scholarly journals INTERRATER AND INTRARATER RELIABILITY OF PRESSURE BIOFEEDBACK UNIT IN MEASUREMENT OF TRANSVERSES ABDOMINIS MUSCLE ACTIVATION IN ASYMPTOMATIC ADULTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 664-670
Author(s):  
Disha Vallabhbhai Solanki ◽  
◽  
Neela Soni ◽  

Background –The Transverse abdominis with its direct attachments to lumber vertebrae through thoracolumber fascia contributes as a local stabilizer of spine which have meaningful role for spinal stability. Transverse abdominis(TrA) activation is vital component in rehabilition of patients with Low back pain. The Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) is a device designed to teach and measure Transverses abdominis activation by Abdominal draw-in maneuver which is often used by clinicians. Methods – 60 healthy male and female subjects were selected for study. The abdominal draw-in test was performed with the subject in a prone lying position, and the Pressure Biofeedback Unit (Chattanooga Stabilizer ) was utilized to evaluate the ability of the subject to perform this abdominal isolation test. For intrarater reliability, the examiner carried out the test twice at the interval of 2 days. For interrater reliability, 2 examiners did the test one after the other on the same day. Results – Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were calculated to determine interrater and intrarater reliability.ICC value for inter-rater reliability is 0.87 with 95% confidence interval (0.78-0.92). ICC value for intra-rater reliability is 0.86 with 95% confidence interval (0.79 – 0.93). Conclusion - Pressure Biofeedback Unit shows good to excellent inter-rater and intra-rater reliability.

Ultrasound ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa L Kennedy ◽  
Carol A Flavell ◽  
Kenji Doma

A “free hand” real-time-ultrasound method is commonly applied to measure transversus abdominis. Potentially, this increases transversus abdominis measurement error due to uncontrolled variability in probe to skin force, inclination, and roll, particularly for novice examiners. This single-group repeated-measures reliability study compared the intra-rater reliability of transversus abdominis thickness and activation measurement by a novice examiner between free hand and a standardized probe force device method. The examiner captured ultrasound videos of transversus abdominis in a single session in healthy participants ( n =  33). Free hand ultrasound featured uncontrolled probe force, inclination, and roll, while probe force device method ultrasound standardized these parameters. Images of transversus abdominis at rest and contracted were measured and transversus abdominis activation calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement, and worthwhile differences were calculated. The probe force device method resulted in greater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75–0.96) and lower measurement error (coefficient of variation = 8.89–28.7%) compared to free hand (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.63–0.93; coefficient of variation = 6.52–29.4%). Reliability was good for all measurements except free hand TrA-C, which was moderate. TrA-C had the lowest reliability, followed by contracted thickness of the transverse abdominis, with resting thickness of the transverse abdominis being highest. Worthwhile differences were lower using a probe force device method versus free hand for resting thickness of the transverse abdominis and contracted thickness of the transverse abdominis and similar for TrA-C. Standardization using probe force device method ultrasound to measure transversus abdominis improved intra-rater reliability in a novice examiner. Use of a probe force device method is recommended to improve reliability through reduced sources of measurement error. Probe force device method intra- and inter-rater reliability in examiners of varying experience, in clinical populations, and to visualize other structures merits exploration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000541 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Ressman ◽  
Wilhelmus Johannes Andreas Grooten ◽  
Eva Rasmussen Barr

