scholarly journals Children with visual impairments may have altered joint movement: an observational case-control study

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-160
Author(s):  
Silvia Maria Amado João ◽  
Michelle de Pádua ◽  
Ulisses Tirollo Taddei ◽  
Yuri Carvalho Mendes ◽  
Juliana Ferreira Sauer

To assess the articular range of motion in children with congenital visual impairment. Were evaluated 75 children between five and twelve years old, 49 with normal visual acuity and 26 visually impaired. Two evaluators performed the measure of active and passive range of motion by goniometry of shoulder and hip in all axes of motion. All examiners made a test of correlation between data obtained, to determine the inter-rater reliability, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In individuals with visual impairments was statistically significant difference, with higher range of motion in individuals with visual impairments to medial and lateral rotation of shoulder and hip lateral rotation. Were found: high correlation in the inter-rater reliability (ICC>0.70) for 9 (22.5%) groups of articular range of motion, moderate correlation (0.7>ICC>0.5) for 25 (62.5%) groups and low correlation to 6 (15%) groups ranges of motion. Sampled children with congenital visual impairment showed greater joint mobility for rotational range of motion of the shoulder and hip than children with normal visual acuity, although they have also shown lower values for articular range of motion in abduction and extension in shoulders.

Author(s):  
Henriëtte A. W. Meijer ◽  
Maurits Graafland ◽  
Miryam C. Obdeijn ◽  
Marlies P. Schijven ◽  
J. Carel Goslings

Abstract Purpose To determine the validity of wrist range of motion (ROM) measurements by the wearable-controlled ReValidate! wrist-rehabilitation game, which simultaneously acts as a digital goniometer. Furthermore, to establish the reliability of the game by contrasting ROM measurements to those found by medical experts using a universal goniometer. Methods As the universal goniometer is considered the reference standard, inter-rater reliability between surgeons was first determined. Internal validity of the game ROM measurements was determined in a test–retest setting with healthy volunteers. The reliability of the game was tested in 34 patients with a restricted range of motion, in whom the ROM was measured by experts as well as digitally. Intraclass-correlation coefficients (ICCs) were determined and outcomes were analyzed using Bland–Altman plots. Results Inter-rater reliability between experts using a universal goniometer was poor, with ICCs of 0.002, 0.160 and 0.520. Internal validity testing of the game found ICCs of − 0.693, 0.376 and 0.863, thus ranging from poor to good. Reliability testing of the game compared to medical expert measurements, found that mean differences were small for the flexion–extension arc and the radial deviation-ulnar deviation arc. Conclusion The ReValidate! game is a reliable home-monitoring device digitally measuring ROM in the wrist. Interestingly, the test–retest reliability of the serious game was found to be considerably higher than the inter-rater reliability of the reference standard, being healthcare professionals using a universal goniometer. Trial registration number (internal hospital registration only) MEC-AMC W17_003 #17.015.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Ramiler Silva ◽  
Tiago Farias ◽  
Fernando Cascio ◽  
Levi Dos Santos ◽  
Vinícius Peixoto ◽  
...  

The visual acuity loss enables the brain to access new pathways in the quest to overcome the visual limitation and this is wellknown as neuroplasticity which have mechanisms to cortical reorganization. In this review, we related the evidences about the neuroplasticity as well as cortical anatomical differences and functional repercussions in visual impairments. We performed a systematic review of PUBMED database, without date or status publication restrictions. The findings demonstrate that the visual impairment produce a compensatory sensorial effect, in which non-visual areas are related to both cross (visual congenital) and multimodal (late blind) neuroplasticity.


Author(s):  
Daniela Dimitrova Radojichikj

A comparison reading performance was done between 8 students who are using Braille and 14 students who are using enlarged print to read. Reading performance was determined using reading rate (words per minute, wpm). Reading rate results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between those using the Braille (16.62±11.61 wpm) and those using the enlarged print (27.21±24.89 wpm). This study has shown that Braille reader students read at lower reading rate compared to print reader students with visual impairment.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9687
Author(s):  
Vanina Costa ◽  
Óscar Ramírez ◽  
Abraham Otero ◽  
Daniel Muñoz-García ◽  
Sandra Uribarri ◽  
...  

