Reliability and validity of lumbar disc height quantification methods using magnetic resonance images

2018 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vahid Abdollah ◽  
Eric C. Parent ◽  
Michele C. Battié
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Disc Height ◽  
Intra Class Correlation ◽  
Disc Width ◽  
Standard Error Of Measurement

Abstract Disc height has been a focus of research on disc degeneration and low back pain (LBP). However, choosing an appropriate method to quantify disc height remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the reliability and construct validity of disc height quantification methods. Repeated semi-automatic measurements of L4–5 and L5–S1 discs were obtained from 43 T2-weighted mid-sagittal 3T magnetic resonance (MR) images of 22 subjects with LBP (43±13 years), blinded to prior measurements. Heights were calculated with area-based methods (using 60%, 80% and 100% of the disc width), and point-based methods (Hurxthal’s, Dabbs’ and combining the two). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were estimated. Construct validity was assessed using correlation coefficients. Intra-rater ICC(3,1) of the area-based disc height measurements ranged from 0.84 to 0.99 with an inter-rater ICC(2,1) of 0.99. Measurements with point-based methods had lower intra- and inter-rater reliability ranging between 0.76 and 0.96 and between 0.84 and 0.98, respectively. Inter-rater SEM varied between 0.2 and 0.3 mm for area-based methods and between 0.3 and 0.7 mm for point-based methods. Excluding Dabbs’, high correlations (r>0.9) were observed between methods. Area-based height measurements using partial disc width demonstrated excellent reliability and construct validity and outperformed point-based methods.

Adaptation and Validation of a Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for University Grab-and-Go Establishments

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian K.C. Lo ◽  
Leia Minaker ◽  
Alicia N.T. Chan ◽  
Jessica Hrgetic ◽  
Catherine L. Mah
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Comparison Method ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Perfect Agreement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
Nutrition Environment

Purpose: To adapt and validate a survey instrument to assess the nutrition environment of grab-and-go establishments at a university campus. Methods: A version of the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for grab-and-go establishments (NEMS-GG) was adapted from existing NEMS instruments and tested for reliability and validity through a cross-sectional assessment of the grab-and-go establishments at the University of Toronto. Product availability, price, and presence of nutrition information were evaluated. Cohen’s kappa coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were assessed for inter-rater reliability, and construct validity was assessed using the known-groups comparison method (via store scores). Results: Fifteen grab-and-go establishments were assessed. Inter-rater reliability was high with an almost perfect agreement for availability (mean κ = 0.995) and store scores (ICC = 0.999). The tool demonstrated good face and construct validity. About half of the venues carried fruit and vegetables (46.7% and 53.3%, respectively). Regular and healthier entrée items were generally the same price. Healthier grains were cheaper than regular options. Six establishments displayed nutrition information. Establishments operated by the university’s Food Services consistently scored the highest across all food premise types for nutrition signage, availability, and cost of healthier options. Conclusions: Health promotion strategies are needed to address availability and variety of healthier grab-and-go options in university settings.

scholarly journals INDIRECT DECOMPRESSION BY LATERAL FUSION: ANALYSIS OF SAGITAL ALIGNMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-54
Author(s):  
Thyago Guirelle Silva ◽  
Rodrigo Augusto do Amaral ◽  
Raphael Rezende Pratali ◽  
Luiz Pimenta
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Pelvic Incidence ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Disc Height ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Indirect Decompression ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the effectiveness of indirect decompression after lateral access fusion in patients with high pelvic incidence. Methods: A retrospective, non-comparative, non-randomized analysis of 22 patients with high pelvic incidence who underwent lateral access fusion, 11 of whom were male and 11 female, with a mean age of 63 years (52-74), was conducted. Magnetic resonance exams were performed within one year after surgery. The cross-sectional area of the thecal sac, anterior and posterior disc heights, and bilateral foramen heights, measured pre- and postoperatively in axial and sagittal magnetic resonance images, were analyzed. The sagittal alignment parameters were measured using simple radiographs. The clinical results were evaluated using the ODI and VAS (back and lower limbs) questionnaires. Results: In all cases, the technique was performed successfully without neural complications. The mean cross-sectional area increased from 126.5 mm preoperatively to 174.3 mm postoperatively. The mean anterior disc height increased from 9.4 mm preoperatively to 12.8 mm postoperatively, while the posterior disc height increased from 6.3 mm preoperatively to 8.1 mm postoperatively. The mean height of the right foramen increased from 157.3 mm in the preoperative period to 171.2 mm in the postoperative period and that of the left foramen increased from 139.3 mm in the preoperative to 158.9 mm in the postoperative. Conclusions: This technique is capable of correcting misalignment in spinal deformity, achieving fusion and promoting the decompression of neural elements. Level of evidence III; Retrospective study.