Single leg squat (SLS) is a common tool used in clinical examination to set and evaluate rehabilitation goals, but also to assess lower extremity function in active people.ObjectivesTo conduct a review and meta-analysis on the inter-rater and intrarater reliability of the SLS, including the lateral step-down (LSD) and forward step-down (FSD) tests.DesignReview with meta-analysis.Data sourcesCINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline (OVID) and Web of Science was searched up until December 2018.Eligibility criteriaStudies were eligible for inclusion if they were methodological studies which assessed the inter-rater and/or intrarater reliability of the SLS, FSD and LSD through observation of movement quality.ResultsThirty-one studies were included. The reliability varied largely between studies (inter-rater: kappa/intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) = 0.00–0.95; intrarater: kappa/ICC = 0.13–1.00), but most of the studies reached ‘moderate’ measures of agreement. The pooled results of ICC/kappa showed a ‘moderate’ agreement for inter-rater reliability, 0.58 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.65), and a ‘substantial’ agreement for intrarater reliability, 0.68 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.74). Subgroup analyses showed a higher pooled agreement for inter-rater reliability of ≤3-point rating scales while no difference was found for different numbers of segmental assessments.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the SLS test including the FSD and LSD tests can be suitable for clinical use regardless of number of observed segments and particularly with a ≤3-point rating scale. Since most of the included studies were affected with some form of methodological bias, our findings must be interpreted with caution.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018077822.


2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher K. Wong

Background People with lower limb amputations frequently have impaired balance ability. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) has excellent psychometric properties for people with neurologic disorders and elderly people dwelling in the community. A Rasch analysis demonstrated the validity of the BBS for people with lower limb amputations of all ability strata, but rater reliability has not been tested. Objective The study objective was to determine the interrater reliability and intrarater reliability of BBS scores and the differences in scores assigned by testers with various levels of experience when assessing people with lower limb amputations. Design This reliability study of video-recorded single-session BBS assessments had a cross-sectional design. Methods From a larger study of people with lower limb amputations, 5 consecutively recruited participants using prostheses were video recorded during an in-person BBS assessment. Sixteen testers independently rated the video-recorded assessments. Testers were 3 physical therapists, 1 occupational therapist, 3 third-year and 4 second-year doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students, and 5 first-year DPT students without clinical training. Rater reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [2,k]). Differences in scores assigned by testers with various levels of experience were determined by use of an analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc tests. Results The average age of the participants was 53.0 years (SD=15.7). Amputations had occurred at the ankle disarticulation, transtibial, and transfemoral levels because of vascular, trauma, and medical etiologies an average of 8.2 years earlier (SD=7.9). Berg Balance Scale scores spanned all ability strata. Interrater reliability (ICC [2,k]=.99) and intrarater reliability of scores determined in person and through video-recorded assessments by the same testers (ICC [2,k]=.99) were excellent. For participants with the lowest levels of ability, licensed professionals assigned lower scores than did DPT students without clinical training. Limitations Intrarater reliability calculations were based on 2 testers. Conclusions Berg Balance Scale scores assigned to people using prostheses by testers with various levels of clinical experience had excellent interrater reliability and intrarater reliability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 205846011985518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Phexell ◽  
Anna Åkesson ◽  
Marcus Söderberg ◽  
Anetta Bolejko

Background Different low-dose computed tomography (CT) pelvimetry methods can be used to evaluate the size of birth canal before delivery. CT pelvimetry might generate an acceptable low fetal radiation dose but its measurement accuracy is unknown. Purpose To investigate intra- and inter-rater measurement reliability of cross-sectional and two spiral CT pelvimetry methods: standard spiral and short spiral. Material and Methods Ten individuals (age ≥60 years, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) having a CT scan of the abdomen also had CT pelvimetry scans. Three radiologists made independent measurements of each pelvimetry method on two occasions and also in consensus for a reference pelvimetry computed from the standard-dose CT scan of the abdomen. Inter- and intra-rater reliability was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient. Results Measurements in the short spiral pelvimetry demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.93, and good to excellent 95% confidence interval 0.87–0.99. Corresponding results of the standard spiral and cross-sectional pelvimetry showed good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.85 and ≥0.76, and 95% confidence interval was least good and moderate 0.73–0.98 and 0.59–0.97, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient between reference pelvimetry and other CT methods showed analogous results. Conclusion The short spiral pelvimetry demonstrated high and best reliability in comparison to other methods. Standard spiral method showed also good measurement reliability but the short spiral pelvimetry generates lower fetal radiation dose. This method might be suitable for measurements at narrow pelvis. Patient acceptance and attitude to CT pelvimetry should be investigated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-39
Author(s):  
Jun Hayakawa ◽  
Mitsuhiro Ochi ◽  
Yudai Yano ◽  
Ryutaro Matsugaki ◽  
Yuto Ogata ◽  
...  

