abdomen. Inter- and intra-rater reliability was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient. Results Measurements in the short spiral pelvimetry demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.93, and good to excellent 95% confidence interval 0.87–0.99. Corresponding results of the standard spiral and cross-sectional pelvimetry showed good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.85 and ≥0.76, and 95% confidence interval was least good and moderate 0.73–0.98 and 0.59–0.97, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient between reference pelvimetry and other CT methods showed analogous results. Conclusion The short spiral pelvimetry demonstrated high and best reliability in comparison to other methods. Standard spiral method showed also good measurement reliability but the short spiral pelvimetry generates lower fetal radiation dose. This method might be suitable for measurements at narrow pelvis. Patient acceptance and attitude to CT pelvimetry should be investigated.


2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 365-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Jacqueline Hayes ◽  
Evelyn Sharples ◽  
Dawid Gondek ◽  
Emily Stapley ◽  
...  

Background‘Situation Awareness For Everyone’ (SAFE) was a 3-year project which aimed to improve situation awareness in clinical teams in order to detect potential deterioration and other potential risks to children on hospital wards. The key intervention was the ‘huddle’, a structured case management discussion which is central to facilitating situation awareness. This study aimed to develop an observational assessment tool to assess the team processes occurring during huddles, including the effectiveness of the huddle.MethodsA cross-sectional observational design was used to psychometrically develop the ‘Huddle Observation Tool’ (HOT) over three phases using standardised psychometric methodology. Huddles were observed across four NHS paediatric wards participating in SAFE by five researchers; two wards within specialist children hospitals and two within district general hospitals, with location, number of beds and length of stay considered to make the sample as heterogeneous as possible. Inter-rater reliability was calculated using the weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient.ResultsInter-rater reliability was acceptable for the collaborative culture (weighted kappa=0.32, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.42), environment items (weighted kappa=0.78, 95% CI 0.52 to 1) and total score (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.87, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95). It was lower for the structure and risk management items, suggesting that these were more variable in how observers rated them. However, agreement on the global score for huddles was acceptable.ConclusionWe developed an observational assessment tool to assess the team processes occurring during huddles, including the effectiveness of the huddle. Future research should examine whether observational evaluations of huddles are associated with other indicators of safety on clinical wards (eg, safety climate and incidents of patient harm), and whether scores on the HOT are associated with improved situation awareness and reductions in deterioration and adverse events in clinical settings, such as inpatient wards.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 960-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Molund ◽  
Elisabeth Ellingsen Husebye ◽  
Fredrik Nilsen ◽  
Jan Hellesnes ◽  
Gøran Berdal ◽  
...  

Background: Important aspects on the diagnostics of isolated gastrocnemius contractures (IGCs) have been poorly described. This study was designed to validate a new ankle range of motion (ROM) measuring device for diagnosing an IGC. In addition, we wanted to investigate the reliability of the clinical Silfverskiöld test. Methods: Twelve health care personnel (24 feet) were examined by 4 testers on 3 different occasions for the reliability testing of the new ankle ROM measuring device. The same participants were examined using the Silfverskiöld test to examine the reliability of the clinical test. Eleven patients (15 feet) with IGC were examined before gastrocnemius recession, immediately after surgery, and 3 months after surgery to examine the validity and responsiveness of the ankle ROM device. Results: An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.85 was found for both inter- and intrarater reliability for the new ankle ROM device. The device confirmed an IGC in 13 of 15 feet before surgery and 3 of 13 feet at 3-month follow-up. At baseline, the measured ankle dorsiflexion was median 3 degrees with the knee in extension, which increased to 10 degrees ( P < .001) immediately after surgery and 12 degrees ( P = .003) at 3-month follow-up. ICC values of 0.230 to 0.791 were observed for the inter- and intrarater reliability testing of the clinical Silfverskiöld test. Conclusion: The new ankle ROM measuring device was reliable and responsive for detecting IGC. The Silfverskiöld test had poor inter- and intrarater reliability. Level of evidence Level II, prospective cohort study.


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