scholarly journals Reliability and validity of a new accelerometer-based device for detecting physical activities and energy expenditure

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanxiang Yang ◽  
Moritz Schumann ◽  
Shenglong Le ◽  
Shulin Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Intra Class Correlation ◽  
Global Context ◽  
Different Types

Background Objective assessments of sedentary behavior and physical activity (PA) by using accelerometer-based wearable devices are ever expanding, given their importance in the global context of health maintenance. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of a new accelerometer-based analyzer (Fibion) for detecting different PAs and estimating energy expenditure (EE) during a simulated free-living day. Methods The study consisted of two parts: a reliability (n = 18) and a validity (n = 19) test. Reliability was assessed by a 45 min protocol of repeated sitting, standing, and walking (i.e., 3 × 15 min, repeated twice), using both Fibion and ActiGraph. Validity was assessed by a 12 h continuous sequence tasks of different types (sitting, standing, walking, and cycling) and intensities (light [LPA], moderate [MPA], and vigorous [VPA]) of PA. Two Fibion devices were worn on the thigh (FT) and in the pocket (FP), respectively and were compared with criteria measures, such as direct observation (criterion 1) and oxygen consumption by a portable gas analyzer, K4b2 (criterion 2). Results FT (intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs): 0.687–0.806) provided similar reliability as the Actigraph (ICCs: 0.661–0.806) for EE estimation. However, the measurement error (ME) of FT compared to the actual time records indicated an underestimation of duration by 5.1 ± 1.2%, 3.8 ± 0.3% and 14.9 ± 2.6% during sitting, walking, and standing, respectively. During the validity test, FT but not FP showed a moderate agreement but lager variance with the criteria (1 and 2) in assessing duration of sitting, long sitting, LPA, MPA, and VPA (p > 0.05, ICCs: 0.071–0.537), as well as for EE estimation of standing, LPA, MPA, and VPA (p > 0.05, ICCs: 0.673–0.894). Conclusions FT provided similar reliability to that of the Actigraph. However, low correlations between subsequent measurements of both devices indicated large random MEs, which were somewhat diminished during the simulated 12 h real-life test. Furthermore, FT may accurately determine the types, intensities of PA and EE during prolonged periods with substantial changes in postures, indicating that the location of the accelerometer is essential. Further study with a large cohort is needed to confirm the usability of Fibion, especially for detecting the low-intensity PAs.

scholarly journals Reliability and Validity of a Novel Wearable Device for Measuring Elbow Strength

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 3412
Author(s):  
Marcus Brookshaw ◽  
Andrew Sexton ◽  
Chris A. McGibbon
Keyword(s):  
Adult Population ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Strength Measurement ◽  
Intra Class Correlation ◽  
Improve Measurement ◽  
Elbow Flexors And Extensors ◽  
Muscle Groups

Muscle strength is an important clinical outcome in rehabilitation and sport medicine, but options are limited to expensive but accurate isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) or inexpensive but less accurate hand-held dynamometers (HHD). A wearable, self-stabilizing, limb strength measurement device (LSMD) was developed to fill the current gap in portable strength measurement devices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the LSMD in healthy adults. Twenty healthy adults were recruited to attend two strength testing sessions where elbow flexor and extensor strength was measured with the LSMD, with HHD and with IKD in random order, by two raters. Outcomes were intra-rater repeatability, inter-rater reproducibility and inter-session reproducibility using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Limits of agreement and weighted least products regression were used to test the validity of the LSMD relative to the criterion standard (IKD), and calibration formulas derived to improve measurement fidelity. ICC values for the LSMD were >0.90 for all measures of reliability and for both muscle groups, but over-predicted extensor strength and under-predicted flexor strength. Validity was established by transforming the data with the criterion standard-based calibration. These data indicate that the LSMD is reliable and conditionally valid for quantifying strength of elbow flexors and extensors in a healthy adult population.

