scholarly journals Inter-rater Reliability of a Portable Ultrasound for the Quadriceps and Hamstrings Thickness Measurement in Healthy Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soul Cheon ◽  
Eunwook Chang
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Thickness Measurement ◽  
Vastus Medialis ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Portable Ultrasound

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-rater reliability of a portable ultrasound device for measuring the muscle thickness of the quadriceps and hamstrings in healthy subjects.METHODS: Thirty-six subjects (20 males, 16 females, age 22.2±2.0 years, mass 67.4±11.3 kg, height 171.7±9.6 cm) participated as subjects and two examiners attended. The thickness of the quadriceps was measured in order of rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus medialis oblique (VMO). The hamstring thickness was measured in order of biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM). Three measurements were taken for each muscle by one examiner. Using image J software, the average thickness was calculated from the measured image. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used in order to identify inter-rater reliability, and the statistical significance level was set to <i>p</i><.05.RESULTS: Pearson correlation coefficient for inter-examiner reliability of ultrasound showed moderate-to-high level for all assessed muscle. In quadriceps, the values were significantly correlated ranged from 0.62 to 0.90 and in hamstrings the value were relatively low with values of 0.57 to 0.68.CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated that portable ultrasound was a reliable method for measuring the quadriceps and hamstring muscle thickness. Therefore, it could be used as a useful assessment tool in future studies to assess various skeletal muscle thicknesses.

scholarly journals Design and Validation of an integrated Objective Structured Clinical Examination (i-OSCE) for non-surgical aesthetics program

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narendra Kumar ◽  
Eqram Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Objective Structured Clinical Examination ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Global Rating

Abstract Introduction: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a popular and practical method for evaluating trainee physicians’ competencies. To help assess non-surgical aesthetics students’ critical thinking and relevant abilities, we developed a novel assessment tool based on the OSCE, the i-OSCE (Integrated objective structured Clinical examination).Methods: Initially, an expert panel consisting of 5 Aesthetic Practitioners with over fifteen years of experience and a senior clinical academic were selected to develop a blueprint for i-OSCE. Through this blueprint, essential qualities and skills were identified for the assessment. To ensure the process standardisation, training workshops for examiners and simulated patients were organised. The final i-OSCE consisted of 12 stations (four clinical, four critical thinking, and four rest stations lasting 180 minutes.Results: The Interclass correlation coefficient between the station checklist items was 0.946 (average measure upper bound 0.916, lower bound 0.968; p < 0.00), considered to be significant. The Inter-Item Correlation Matrix among the clinical station checklist and critical thinking checklist items also showed statistical significance. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) used to ascertain the correlation between checklist rating and global rating, yielding a high correlation (0.80 to 0.934).Conclusion: The i-OSCE has been proven to be a useful and reliable assessment tool to evaluate clinical competence and critical thinking in non-surgical aesthetics education.

Scientific Substantiation of the Innovative Model of Catering for Cadet Corps Students

2020 ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Novikova ◽  
SP Romanenko ◽  
MA Lobkis
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Healthy Nutrition ◽  
Innovative Model ◽  
Scientific Substantiation ◽  
Student’S T

Introduction: In the Russian Federation, much attention is traditionally paid to military education and training. A special place in its structure is occupied by the system of cadet classes and corps. A distinctive feature of the learning mode in such institutions is a combined effect of standard and specific factors of indoor school environment and intensive physical activity owing to sports, applied military and drill training. No evidence-based methods of establishing nutrient requirements of children in modern conditions of cadet corps have been developed so far, which predetermines the potential of transforming nutrition from a health-saving factor into a health risk factor. Our objective was to provide a scientific substantiation of the model of healthy nutrition for students of cadet-type educational establishments. Methods: The statistical significance of the correlation was evaluated using the Student’s t-test. Correlation and regression analyses were used to assess cause-and-effect relationships. The Pearson correlation coefficient (rxy) was used as an indicator of the strength of the relationship between quantitative indicators x and y, both having a normal distribution. Correlation coefficient (rxy) values were interpreted in accordance with the Chaddock scale. For the purpose of statistical modeling, the method of multiple linear regressions was used. Conclusions: We substantiated the innovative model of organizing healthy nutrition for students of cadet-type schools based on the correlation and regression analyses with determination of statistical significance of the studied characteristics. Its efficiency indicators include an increase in average functional capabilities of students by more than 10 % and a reduction in the probability of developmental disorders by more than 25 %.

scholarly journals Smartphone Application with Virtual Reality Goggles for the Reliable and Valid Measurement of Active Craniocervical Range of Motion

