Novel Ultrasonographic Thickness and Strength Assessments of the Flexor Digitorum: A Reliability Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-278
Author(s):  
Christos I Ioannou ◽  
Franziska L Hodde-Chriske ◽  
Marios N Avraamides ◽  
Eckart Altenmüller
Keyword(s):  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Extensor Digitorum ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Smallest Detectable Change ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Right ◽  
Flexor Digitorum ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

OBJECTIVES: Clinical conditions such as focal dystonia often require the assessment of atrophy and weakness of the finger muscles. However, due to a lack of well-established protocols, the current investigation focused on assessing the reliability of thickness and strength assessments of the flexor digitorum (FD) muscle, including both the superficialis and profundus components. As a secondary assessment, the reliability of the strength measurement of the extensor digitorum muscle was examined as well. METHODS: Different thickness measurements of the FD were taken via ultrasonography and averaged to estimate the mean thickness of the FD. Likewise, individual finger strength measurements taken by a custom-made finger pressure device were averaged to compute the mean strength of the flexor and extensor digitorum muscles. Test-retest reliability of the above measurements performed at two different time points (about 6 months apart) were examined on the right and left hands of 10 participants. RESULTS: Findings indicated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.92) for the mean thickness assessment of the FD and mean strength of the flexor and extensor digitorum for both dominant and non-dominant hands. The standard error of measurement was ≤4.3% for all three mean assessments, indicating high sensitivity. Likewise, the smallest detectable change was also sufficiently small for the mean thickness and mean strength of the flexor digitorum (≤5.1%) and moderately small (≤12%) for the strength of the extensor digitorum. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated an excellent relative and absolute reliability, for both hands, for the mean thickness and strength assessments of the flexor digitorum muscle and for the mean strength of the extensor digitorum (measured for both hands). These measurements can be used for future investigations and can contribute to the establishment of more precise methods for assessing the muscles in the forearms which serve the hand.

scholarly journals Reliability and validity of a Mediterranean diet and culinary index (MediCul) tool in an older population with mild cognitive impairment

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (10) ◽  
pp. 1189-1200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Radd-Vagenas ◽  
Maria A. Fiatarone Singh ◽  
Michael Inskip ◽  
Yorgi Mavros ◽  
Nicola Gates ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Systematic Bias ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

AbstractDementia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality without pharmacologic prevention or cure. Mounting evidence suggests that adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern may slow cognitive decline, and is important to characterise in at-risk cohorts. Thus, we determined the reliability and validity of the Mediterranean Diet and Culinary Index (MediCul), a new tool, among community-dwelling individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of sixty-eight participants (66 % female) aged 75·9 (sd 6·6) years, from the Study of Mental and Resistance Training study MCI cohort, completed the fifty-item MediCul at two time points, followed by a 3-d food record (FR). MediCul test–retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland–Altman plots and κ agreement within seventeen dietary element categories. Validity was assessed against the FR using the Bland–Altman method and nutrient trends across MediCul score tertiles. The mean MediCul score was 54·6/100·0, with few participants reaching thresholds for key Mediterranean foods. MediCul had very good test–retest reliability (ICC=0·93, 95 % CI 0·884, 0·954, P<0·0001) with fair-to-almost-perfect agreement for classifying elements within the same category. Validity was moderate with no systematic bias between methods of measurement, according to the regression coefficient (y=−2·30+0·17x) (95 % CI −0·027, 0·358; P=0·091). MediCul over-estimated the mean FR score by 6 %, with limits of agreement being under- and over-estimated by 11 and 23 %, respectively. Nutrient trends were significantly associated with increased MediCul scoring, consistent with a Mediterranean pattern. MediCul provides reliable and moderately valid information about Mediterranean diet adherence among older individuals with MCI, with potential application in future studies assessing relationships between diet and cognitive function.