Evaluation of a Patient Experience Tool in Dietetic Practice: Validation and Clinical Usage of the Assessment of Registered Dietitian Care Survey (ARCS)

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-54
Author(s):  
Allison Fielding ◽  
Lorian M. Taylor ◽  
Stephanie Moriartey ◽  
Janet Stadynk
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Registered Dietitian ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Validity Indices ◽  
Care Survey

Purpose: The study aim was to evaluate a patient experience survey, the Assessment of Registered Dietitian Care Survey (ARCS), that is aligned with a nutrition counselling approach (NCA) and evidence-based chronic disease care for use in outpatient registered dietitian (RD) practice. Methods: Criterion and construct validity were examined using Pearson correlation coefficients and principal components analyses, respectively. Reliability was examined using Pearson correlations and Cronbach’s α. Acceptability was evaluated by survey response rate and readability. Kruskall–Wallis test was used to detect differences between RD scores. Results: A total of 479 survey packages were returned (46% response rate). Criterion validity indices were high (r = 0.91 and 0.94, P < 0.001) between Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) and NCA subscales, respectively, and lower with overall patient satisfaction (r = 0.63–0.65, P < 0.001). Construct validity revealed 2 factors for PACIC and NCA subscales. There was high internal reliability for the PACIC, 5As, and NCA (Cronbach’s α > 0.7) and test–retest reliability showed an adequate consistency over time (r = 0.70, P < 0.05). The tool was able to detect differences in scores between RDs (P < 0.05). Conclusions: More research is warranted to explore ceiling effects and sensitivity to intervention in similar practice settings. The NCA subscale has acceptable reliability and validity to measure patient experience of RD care.

scholarly journals Design and validation of Brucellosis prevention questionnaire focused on animal vaccination

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazlollah Ghofranipour ◽  
Farhad Bahadori ◽  
Saeideh Ghaffarifar ◽  
Reza Ziaei
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Intra Class Correlation ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Animal Vaccination ◽  
Standard Error Of Measurement ◽  
Is Design ◽  
Intra Class Correlation Coefficient

Abstract Background Animal breeders' inadequate awareness about the transmission of brucellosis and their improper knowledge about prevention of brucellosis are among important barriers to vaccinate animals against brucellosis. The aim of this study is design, implementation and evaluation of a theory-driven and vaccination-focused training program for brucellosis prevention.Methods In this exploratory psychometric study, a brucellosis prevention questionnaire (BPQ) was developed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to develop the initial items of BPQ. The findings from interviews were merged with those of literature review. Face, content and construct validity of BPQ were assessed by participation of animal breeders, veterinarians and health educationists. Impact Score (IS), Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) of the items were calculated. Construct validity of BPQ was evaluated through factor analyses. Cronbach’s alpha, Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), composite reliability and standard error of measurement (SEM) were measured to assess the reliability of the findings by BPQ.Results BPQ was finalized by 53 items. Its validity was confirmed by CVI, CVR, and IS of 0.90, 0.74 and 4.30, respectively. The items were loaded into three constructs of awareness, attitude and practice. The predictive power of the awareness, attitude and practice was 43.43%, 15.81% and 15.78%, respectively. The fitness of the proposed model among those constructs was confirmed by RMSEA < 0.08, Normed Chi2 < 5, CFI > .90, TLI > .90.Conclusion The brucellosis prevention questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties. Applying BPQ, veterinarians and educational planners can identify factors influencing animal breeders' preventive behavior.

scholarly journals Reliability and Validity in Cranial Osteopathy Experience: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Requena García ◽  
Evelyn García Nieto ◽  
David Varillas Delgado
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intra Class Correlation ◽  
Observer Reliability ◽  
Osteopathic Treatment ◽  
Manual Palpation

Background and Objectives: The techniques directed to the cranial field in osteopathy are the most questioned due to the lack of scientific evidence. In osteopathic practice, manual palpation is essential and, therefore, measuring reliability is fundamental. The objective of study is to assess the reliability and validity of osteopathic treatment depending on experience. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of reliability and validity was conducted. For measurements, a strain gauge was placed on the sphenobasilar synchondrosis of the skull base, and three maneuvers (lateral compression, anteroposterior compression and compression maneuver of the mastoids) were repeated 25 times each by osteopaths with different time of experience (5-10 years, 1-5 years, &lt;1 year). Measurement averages were computed for each of the three maneuvers to verify the average effect of each group in comparison to that of the Gold Standard (GS) (&gt;10 years of experience). Data were analyzed to check for inter- and intra-observer reliability using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Results: Reliability and validity in 5-10 experience of observer 1 and observer 2 in the tree maneuvers was excellent (p&lt;0.001) against GS. Poor or enough reproducibility and concordance were observed in osteopaths with less experience. Conclusion: Experience of osteopaths determines the efficacy of cranial maneuvers in osteopathic treatment for patients&rsquo; rehabilitation.

