scholarly journals Demonstration of the test-retest reliability and sensitivity of the Lower Limb Functional Index-10 as a measure of functional recovery post burn injury: a cross-sectional repeated measures study design

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret E. Ryland ◽  
Tiffany L. Grisbrook ◽  
Fiona M. Wood ◽  
Michael Phillips ◽  
Dale W. Edgar

Abstract Background Lower limb burns can significantly delay recovery of function. Measuring lower limb functional outcomes is challenging in the unique burn patient population and necessitates the use of reliable and valid tools. The aims of this study were to examine the test-retest reliability, sensitivity, and internal consistency of Sections 1 and 3 of the Lower Limb Functional Index-10 (LLFI-10) questionnaire for measuring functional ability in patients with lower limb burns over time. Methods Twenty-nine adult patients who had sustained a lower limb burn injury in the previous 12 months completed the test-retest procedure of the study. In addition, the minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated for Section 1 and 3 of the LLFI-10. Section 1 is focused on the activity limitations experienced by patients with a lower limb disorder whereas Section 3 involves patients indicating their current percentage of pre-injury duties. Results Section 1 of the LLFI-10 demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.98, 95 % CI 0.96–0.99) whilst Section 3 demonstrated high test-retest reliability (ICC 0.88, 95 % CI 0.79–0.94). MDC scores for Sections 1 and 3 were 1.27 points and 30.22 %, respectively. Internal consistency was demonstrated with a significant negative association (rs = −0.83) between Sections 1 and 3 of the LLFI-10 (p < 0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates that Section 1 and 3 of the LLFI-10 are reliable for measuring functional ability in patients who have sustained lower limb burns in the previous 12 months, and furthermore, Section 1 is sensitive to changes in patient function over time.

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chihiro Tanikawa ◽  
Kenji Takada

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the test-retest reliability of three types of facial expression tasks using three-dimensional (3D) facial topography. Materials and Methods: Twelve adult volunteers were enrolled in this study. They were instructed to perform three different facial expression tasks: rest posture, posed smile, and maximum effort smile. Each task was recorded using a 3D image-capturing device on two separate occasions with an interval of 1 week between sessions. The images of two sessions were superimposed based on the forehead. For each participant and for each facial expression, a wire mesh fitting was conducted. This method generated 6,017 points on the wire mesh. Intraindividual reliability between sessions for each task was statistically tested by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the 95% confidence interval minimal detectable change (MDC95). Results: The MDC95 for the repeated measures of the rest posture, posed smile, and maximum effort smile exhibited means of 0.8, 1.5, and 1.3 mm, respectively, on the z-axis. The ICCs ranged from substantial to almost perfect agreement for repeated measures for the rest posture and maximum effort smile (0.60 < ICC ≤ 1.00). The right corner of the mouth in the posed smile showed moderate agreement (0.40 < ICC ≤ 0.60). Conclusions: The overall test-retest reliability of the maximum effort smile and rest posture showed substantial to almost perfect agreement, and this was clinically acceptable.


Author(s):  
Mazen Alqahtani

BACKGROUND: To date the Neck OutcOme Score (NOOS) was not cross-culturally adapted, validated or available in the Arabic language, although it was available in other languages. OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Arabic version of the Neck OutcOme Score (NOOS-Ar) and study its psychometric properties. METHODS: A sample of 146 subjects with chronic neck pain filled in the NOOS-Ar questionnaire to determine the Cronbach’s alpha (α) for internal consistency, test-retest reliability by intraclass correlation coefficients(2,1) [ICC(2,1)], inter-item correlation, measurement error by coefficient of variance and minimal detectable change, ceiling and floor effects, convergent construct validity with visual analog scale (VAS) by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) and factor analysis to calculate and determine its psychometric properties. RESULTS: Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α> 0.9) and test-retest reliability [ICC(2,1)> 0.9] were observed in NOOS-Ar. None of the five subscales of the NOOS-Ar showed a floor or ceiling effect. The coefficient of variance was generally high, but the minimal detectable change was within the acceptable range (< 30%). The ‘everyday activity and pain’ and ‘symptoms’ subscales of the NOOS-Ar, showed a moderate correlation with VAS. CONCLUSION: The NOOS-Ar is highly reliable and has a moderate to good degree of convergent construct validity with VAS with no floor or ceiling effects.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (07) ◽  
pp. 609-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navshika Chandra ◽  
Kevin Chang ◽  
Arier Lee ◽  
Giriraj S. Shekhawat ◽  
Grant D. Searchfield