Diagnostics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke-Vin Chang ◽  
Wei-Ting Wu ◽  
Mei-Chu Chen ◽  
Yi-Chi Chiu ◽  
Der-Sheng Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Altman Plot ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Hybrid Device ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
The Right

Objective: This study aimed to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and validity of a hybrid device, combining virtual reality goggles, a magnetometer and an inclinometer application for smartphones, to measure craniocervical range. Summary of Background Data: Accurate evaluation of craniocervical range of motion is important for early detection of certain diseased conditions and monitoring the progress of interventions. The universal goniometer is widely used for the measurement but it requires experienced practitioners. Whether a combination of virtual reality goggles and smartphone applications can provide the same or better performance compared with the goniometer is still unknown. Methods: Forty-one healthy adults from the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation were recruited for craniocervical range examination (flexion, extension, side-bending to the right or left and rotating to the right or left) by using the hybrid device and universal goniometer. Using the hybrid device, repeated measurements were performed twice by a primary rater and once by a second rater. The primary rater also conducted a measurement using the universal goniometer in the same cohort. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC)) were calculated using the two-way random effect model, whereas the validity was examined by the Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-and-Altman plot. The interval between the first and second sessions of the measurement for intra-rater reliability was set at 30 min. Results: Excellent intra-rater (ICC ≥ 0.925) and inter-rater (ICC ≥ 0.880) reliability was noted for the hybrid device. The minimal detectable changes from intra-observer and inter-observer comparisons ranged between 4.12° and 7.42° in all six directions. The Bland-and-Altman plot revealed small mean differences (≤1.68°) between the hybrid device and universal goniometer. Both instruments had highly correlated measurements of craniocervical motion (r values ≥ 0.918). Conclusion: For healthy participants, excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was noted for the hybrid device, and the measurements were consistent with the universal goniometer measurements. Future studies are needed to examine whether the device can perform similarly for patients with neck disorders.

Degree of Asymmetry Between Patients With Complete and Incomplete Cleft Lips

2020 ◽  
pp. 105566562096236
Author(s):  
Diana S. Jodeh ◽  
Sara Soni ◽  
James J. Cray ◽  
S. Alex Rottgers
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Cleft Lip And Palate ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Intrarater Reliability ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Measured Asymmetry

Introduction: Surgical outcomes for patients with complete cleft lips are not as ideal as those achieved for milder phenotypes. We hypothesized that in addition to the greater width of the cleft, patients with complete cleft lip and palate exhibit a greater degree of hypoplasia and asymmetry. Methods: Stereophotographs of 14 infants with unrepaired unilateral complete and 14 with incomplete cleft lips were measured using Vectra imaging software (Canfield Imaging). Unpaired t tests were used to compare measured asymmetry between groups. Measurements included nasion to endocathion, sn-sbal, subnasale to alare (sn-al), subnasale to crista philtra, subalare to crista philtra (sbal-cphi), chelion to crista philtra, lateral lip element fullness, medial lip element fullness (mef), and non-cleft lip fullness. Duplicate measurements allowed Pearson correlation to be used to determine intra-rater reliability. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results: Degree of asymmetry of the nasal base, sn-al, and sn-sbal was significantly greater for patients with complete clefts ( P = .0001, P = .0001). Hypoplasia of the lateral lip element was seen when comparing lateral and mef ( P = .04, P = .004) and lateral lip height (sbal-cphi’’; P = .002). The degree of cupid’s bow asymmetry did not differ between groups ( P = .23). Intrarater reliability was high for all facial measures, ranging from 0.70 to 0.99. Conclusions: More severe, complete cleft lips demonstrate statistically significant greater asymmetry in surgically relevant dimensions. There was greater width of the nasal base. Vertical asymmetry of cupid’s bow was unaffected by cleft severity, but that asymmetry was greater in patients with complete clefts due to hypoplasia of the lateral lip element. This may contribute to the less favorable results in these patients.

scholarly journals Neural and morphological adaptations of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles to isokinetic eccentric training

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo de Azevedo Franke ◽  
Bruno Manfredini Baroni ◽  
Rodrigo Rodrigues ◽  
Jeam Marcel Geremia ◽  
Fábio Juner Lanferdini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Vastus Medialis ◽  
Eccentric Training ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Morphological Adaptations ◽  
Synergistic Muscles

Vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) are frequently targeted in conditioning/rehabilitation programs due to their role in patellar stabilization during knee extension. This study assessed neural and muscular adaptations in these two muscles after an isokinetic eccentric training program. Twenty healthy men underwent a four-week control period followed by a 12-week period of isokinetic eccentric training. Ultrasound evaluations of VL and VM muscle thickness at rest and electromyographic evaluations during maximal isometric tests were used to assess the morphological and neural properties, respectively. No morphological and neural changes were found throughout the control period, whereas both muscles showed significant increases in thickness (VL = 6.9%; p < .001 and VM = 15.8%; p < .001) post-training. Significant increases in muscle activity were observed in VM (47.8%; p = .003), but not in VL (19.8%; p > .05) post-training. Isokinetic eccentric training produces neural and greater morphological adaptations in VM compared to VL, which shows that synergistic muscles respond differently to an eccentric isokinetic strength training program

scholarly journals Designing Studies and Evaluating Research Results: Type M and Type S Errors for Pearson Correlation Coefficient

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Bertoldo ◽  
Claudio Zandonella Callegher ◽  
Gianmarco Altoè
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Design Analysis ◽  
Pearson Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Size Estimation ◽  
Present Contribution ◽  
Effect Size Estimation

It is widely appreciated that many studies in psychological science suffer from low statistical power. One of the consequences of analyzing underpowered studies with thresholds of statistical significance, is a high risk of finding exaggerated effect size estimates, in the right or in the wrong direction. These inferential risks can be directly quantified in terms of Type M (magnitude) error and Type S (sign) error, which directly communicate the consequences of design choices on effect size estimation. Given a study design, Type M error is the factor by which a statistically significant effect is on average exaggerated. Type S error is the probability to find a statistically significant result in the opposite direction to the plausible one. Ideally, these errors should be considered during a prospective design analysis in the design phase of a study to determine the appropriate sample size. However, they can also be considered when evaluating studies’ results in a retrospective design analysis. In the present contribution we aim to facilitate the considerations of these errors in the research practice in psychology. For this reason we illustrate how to consider Type M and Type S errors in a design analysis using one of the most common effect size measures in psychology: Pearson correlation coefficient. We provide various examples and make the R functions freely available to enable researchers to perform design analysis for their research projects.

scholarly journals Managing risk in ski resorts: Environmental factors affecting actual and estimated speed on signposted groomed slopes in a cohort of adult recreational alpine skiers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256349
Author(s):  
Luis Carus ◽  
Isabel Castillo
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Pearson Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Ski Resorts

Background Certain weather conditions are clearly harmful, increasing the risk of injury of winter sports participants substantially. The objective of this study was to investigate actual speeds of skiers on signposted groomed slopes and to measure their skill to accurately estimate them with regard to environmental conditions such as visibility, sky cover, snow quality, wind and temperature. Methods The data were obtained from a sample of 421 adult recreational skiers taking ski courses. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to explore the relationship between actual and estimated speed for all participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to measure the effect of environmental conditions on both the skiers’ actual speeds and their errors of estimation. Values of 0.05 or less were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results The Pearson correlation coefficient between estimated and actual speed was 0.90 (P < 0.001). Skiers underestimated their actual speed on average by 13.06 km/h or 24.1%. Visibility, quality of snow and wind speed were shown to significantly affect both actual maximum speed and estimated speed. Good visibility, grippy snow and calm wind were associated with both the highest actual maximum speed and the lowest ability to estimate it. Conclusion Certain environmental conditions are associated with the actual speed at which skiers travel and with their ability to estimate it. Visibility, quality of snow and wind speed seem to influence both actual speed and the ability to estimate it while sky cover and temperature do not. A reinforced understanding of skiing speed on signposted groomed slopes is useful to gain insight into crashes and the mechanisms of resulting injuries, to evaluate means of protection and to devise successful prevention policies in ski resorts.

scholarly journals Effect of gender, muscle type and skinfold thickness on myometric parameters in young people

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12367
Author(s):  
Joanna Mencel ◽  
Anna Jaskólska ◽  
Jaroslaw Marusiak ◽  
Katarzyna Kisiel-Sajewicz ◽  
Magdalena Siemiatycka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Subcutaneous Tissue ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Skinfold Thickness ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Males And Females