The TAPS Project. 9: The Reliability of the Patient Attitude Questionnaire

1993 ◽  
Vol 162 (S19) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Thornicroft ◽  
Christopher Gooch ◽  
Catherine O'Driscoll ◽  
Sawsan Reda
Keyword(s):  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Kappa Coefficient ◽  
Attitudinal Change ◽  
Attitude Questionnaire ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Patient Attitude ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

The development of the hospital and community versions of the Patient Attitude Questionnaire is described. The instrument rates the attitudes of psychiatric patients towards their treatment settings and staff, and is framed specifically to assess attitudinal change during the transfer of patients from hospital. For the items rated using the kappa coefficient of agreement, the mean test-retest reliability value was 0.51, and the average inter-rater value was 0.82. This study shows that long-term psychiatric patients are able to give clear and consistent views about their living arrangements - views that should be sought and respected by staff.

scholarly journals Validation of Sinhala Version of Brief COPE Scale in Patients with Cancer in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eranthi Weeratunga ◽  
Chandanie Senadheera ◽  
Manjula Hettiarachchi ◽  
Bilesha Perera
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Cronbach’S Alpha ◽  
Maladaptive Coping ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cronbach's Alpha ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background Coping strategies are essential in the cancer management/recovery process and show an integral part in patients with cancer globally. In Sri Lanka, validated scales to measure coping are scarce. This study was examined the Sinhalese version of the Brief COPE for its psychometric properties. Methods This scale is self-administered (28 items) and consists of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies; divided into 14 subscales. Cancer patients were registered ‘first come - first serve’ basis using their appointment register at the Radiotherapy Unit, Oncology ward, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Galle, Sri Lanka. They were requested to complete the Sinhalese version of the Brief COPE and demographic details. Test-retest reliability was checked using the same subjects two weeks later. Factorial validity was performed using exploratory factor and principal component analysis. Results were regarded as statistically significant if p < 0.05. Results The mean (±SD) age of the sample was 61(±12) years. The mean adaptive coping (±SD) and maladaptive coping were 37.50 (±8.14) and 17.10 (±2.44) respectively. The internal consistency of the overall scale was good (Cronbach’s alpha - 0.819). Adaptive and maladaptive coping showed a high Cronbach’s alpha (0.861 and 0.396). The test-retest reliability was found to be 0.66. The Sinhala version of BC was found to have a negative correlation with the CES-D scale but was positively correlated with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Seven factors were extracted. Conclusion The Sinhala version of the Brief COPE is a valid and reliable tool to assess coping strategies among patients with cancer. The findings of this study would let the health authorities get an understanding of coping strategies among patients with cancer; and the impact on cancer victims and family members to relieve their suffering.

scholarly journals Test−Retest Reliability of the ‘Welfare Quality® Animal Welfare Assessment Protocol for Sows and Piglets’. Part 1. Assessment of the Welfare Principle of ‘Appropriate Behavior’

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friedrich ◽  
Krieter ◽  
Kemper ◽  
Czycholl
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Appropriate Behavior ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Smallest Detectable Change ◽  
Welfare Quality ◽  
Animal Welfare Assessment ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

The present study’s aim was to assess the test−retest reliability (TRR) of the ‘Welfare Quality® animal welfare assessment protocol for sows and piglets’ focusing on the welfare principle ‘appropriate behavior’. TRR was calculated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (RS), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), smallest detectable change (SDC), and limits of agreement (LoA). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for deeper analysis of the Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA). The study was conducted on thirteen farms in Northern Germany, which were visited five times by the same observer. Farm visits 1 (F1; day 0) were compared to farm visits 2 to 5 (F2–F5). The QBA indicated no TRR when applying the statistical parameters introduced above (e.g., ‘playful‘ (F1–F4) RS 0.08 ICC 0.00 SDC 0.50 LoA [−0.62, 0.38]). The PCA detected contradictory TRR. Acceptable TRR could be found for parts of the instantaneous scan sampling (e.g., negative social behavior (F1–F3) RS 0.45 ICC 0.37 SDC 0.02 LoA [−0.03, 0.02]). The human−animal relationship test solely achieved poor TRR, whereas scans for stereotypies showed sufficient TRR (e.g., floor licking (F1–F4) RS 0.63 ICC 0.52 SDC 0.05 LoA [−0.08, 0.04]). Concluding, the principle ‘appropriate behavior’ does not represent TRR and further investigation is needed before implementation on-farm.

scholarly journals Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) in mainland China: an investigation of reliability, validity, and responsiveness