Assessment of Reliability and Validity of the Cochlear Implant Skills Review: A New Measure to Evaluate Cochlear Implant Users' Device Skills and Knowledge

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Kara Vasil ◽  
Jessica Lewis ◽  
Christin Ray ◽  
Jodi Baxter ◽  
Claire Bernstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Assessment Measure ◽  
Valid Assessment ◽  
Device Use

Purpose The Cochlear Implant Skills Review (CISR) was developed as a measure of cochlear implant (CI) users' skills and knowledge regarding device use. This study aimed to determine intra- and interrater reliability and agreement and establish construct validity for the CISR. Method In this study, the CISR was developed and administered to a cohort of 30 adult CI users. Participants included new CI users with less than 1 year of CI experience and experienced CI users with greater than 1 year of CI experience. The CISR administration required participants to demonstrate skills using the various features of their CI processors. Intra- and interrater reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa, and construct validity was assessed by relating CISR performance to duration of CI use. Results Overall reliability for the entire instrument was 92.7%. Inter- and intrarater agreement were generally substantial or higher. Duration of CI use was a significant predictor of CISR performance. Conclusions The CISR is a reliable and valid assessment measure of device skills and knowledge for adult CI users. Clinicians can use this tool to evaluate areas of needed instruction and counseling and to assess users' skills over time.

scholarly journals Reliability and Validity of Trunk Assessment for People With Multiple Sclerosis

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geert Verheyden ◽  
Godelieve Nuyens ◽  
Alice Nieuwboer ◽  
Pol Van Asch ◽  
Piet Ketelaer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Weighted Kappa ◽  
Altman Analysis ◽  
Bland Altman Analysis ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background and Purpose. Standardized scales are a prerequisite for rehabilitation and research. This study was designed to determine the reliability and validity of scores on items of the trunk assessment of the Melsbroek Disability Scoring Test (MDST) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Subjects. Thirty people with MS participated in the study. Methods. Interrater and test-retest reliability and construct validity were assessed. Results. Kappa and weighted kappa values for the items of the trunk assessment of the MDST ranged from .74 to .95, and the kappa and weighted kappa values for the TIS items ranged from .46 to 1.00. Intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater and test-retest agreement were .93 and .92, respectively, for the trunk assessment of the MDST and .97 and .95, respectively, for the TIS. Bland-Altman analysis showed consistency of scores without observer bias. Construct validity was established. Discussion and Conclusion. The MDST and TIS provide reliable assessments of the trunk and are valid scales for measuring trunk performance in people with MS. [Verheyden G, Nuyens G, Nieuwboer A, et al. Reliability and validity of trunk assessment for people with multiple sclerosis.

The Comprehensive Lower limb Amputee Socket Survey: Reliability and validity of the Persian version

2020 ◽  
pp. 030936462095852
Author(s):  
Naeimeh Rouhani ◽  
Elham Esfandiari ◽  
Taher Babaee ◽  
Mobina Khosravi ◽  
Vahideh Moradi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Intra Class Correlation ◽  
Persian Version ◽  
Prosthetic Socket ◽  
Lower Limb Amputee ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Background: The Comprehensive Lower limb Amputee Socket Survey (CLASS) is a self-reported measure developed to assess prosthetic socket fit in individuals with lower limb amputation. Objective: To assess the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the CLASS. Study Design: Cross-sectional and repeated-measures. Methods: We evaluated the translation and back translation of the CLASS and made the required changes according to expert committee feedback. Then, we recruited 124 participants with unilateral lower limb amputation (89.5% men). Internal consistency was analyzed with Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest reliability using intra-class correlation coefficients. Convergent construct validity was assessed by comparing the CLASS scores with the Persian version of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES) scores. In addition, known groups construct validity was assessed by comparing CLASS scores between groups with different causes and levels of amputation. Results: Cronbach’s alpha coefficient represented a very good internal consistency for all domains of the Persian CLASS (ranged from 0.86 to 0.92). The intra-class correlation coefficient for test–retest reliability for the Persian CLASS was good to excellent (ranged from 0.73 to 0.97). There was a significant correlation between the subscales of the Persian CLASS and satisfaction subscales of the Persian TAPES ( p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the Persian CLASS scores by cause or level of amputation. Conclusion: The Persian CLASS is a reliable and valid measure for evaluating prosthetic socket fit.

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