Background The aim of the study was to compare the mechanical properties of three human skeletal muscles: biceps brachii (BB), rectus femoris (RF), and tibialis anterior (TA) at rest measured by myoton device in males (n = 16, mean age 21.2 ± 0.6 years) and females (n = 16; 21.2 ± 0.9 years) and to investigate the influence of skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness (skinfold thickness, SFT) and gender on myometric parameters of the three skeletal muscles. Methods We measured the following mechanical and viscoelastic muscle properties using MyotonPRO®: frequency (F [Hz]), decrement (D [log]), stiffness (S [N/m]), relaxation time (R [ms]) and creepability (C [De]). The values of SFT for all selected muscles were assessed by caliper. A mixed-design analysis of variance with gender as between subject comparison was used for assessing the differences between gender and muscles in SFT and each of the myometric parameters separately (F, D, S, R and C). Pearson correlation coefficient or Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between SFT and myometric parameters was conducted for males, females and males and females together. The level of statistical significance was set at α ≤ 0.05 with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results The SFT over the RF, TA, and BB muscles in women was statistically significantly larger compared with that of males. In females and males, the SFT over the RF was larger than over the TA and BB, and the SFT over the TA was larger compared with over the BB. The values of F and S recorded for the TA muscle were the highest among the three muscles, while D, C, and R were lowest in TA but highest in the RF muscle in men and women. The values of F and S were smaller in females than in males. Gender comparison of D, C, and R values showed that only D for the RF was significantly lower in females than in males, and C for the RF and TA was significantly larger in females than in males. Some correlation between SFT and myometric parameters were different between males and females. For example, there was a significant, negative correlation between SFT and F for all muscles in females, and a significant, positive correlation between these parameters for BB and TA (not for RF) in males. For pooled data (males and females together), a negative significant correlation between SFT and F was observed for RF and TA (not significant for BB muscle). Discussion It is concluded that the TA compared with the BB and RF has significantly greater F and S but the smallest D and C and the shortest R. Gender and muscle differences in the SFT may affect the measurements of muscle properties using MyotonPRO®. The relationship between SFT and myometric parameters is different in males and females in the RF, TA, and BB muscles. Therefore, the myometric data should be analyzed in males and females separately.

scholarly journals Development and reliability of the Korean version of the Feeding Abilities Assessment

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-74
Author(s):  
Seul Gi Koo ◽  
Hae Yean Park ◽  
Jongbae Kim ◽  
Areum Han
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Korean Version ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Objective The purpose of this study is to introduce a standardised assessment tool by verifying the reliability of the translated Korean version of the Feeding Abilities Assessment (K-FAA), which was developed to suit Korean culture. Methods The research subjects were 65 patients with dementia living in nursing homes. The K-FAA was completed by verifying the suitability of translation and reverse translation. The validity of the K-FAA was established through content validity, while its reliability was analysed based on internal consistency reliability for the items, test–retest reliability and inter-rater reliability. Results The content validity index determined, based on the assessment of professors, occupational therapists, and nurses, was more than .70. Cronbach’s α was more than .929, showing good internal consistency. A test–retest reliability of .884 was derived using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p < .01), and an inter-rater reliability of .800 was derived using the kappa coefficients; intraclass correlation coefficient was .897, which also indicated good reliability. Conclusion The K-FAA was modified to fit the Korean domestic situation, and this assessment had high reliability. Therefore, K-FAA can evaluate the feeding ability of patients with dementia. Future studies should focus on providing evidence-based data to maintain or supplement the feeding ability of patients with dementia in Korea.

scholarly journals Midwifery Education Institutions in Italy Creation and Validation of Clinical Preceptors’ Assessment Tool: Students’ and Expert Midwives’ Views

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-181
Author(s):  
Paola Agnese Mauri ◽  
Ivan Cortinovis ◽  
Norma Nilde Guerrini Contini ◽  
Marta Soldi
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Pearson Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Clinical Placements ◽  
Midwifery Education ◽  
Transversal Study ◽  
Assessment Questionnaire

Background: The aim of the study is to create and validate a midwifery preceptor’s evaluation form to be used by midwifery students. The International Confederation of Midwives recommends that clinical placements need to be supervised by a preceptor in order to be efficient for students who, in this way, gain competence and proper practice within the midwifery practical area. Methods: This is an observational multi-center transversal study and leads to the validation of an evaluation questionnaire. Methodically, the following steps were followed: literature review, focus group with midwifery students, meeting between expert midwives, creation of the preceptor’s assessment form, filling in of the forms by midwifery students and expert midwives, and validation of the form. The study was carried out in eight Italian universities and included eighty-eight midwifery students and eight midwives. Results and Conclusion: A midwifery preceptor’s assessment questionnaire was created made up of four attribute areas which, as a total, included 33 items. Cronbach’s alpha score was calculated after examining the forms filled in by students and expert midwives. An alpha score of 0.97–0.85 was obtained. The result was Pearson Correlation Coefficient r = 0.78.

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