AbstractThe effects of treatments on tinnitus have been difficult to quantify. The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) has been proposed as a standard questionnaire for measurement of tinnitus treatment outcomes. For a questionnaire to achieve wide acceptance, its psychometric properties need to be confirmed in different populations.To determine if the TFI is a reliable and valid measure of tinnitus, and if its psychometric properties are suitable for use as an outcome measure.A psychometric evaluation of the TFI from secondary data obtained from a cross-sectional clinic survey and a clinical trial undertaken in New Zealand.Confirmatory factor analysis and evaluation of internal consistency reliability were undertaken on a sample of 318 patients with the primary complaint of tinnitus. In a separate sample of 40 research volunteers, test–retest reliability, convergent and divergent validity were evaluated. Both samples consisted of predominantly older Caucasian male patients with tinnitus.The internal structure of the original US TFI was confirmed. The Cronbach’s Alpha and Intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.7 for the TFI overall and each of its subscales, indicating high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Strong Pearson correlations with the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire and tinnitus numerical rating scales indicated excellent convergent validity, and a moderate correlation with the Hearing Handicap Inventory, indicated moderate divergent validity. Evaluation of the clinical trial showed good test–retest reliability and agreement between no-treatment baselines with a smallest detectable change of 4.8 points.The TFI is a reliable and valid measure of tinnitus severity in the population tested and is responsive to treatment-related change. Further research as to the TFI’s responsiveness to treatment is needed across different populations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e19126-e19126
Author(s):  
Wee-Kheng Soo ◽  
Madeleine King ◽  
Alun Pope ◽  
Christopher B. Steer ◽  
Bianca Alix Devitt ◽  
...  

e19126 Background: Functional assessment of oncology patients can be challenging and is often not performed, or is undertaken by the clinician with minimal direct input from the patient. The ELderly Functional Index (ELFI) is a 12-item composite measure of self-reported functioning in cancer patients. ELFI is derived from four scales from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) suite: Physical, Role and Social Functioning, and Mobility. This study validated ELFI in patients attending oncology clinics. Methods: For evaluation of validity and internal consistency, 621 cancer patients (31% aged >70 years) fully self-completed the ELFI, cognitive functioning (CF) and emotional functioning (EF) scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30, ECOG-performance status (ECOG-PS), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). For evaluation of test-retest reliability, 278 participants self-completed ELFI, CF, EF, ECOG-PS and Global Rating of Change one week later. Results: ELFI demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.93, p< 0.001) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.90, p< 0.001). Hypotheses regarding convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed (multitrait-scaling). ELFI was better than its component scales and other function measures at differentiating between participants with different function and frailty scores (known-groups validity, Table). Exploratory factor analysis provided empirical support to the structural validity of ELFI. Strong correlation was observed between ELFI, function and frailty scores. Conclusions: ELFI is a validated patient-reported outcome measure of functional status. ELFI captures broader dimensions of functioning compared to ECOG-PS or IADL. As a composite measure, ELFI has enhanced statistical efficiency, reducing the sample size required to detect a given effect. ELFI could be used as a clinical trial endpoint to assess the functional domains of HRQOL. [Table: see text]