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the inter- and intra-rater reliability of and minimal detectable changes (MDCs) at the 95% confidence interval in gait performance tests in patients with chronic hemiplegic stroke who can walk independently. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with chronic hemiplegic stroke (24 men, 6 women, mean age 62.5 ± 11.6 years) were enrolled. Physical therapists (mean clinical experience: 9.1 ± 9.3 years) performed the timed up and go test (TUG), 10-m walk test (10MWT), and 6-min walk test (6MWT) 1 day apart. Reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis. Results: The ICC was ≥0.9 for all tests, and no systematic bias was found. MDC at the 95% confidence interval was 1.9 s for the TUG, 0.16 m/s for the 10MWT, and 28.4 m for the 6MWT. Discussion: We demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability of all tests. These results suggest that gait performance tests are reliable. Conclusion: These commonly used gait performance tests demonstrated high reliability and can be recommended to evaluate clinically meaningful improvements in patients with chronic hemiplegic stroke who can walk independently.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Barrett ◽  
Karen McCreesh ◽  
Jeremy Lewis

Objective. This study aimed to describe the interrater and intrarater reliability of the flexicurve index, flexicurve angle, and manual inclinometer in swimmers. A secondary objective was to determine the level of agreement between the inclinometer angle and the flexicurve angle and to provide an equation to approximate one angle from the other.Methods. Thirty swimmers participated. Thoracic kyphosis was measured using the flexicurve and the manual inclinometer. Intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% confidence interval, and standard error of measurement were computed.Results. The flexicurve angle and index showed excellent intrarater (ICC = 0.94) and good interrater (ICC = 0.86) reliability. The inclinometer demonstrated excellent intrarater (ICC = 0.92) and interrater (ICC = 0.90) reliability. The flexicurve angle was systematically smaller and correlated poorly with the inclinometer angle (R2=0.384). The following equations can be used for approximate conversions: flexicurve angle = (0.275 × inclinometer angle) + 8.478; inclinometer angle = (1.396 × flexicurve angle) + 8.694.Conclusion. The inclinometer and flexicurve are both reliable instruments for thoracic kyphosis measurement in swimmers. Although the flexicurve and inclinometer angles are not directly comparable, the approximate conversion factors provided will permit translation of flexicurve angle to inclinometer angle and vice versa.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J Erickson ◽  
Philip G R Schmalz ◽  
Bonita S Agee ◽  
Matthew Fort ◽  
Beverly C Walters ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND The Koos classification of vestibular schwannomas is designed to stratify tumors based on extrameatal extension and compression of the brainstem. While this classification system is widely reported in the literature, to date no study has assessed its reliability. OBJECTIVE To assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Koos classification system. METHODS After institutional review board approval was obtained, a cross-sectional group of the Magnetic Resonance imagings of 40 patients with vestibular schwannomas varying in size comprised the study sample. Four raters were selected to assign a Koos grade to 50 total scans. Inter- and intrarater reliability were calculated and reported using Fleiss’ kappa, Kendall's W, and Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS Inter-rater reliability was found to be substantial when measured using Fleiss' kappa (.71), extremely strong using Kendall's W (.92), and excellent as calculated by ICC (.88). Intrarater reliability was perfect for 3 out of 4 raters as assessed using weighted kappa, Kendall's W and ICC, with the intrarater agreement for the fourth rater measured as extremely high. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated that the Koos classification system for vestibular schwannoma is a reliable method for tumor classification. This study lends further support to the results of current literature using Koos grading system. Further studies are required to evaluate its validity and utility in counseling patients with regard to outcomes.