Background Elbow and wrist chronic conditions are very common among musculoskeletal problems. These painful conditions affect muscle function, which ultimately leads to a decrease in the joint’s Range Of Motion (ROM). Due to their portability and ease of use, goniometers are still the most widespread tool for measuring ROM. Inertial sensors are emerging as a digital, low-cost and accurate alternative. However, whereas inertial sensors are commonly used in research studies, due to the lack of information about their validity and reliability, they are not widely used in the clinical practice. The goal of this study is to assess the validity and intra-inter-rater reliability of inertial sensors for measuring active ROM of the elbow and wrist. Materials and Methods Measures were taken simultaneously with inertial sensors (Werium™ system) and a universal goniometer. The process involved two physiotherapists (“rater A” and “rater B”) and an engineer responsible for the technical issues. Twenty-nine asymptomatic subjects were assessed individually in two sessions separated by 48 h. The procedure was repeated by rater A followed by rater B with random order. Three repetitions of each active movement (elbow flexion, pronation, and supination; and wrist flexion, extension, radial deviation and ulnar deviation) were executed starting from the neutral position until the ROM end-feel; that is, until ROM reached its maximum due to be stopped by the anatomy. The coefficient of determination (r2) and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The Standard Error of the Measurement and the Minimum Detectable Change and a Bland–Altman plots were also calculated. Results Similar ROM values when measured with both instruments were obtained for the elbow (maximum difference of 3° for all the movements) and wrist (maximum difference of 1° for all the movements). These values were within the normal range when compared to literature studies. The concurrent validity analysis for all the movements yielded ICC values ≥0.78 for the elbow and ≥0.95 for the wrist. Concerning reliability, the ICC values denoted a high reliability of inertial sensors for all the different movements. In the case of the elbow, intra-rater and inter-rater reliability ICC values range from 0.83 to 0.96 and from 0.94 to 0.97, respectively. Intra-rater analysis of the wrist yielded ICC values between 0.81 and 0.93, while the ICC values for the inter-rater analysis range from 0.93 to 0.99. Conclusions Inertial sensors are a valid and reliable tool for measuring elbow and wrist active ROM. Particularly noteworthy is their high inter-rater reliability, often questioned in measurement tools. The lowest reliability is observed in elbow prono-supination, probably due to skin artifacts. Based on these results and their advantages, inertial sensors can be considered a valid assessment tool for wrist and elbow ROM.


2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 1060-1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Paciello Yamashita ◽  
Elisabet Borg ◽  
Svante Granqvist ◽  
Anette Lohmander

Objective: To compare reliability in auditory-perceptual assessment of hypernasality for 3 different methods and to explore the influence of language background. Design: Comparative methodological study. Participants and Materials: Audio recordings of 5-year-old Swedish-speaking children with repaired cleft lip and palate consisting of 73 stimuli of 9 nonnasal single-word strings in 3 different randomized orders. Four experienced speech-language pathologists (2 native speakers of Brazilian–Portuguese and 2 native speakers of Swedish) participated as listeners. After individual training, each listener performed the hypernasality rating task. Each order of stimuli was analyzed individually using the 2-step, VISOR and Borg centiMax scale methods. Main Outcome Measures: Comparison of intra- and inter-rater reliability, and consistency  for each method within language of the listener and between listener languages (Swedish and Brazilian–Portuguese). Results: Good to excellent intra-rater reliability was found within each listener for all methods, 2-step: κ = 0.59-0.93; VISOR: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.80-0.99; Borg centiMax (cM) scale: ICC = 0.80-1.00. The highest inter-rater reliability was demonstrated for VISOR (ICC = 0.60-0.90) and Borg cM-scale (ICC = 0.40-0.80). High consistency within each method was found with the highest for the Borg cM scale (ICC = 0.89-0.91). There was a significant difference in the ratings between the Swedish and the Brazilian listeners for all methods. Conclusions: The category-ratio scale Borg cM was considered most reliable in the assessment of hypernasality. Language background of Brazilian–Portuguese listeners influenced the perceptual ratings of hypernasality in Swedish speech samples, despite their experience in perceptual assessment of cleft palate speech disorders.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hecimovich