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Guzik ◽  
Mariusz Drużbicki ◽  
Grzegorz Przysada ◽  
Andrzej Kwolek ◽  
Agnieszka Brzozowska-Magoń ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: A proper assessment of gait pattern is a significant aspect in planning the process of teaching gait in hemiparetic post-stroke patients. The Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) is an observational tool for assessing post-stroke patients’ gait. The aim of the study was to assess test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the WGS and examine correlations between gait assessment made with the WGS and gait speed, Brunnström scale, Ashworth’s scale and the Barthel Index. Material and methods: The research included 36 post-stroke patients. The patients’ gait was assessed with the use of the Wisconsin Gait Scale, gait speed with the use of walk test, the level of motor control in a paretic lower limb – according to Brunnström recovery stages, muscle tone in a paretic lower limb – according to modified Ashworth’s scale and functional independence was assessed using the Barthel Index. Gait was assessed with the use of the WGS twice, with a 7-day interval, by three experienced physiotherapists. Results: The analysis of internal consistency of the WGS revealed that the Cronbach’s α coefficient was high in the case of all the three raters and ranged from 0.85 to 0.88. It was noted that the coefficient of variation for all the comparisons was below 10%. When assessing the repeatability of the results, it was revealed that correlations between both measurements made by particular raters were very strong and highly significant. The WGS results significantly correlated with Brunnström scale, Ashworth’s scale and gait speed. Conclusions: It was concluded that the WGS has a high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Also, significant correlations were found between gait assessment made with the use of the WGS and gait speed, level of motor control and muscle tone of a paretic lower limb. The WGS constitutes a promising tool for a qualitative, observational analysis of gait in post-stroke patients and allows for proper planning, monitoring and assessing rehabilitation results.


Author(s):  
Ali H. Alnahdi ◽  
Ali Albarrati

The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the upper extremity functional index (UEFI) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Seventy patients with stable COPD completed the UEFI and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and performed lung function tests in the first testing session. They completed the UEFI and the Global Rating of Change Scale in the second session, which was within ten days of the first session. The UEFI floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, measurement error, and construct validity were examined. The UEFI was found to have no floor and ceiling effects. The UEFI was also found to have an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.955) and an excellent test–retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.91). Totals of 4.85 points and 11.32 points represent the scale’s standard error of measurement, and a minimal detectable change at 90% confidence was used. The UEFI scores showed a significant correlation with the SGRQ activity domain (r = −0.66, p < 0.001) and differed significantly between participants with severe disease and those with mild disease (p = 0.03). The UEFI had no floor or ceiling issues, an excellent internal consistency, a good test–retest reliability, and an acceptable measurement error. The UEFI also demonstrated evidence supporting its construct validity as a measure of upper extremity-related activity limitations in patients with COPD.


Hand Therapy ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 175899832098683
Author(s):  
Hamid Reza Mokhtarinia ◽  
Armin Zareiyan ◽  
Charles Philip Gabel

Introduction The Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to evaluate both the functional status and the level of participation in patients with upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (ULMSDs). The purpose of this study was translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the original ULFI into Persian (ULFI-Pr). Methods The original ULFI was translated into Persian through double forward and backward translations. Consecutive symptomatic upper limb patients (n = 180, male = 60%, age = 38.21 ± 7.13) were recruited and completed the ULFI-Pr and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined using Cronbach’s Alpha and the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC2.1). Criterion validity was analyzed by evaluating the Pearson’s r correlation coefficient between the ULFI-Pr and DASH questionnaires. Construct validity was examined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using Maximum Likelihood Extraction with Promax rotation. Results The original ULFI was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Persian with only minor wording changes. The ULFI-Pr demonstrated high levels of internal consistency (α = 0.91) and test-retest reliability (ICC2.1=0.92). The correlation between the ULFI and DASH was high (r = 0.71). The EFA demonstrated a one-factor structure that explained 38.2% of total variance. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Conclusion The ULFI-Pr can be considered as a region-specific, single-factor structure PROM for evaluation of patients with upper limb disorders for clinical and research purposes in Persian language populations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (7) ◽  
pp. 1206-1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Sawers ◽  
Janis Kim ◽  
Geoff Balkman ◽  
Brian J Hafner