Author(s):  
Blanca De-la-Cruz-Torres ◽  
Emmanuel Navarro-Flores ◽  
Daniel López-López ◽  
Carlos Romero-Morales

Background: the aim of this study was to compare the echotexture of patients with soleus muscle injury and age matched controls. Methods: a sample of 62 athletes was recruited at the private clinic and was divided in two group: a healthy group (n = 31) and a soleus pathology group whose athletes had soleus muscle injury, located in the central tendon (n = 31). The muscle thickness (MTh), echointensity (EI) and echovariation (EV) were analyzed. An intra-rater reliability test (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient-ICC) was performed in order to analyze the reliability of the values of the measurements. Results: Sociodemographic variables did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Ultrasound imaging measurements who reported statistically significant differences were EI (p = 0.001) and standard deviation (SD) (p = 0.001). MTh and EV variables did not show statistically significant differences (p = 0.381 and p = 0.364, respectively). Moreover, reliability values for the MTh (ICC = 0.911), EI (ICC = 0.982), SD (ICC = 0.955) and EV (ICC = 0.963). Based on these results the intra-rater reliability was considered excellent. Conclusion: Athletes with a central tendon injury of soleus muscle showed a lower EI when they were compared to healthy athletes. The echogenicity showed by the quantitative ultrasound imaging measurement may be a more objective parameter for the diagnosis and follow-up the soleus muscle injuries.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3422
Author(s):  
Jian-Zhi Lin ◽  
Wen-Yu Chiu ◽  
Wei-Hsun Tai ◽  
Yu-Xiang Hong ◽  
Chung-Yu Chen

This study analysed the landing performance and muscle activity of athletes in forefoot strike (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) patterns. Ten male college participants were asked to perform two foot strikes patterns, each at a running speed of 6 km/h. Three inertial sensors and five EMG sensors as well as one 24 G accelerometer were synchronised to acquire joint kinematics parameters as well as muscle activation, respectively. In both the FFS and RFS patterns, according to the intraclass correlation coefficient, excellent reliability was found for landing performance and muscle activation. Paired t tests indicated significantly higher ankle plantar flexion in the FFS pattern. Moreover, biceps femoris (BF) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) activation increased in the pre-stance phase of the FFS compared with that of RFS. The FFS pattern had significantly decreased tibialis anterior (TA) muscle activity compared with the RFS pattern during the pre-stance phase. The results demonstrated that the ankle strategy focused on controlling the foot strike pattern. The influence of the FFS pattern on muscle activity likely indicates that an athlete can increase both BF and GM muscles activity. Altered landing strategy in cases of FFS pattern may contribute both to the running efficiency and muscle activation of the lower extremity. Therefore, neuromuscular training and education are required to enable activation in dynamic running tasks.


Author(s):  
Aida Carballo-Fazanes ◽  
Ezequiel Rey ◽  
Nadia C. Valentini ◽  
José E. Rodríguez-Fernández ◽  
Cristina Varela-Casal ◽  
...  

The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) is one of the most common tools for assessing the fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children between 3 and 10 years. This study aimed to examine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the TGMD—3rd Edition (TGMD-3) between expert and novice raters using live and video assessment. Five raters [2 experts and 3 novices (one of them BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science)] assessed and scored the performance of the TGMD-3 of 25 healthy children [Female: 60%; mean (standard deviation) age 9.16 (1.31)]. Schoolchildren were attending at one public elementary school during the academic year 2019–2020 from Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Raters scored each children performance through two viewing moods (live and slow-motion). The ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) was used to determine the agreement between raters. Our results showed moderate-to-excellent intra-rater reliability for overall score and locomotor and ball skills subscales; moderate-to-good inter-rater reliability for overall and ball skills; and poor-to-good for locomotor subscale. Higher intra-rater reliability was achieved by the expert raters and novice rater with physical education background compared to novice raters. However, the inter-rater reliability was more variable in all the raters regardless of their experience or background. No significant differences in reliability were found when comparing live and video assessments. For clinical practice, it would be recommended that raters reach an agreement before the assessment to avoid subjective interpretations that might distort the results.


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