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Feifei Zhou ◽  
Shuyang Li ◽  
Yilong Zhang ◽  
Yanbin Zhao ◽  
Kevin L. Ju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Youden Index ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
External Responsiveness ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to investigate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of JOACMEQ for CSM patients in mainland China. Methods A retrospective review was performed on 91 patients with CSM in our hospital from March 2015 to June 2015. Patients completed the JOACMEQ, the mJOA and the SF-36 questionnaires during the process. Cronbach's α was used to evaluate the internal consistency reliability, and test–retest reliability was checked. An exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the correlations among the JOACMEQ questions and the construct validity. The concurrent validity was assessed by Spearman correlation coefficient. The internal responsiveness was determined by effect sizes and standardized response means. External responsiveness was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve on the basis of the Youden Index. Results The mean age of patients was 57.61 years old. The mean follow-up was 24 months. JOACMEQ showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach's α, 0.897). Test–retest reliability showing good result (Pearson's correlation, 0.695–0.905). Our data were amenable to factor analysis (KMO = 0.816, Bartlett's test, χ2(45) = 1199.99, p < 0.001), and five factors above 1 were strongly loaded and clustered for each of the five factors. Comparing the scales preoperative to those 2 years postoperative, the average scores of the subscales all increased, and both the ES and SRM showing satisfied responsiveness. In external responsiveness analysis, the recovery rate a appeared to be most responsive to post-operative improvement. Conclusions The Simplified Chinese version of JOACMEQ was well-developed with great reliability and sensitive responsiveness. Our study demonstrated that JOACMEQ has content psychometric properties to identify postoperative improvements in CSM patients.

Purdue Pegboard: Test-Retest Estimates

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 503-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Reddon ◽  
David M. Gill ◽  
Stephen E. Gauk ◽  
Marita D. Maerz
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Stability ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Right Hand ◽  
The Right ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Right And Left Hand ◽  
Over Time

26 normal, self-reported dextral subjects (12 men, 14 women) were assessed with a Purdue Pegboard 5 times at weekly intervals to evaluate temporal stability and efficacy of lateralization with this test. There was a statistically significant increase in performance over time for men on the right- and left-hand placing subtests and for women on the assemblies subtest. For men/women the test-retest reliability over the 5 sessions averaged .63/.76 for the right-hand, .64/.79 for the left-hand, .67/.81 for both-hands, .81/.83 for assemblies, and .33/.22 for the right/left-hand ratio.

The Draw-a-Dog Scale

1973 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris M. Levinson ◽  
Harry Mezei
Keyword(s):  
Middle Class ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Drawing Test ◽  
White Middle Class ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

The Draw-A-Dog Scale, a provisional supplement to the Goodenough-Harris drawing test, consisting of 41 items was standardized on 120 white middle-class children. The mean CAs for the groups ranged from 5.8 to 7.7 yr. The test-retest reliability of the scale is .76 and scorer reliability .91.

scholarly journals Psychometric Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness of the Tinnitus Functional Index

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (07) ◽  
pp. 609-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navshika Chandra ◽  
Kevin Chang ◽  
Arier Lee ◽  
Giriraj S. Shekhawat ◽  
Grant D. Searchfield
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Divergent Validity ◽  
Valid Measure ◽  
Functional Index ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Smallest Detectable Change ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

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.

scholarly journals Persian version of attitudes towards loss of hearing questionnaire

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Heidari ◽  
Jamileh Fatahi ◽  
Reza Hoseinabadi ◽  
Nematollah Rouhbakhsh ◽  
Sasan Dabiri Satri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Persian Version ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Loss Of Hearing

Background and Aim: Investigations have shown that the patient’s attitudes toward hearing loss and hearing aids impact hearing aid benefits and its use. In this regard, Saunders and Cien­kowski (1996) developed the “attitudes towards loss of hearing questionnaire” to examine some of the psychosocial factors underlying the use of hearing aids. This study has focused on pre­paring a Persian version of this questionnaire and analyzing its validity and reliability. Methods: The original English version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian, and its content and face validities were determined by related experts. The final questionnaire was administered to 100 hearing impaired people (52 males and 48 females) aged 30 to 65 years with the mean (SD) age of 54.54 (12.05) years. The test-retest reliability was assessed in 20 pat­ients. Results: The results of face validity assessment revealed that our questionnaire has a high quality in translation, intelligibility, and cultural compatibility. The mean scores of the content validity ratio and content validity index of this questionnaire was 0.71 and 0.98, respectively. The mean (SD) total score of this questionnaire was 60.46 (10.02) and the mean scores of denial of hearing loss, negative associations, negative coping strategies, manual dexterity and vision and hearing-related esteem were 15.58, 12.10, 20.40, 5.30, and 7.08, respectively. The overall Cronbach α value was 0.798. The test-retest reliability showed good results for the global score (Intraclass correlation = 0.989). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the Persian version of the questionnaire possesses satisfactory validity and reliability.

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