Abstract Objective A major barrier to reducing falls among users of lower limb prostheses (LLP) has been an absence of statistical indices required for clinicians to select and interpret scores from performance-based clinical tests. The study aimed to derive estimates of reliability, measurement error, and minimal detectable change values in performance-based clinical tests administered to unilateral LLP users. Methods A total of 60 unilateral LLP users were administered the Narrowing Beam Walking Test, Timed ``Up and Go'' (TUG), Four Square Step Test (FSST), and 10-Meter Walk Test on 2 occasions, 3 to 9 days apart. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess interrater and test-retest reliability, while standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC90) were derived to establish estimates of measurement error in individual scores or changes in score for each test. Results Interrater reliability ICCs (1,1) were high for all tests (ie, ≥0.98). Test-retest ICCs (2,1) varied by test, ranging from .88 for the TUG to .97 for the FSST. SEM and MDC90 varied between .39 and .96 and between .91 seconds and 2.2 seconds for the time-based tests (FSST, TUG, 10-Meter Walk Test). SEM and MDC90 for the Narrowing Beam Walking Test were .07 and .16, respectively. Conclusion With the exception of the TUG, studied tests had test-retest ICCs (2,1) that exceeded the minimum required threshold to be considered suitable for group- and individual-level applications (ie, ICC ≥ 0.70 and ≥ 0.90, respectively). Future research on individuals with dysvascular and transfemoral amputations or in specific age categories is required. Impact Along with published validity indices, these reliability, error, and change indices can help clinicians select balance tests suitable for LLP users. They can also help clinicians interpret test scores to make informed, evidence-based clinical decisions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Teresa Smith ◽  
Alyson Filipa ◽  
Samantha Riveron ◽  
Melissa Strzelinski ◽  
Mark Paterno ◽  
...  

The Dance Functional Outcome Survey (DFOS) is a dance-specific questionnaire developed for use with ballet and modern dancers at all training levels. To date, no study has assessed the psychometric properties of the DFOS in pediatric dancers. The purposes of this study were to determine: 1. the reliability of the DFOS when used with healthy and injured pediatric dancers; 2. the validity of the DFOS com- pared to a well-established generic scale, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Physical Function Scale (PedsQL-PFS); and 3. the sensitivity and responsiveness to change of the DFOS in injured dancers. One hundred and two dancers completed the DFOS twice within 10 days. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess test-retest reliability. In a sample of 148 dancers, construct validity was explored by comparing the DFOS to the PedsQL-PFS using Pearson correlations, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's alpha were used for internal consistency analyses. A sub-set of 22 injured dancers was employed to examine responsiveness using repeated measures analysis of variance (p < 0.05). The DFOS demonstrated high test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.90). The DFOS total score, activities of daily living (ADL), and dance technique sub-scores had strong construct validity compared to the PedsQL-PFS (r ≥ 0.79). Cronbach's alpha was high ( α = 0.92), indicating excellent internal consistency. There were significant differences across time in DFOS scores (p < 0.001), demonstrating responsiveness to change. There were no floor or ceiling effects. Thus, the DFOS demonstrates excellent reliability, strong validity, and good responsiveness over time and is a viable tool for assessing function in pediatric dancers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Martinez-Cano ◽  
Daniel Vernaza-Obando ◽  
Julián Chica ◽  
Andrés Mauricio Castro

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to translate to Spanish the patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis subscale of the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS-PF) and validate this Spanish version of a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for patellofemoral pain. Results The KOOS-PF was translated to Spanish and sixty patients with patellofemoral pain and/or osteoarthritis accepted to complete the questionnaire. 1-week later 58 patients answered the questions again for the test–retest reliability validation and finally 55 patients completed 1-month later for the responsiveness assessment. The Spanish version showed very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.93) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.82). Responsiveness was confirmed, showing a strong correlation with the global rating of change (GROC) score (r 0.64). The minimal detectable change was 11.1 points, the minimal important change was 17.2 points, and there were no floor or ceiling effects for the score.


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