Background: Cricket bowling involves combined spinalmovements of side bending and rotation and, consequently, injuryto the low back is a common problem. Therefore the assessmentof lumbar spine kinematics has become a routine component inpreseason screening. This includes static measurement of lateralspinal flexion as asymmetrical range of motion may predispose anathlete to low back injury.Objectives: This study examined intra-rater reliability andconcurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floor distance test (FFD)when compared to a criterion range of motion measure.Methods: Thirty-four junior-level cricket players aged 13‑16years were recruited. Lumbar spine lateral flexion was measuredsimultaneously with the fingertip-to-floor distance test and digitalinclinometry methods. Relative and absolute intra-rater reliabilitywere investigated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,1)of agreement, standard error of measurement (SEM) estimates,Bland and Altman bias estimates and 95% limits of agreement,respectively. The concurrent validity of the fingertip-to-floordistance test, compared to digital inclinometry measures, wasexamined with Pearson correlation coefficients.Results: Intra-rater reliability demonstrated substantial agreementfor both measures (ICC3,1 > 0.84). The fingertip-to-floor distancetest SEM values ranged from 1.71‑2.01 cm with an estimatedminimum detectable change (MDC) threshold of 4.73‑5.55 cm.The inclinometry SEM values ranged from 1.00‑1.09° withminimal detectable change estimates of 2.77‑3.01°. There werestrong correlations between the index test and criterion measureoutcomes (r > 0.84, p < 0.001).Conclusions: This study’s results support the intra-rater reliabilityand concurrent validity of the finger-to-floor distance test,suggesting it to be a suitable surrogate measure for lumbar lateralflexion testing


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Gillis ◽  
Marie Morris ◽  
Nikita Bhatt ◽  
Paul Ridgway

Background: Despite widespread use of multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs) to facilitate patient care, little evidence exists that MDTs improve patient survival or impact care. Research into MDT function and outcome is limited. This pilot study looks to validate a novel tool developed to assess MDT functioning. Methods: A tool was developed with predefined Likert behaviour stems in the areas of structure, communication and collaboration. The tool was evaluated in nine MDTs by three independent observers and included participant evaluation. Inter-rater reliability was calculated with intraclass-correlation coefficients (ICC); Student’s t-test was used to calculate significance in participant evaluation and matched observations. Results: The tool was used to evaluate 9 MDTs, discussing 133 cases. The overall ICC for the three coders was 0.935; for each MDT: 0.776–0.917. The inter-rater reliability for each MDT observation ranged from 0.245–0.923; the majority with an ICC >0.8. No significant difference was noted between participant evaluation and observer response. Discussion: MDTs provide a means of coordinating complex care for patients. This tool provides a means of evaluating group interaction within MDTs and is designed for use by different medical personnel. The pilot study has shown promising ICC; further evaluation is needed using a broader group of MDTs and including case complexity and outcome.


Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 679-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Z. Zhao ◽  
Philip E. Blazar ◽  
Ariana N. Mora ◽  
Brandon E. Earp

Background: Range of motion (ROM) measurements of the fingers are frequently obtained during hand physical examinations. While traditionally measured by manual goniometry, smartphone photography introduces an alternative method of ROM measurement that also has potential telemedicine applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of smartphone photography measurements as an alternative to traditional goniometry, using the patient with Dupuytren disease as a model. Methods: Patients with a confirmed Dupuytren contracture were prospectively enrolled in this study. Range of motion measurements of the affected joints were obtained prior to any invasive treatments. Two sets of photographs were taken by both a clinical staff member and a nonclinical individual unaffiliated with the study. Both sets of photos were analyzed for degree of contracture via software analysis and compared against traditional goniometer measurements. Results: The study prospectively enrolled 50 consecutive patients with Dupuytren disease, comprising 123 affected joints. The mean contractures of all affected joints as measured by manual goniometry, trained photograph goniometry, and untrained photograph goniometry were 38.5, 35.3, and 35.5, respectively. The mean difference in contracture measurement was 3.2° between manual and trained photograph goniometry and 3.0° between manual and untrained photograph goniometry. There was no statistically significant difference between trained and untrained photo set measurements. Photograph measurements between separate raters demonstrated high consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92). Conclusions: Smartphone photography provides contracture measurements equivalent to the accepted error of a finger goniometer (3.2° compared with 5°). The accuracy of smartphone photography in measuring contractures offers potential telemedicine applications for both clinical and research needs.


2012 ◽  
Vol 94 (7) ◽  
pp. 506-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Phillips ◽  
A Goubran ◽  
S Naim ◽  
D Searle ◽  
V Mandalia ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION We sought to validate radiographic measurements of range of motion of the knee after arthroplasty as part of a new system of virtual clinics. METHODS The range of motion of 52 knees in 45 patients was obtained by 2 clinicians using standardised techniques and goniometers. Inter-rater reliability and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Radiographs of these patients’ knees in full active flexion and extension were also used to calculate intra and inter-rater reliability compared with clinical measurements using four different methods for plotting angles on the radiographs. RESULTS The ICC for inter-rater reliability using the goniometer was very high. The ICC was 0.91 in extension and 0.85 in flexion while repeatability was 8.49° (-8.03–8.99°) in extension and 5.23° (-4.54–5.74°) in flexion. The best ICC for radiographic measurement in extension was 0.86, indicating ‘near perfect’ agreement, and repeatability was 5.43° (-4.04–6.12°). The best ICC in flexion was 0.95 and repeatability was 5.82° (-3.38–6.55°). The ICC for intrarater reliability was 0.98 for extension and 0.99 for flexion on radiographic measurements. CONCLUSIONS Validating the use of radiographs to reliably measure range of motion following knee arthroplasty has allowed us to set up a ‘virtual knee clinic’. Combining validated questionnaires and radiographic measurement of range of motion, we aim to maintain high quality patient surveillance following knee arthroplasty, reduce our ratio for new to follow-up patients in line with Department of Health guidelines and improve patient satisfaction through reduced travel to hospital outpatients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 516-530
Author(s):  
Bulent Kimyon ◽  
Gonca Ince

Introduction: This study investigated the relationship between physical fitness, anthropometric characteristics, visual acuity of athletes with visual impairments, and their right shot performance. Method: The participants of the study involved 34 male athletes with different visual acuities who participated in the 2015 Visually Impaired Schools Goalball Championship in Alanya, Turkey. The means of the participants’ age, body weight, height, and sport age were 14.95 ± 1.28 years, 52.06 ± 8.89 kilograms, 163.58 ± 10.39 centimeters, 02.39 ± 1.50 years, respectively. The participants’ physical fitness, body fat percentage, handgrip (right–left), and spine flexibility were measured. Upper and lower extremity lengths were obtained through anthropometric measurements, and the athletes’ right shot performance was calculated. To analyze the data, the Shapiro–Wilk test was used, and one-way analysis of variance and independent sample t-test were performed, because the data showed a normal distribution ( p = .106). In addition, multivariate regression model analysis was utilized to investigate the relationship between all parameters and the athletes’ right shot performance. Results: A significant difference was found among the groups’ right shot performance ( p = .03), specifically on behalf of the athletes with low vision. When the participants’ anthropometric features, physical fitness values, and their right shot performance were examined, a positive relationship was observed between their dominant (right) handgrip strength and right shot performance (stepwise method; p = .03, R2 = 0.14). However, no significant difference emerged between their anthropometric characteristics and right shot performance. Discussion: It is considered that visual acuity and upper extremity muscle strength are of vital importance in goalball. Implications for practitioners: Whereas the International Blind Sports Federation applies rules according to visual acuity to offer equal conditions for some areas of sport, in goalball such a rule does not exist. It is important to make a change in the regulations for competition groupings according to visual acuities in goalball like in other sports for individuals with visual impairments. More frequent workout oriented to upper extremity muscle strength during right shot performance is suggested in the training sessions.


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