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

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.

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanxiang Yang ◽  
Moritz Schumann ◽  
Shenglong Le ◽  
Shulin Cheng

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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 2540-2549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine M Silva-Jaramillo ◽  
Marilda B Neutzling ◽  
Michele Drehmer

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the reliability and validity of a semi-quantitative FFQ designed to evaluate the usual nutrient intake of adults in Quito, Ecuador.DesignDietary data using 24 h recalls (24hR) were used to design a list of commonly consumed foods. The relative validity of a 111-item FFQ was evaluated by comparing nutrient intakes against three non-consecutive 24hR. All nutrients were energy-adjusted. Reliability was assessed using two FFQ (FFQ1 and FFQ2) and assessed by the intra-class correlation coefficient. The comparisons between the FFQ and the 24hR were assessed by the de-attenuated Pearson correlation coefficient, weighted kappa and by Bland–Altman plots.SettingQuito, Ecuador.SubjectsOverall, 345 adults were enrolled in the present study. Two hundred and fifty participated in FFQ development and ninety-five participated in the FFQ validity and reliability.ResultsThe FFQ produced higher energy and nutrient intakes. Reliability correlation coefficients after adjusting for energy ranged from 0·62 to 0·88 for protein and Ca, respectively. For the validity study, energy-adjusted and de-attenuated correlation coefficients between the questionnaire and the 24hR ranged from 0·21 for fat to 0·65 for Ca. Only 4 % of the participants were grossly misclassified and 46 % had weighted kappa higher than 0·42. The Bland–Altman plot showed a constant bias with a tendency to increase according to the intake level.ConclusionsThe FFQ showed reasonably good relative validity and reliable measurements, especially for nutrients considered protective and risk markers of non-communicable disease, and can be used to assess usual nutrient intake in this population.


2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 719-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrik R. Johansson ◽  
Eva Skillgate ◽  
Mattis L. Lapauw ◽  
Dorien Clijmans ◽  
Valentijn P. Deneulin ◽  
...  

Context Shoulder strength assessment plays an important role in the clinical examination of the shoulder region. Eccentric strength measurements are of special importance in guiding the clinician in injury prevention or return-to-play decisions after injury. Objective To examine the absolute and relative reliability and validity of a standardized eccentric strength-measurement protocol for the glenohumeral external rotators. Design Descriptive laboratory study. Setting Testing environment at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy of Ghent University, Belgium. Patients or Other Participants Twenty-five healthy participants (9 men and 16 women) without any history of shoulder pain were tested by 2 independent assessors using a handheld dynamometer (HHD) and underwent an isokinetic testing procedure. Intervention(s) The clinical protocol used an HHD, a DynaPort accelerometer to measure acceleration and angular velocity of testing 30°/s over 90° of range of motion, and a Biodex dynamometer to measure isokinetic activity. Main Outcome Measure(s) Three eccentric strength measurements: (1) tester 1 with the HHD, (2) tester 2 with the HHD, and (3) Biodex isokinetic strength measurement. Results The intratester reliability was excellent (0.879 and 0.858), whereas the intertester reliability was good, with an intraclass correlation coefficient between testers of 0.714. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients of 0.78 and 0.70 were noted between the HHD and the isokinetic data, showing good validity of this new procedure. Conclusions Standardized eccentric rotator cuff strength can be tested and measured in the clinical setting with good-to-excellent reliability and validity using an HHD.


Author(s):  
Jana Windhaber ◽  
Monica Steinbauer ◽  
Magdalena Holter ◽  
Annemarie Wieland ◽  
Kristina Kogler ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To compare performance data of adolescents collected with five different bicycle spiroergometry protocols and to assess the necessity for establishing standard values for each protocol. Methods One-hundred-twenty adolescents completed two bicycle spiroergometries within 14 days. One of the two tests was performed based on our institutional weight-adapted protocol (P0). The other test was performed based on one out of four exercise protocols widely used for children and adolescents (P1, 2, 3 or 4) with 30 persons each. The two tests were performed in a random order. Routine parameters of cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) such as VO2peak, maximum power, O2 pulse, OUES, VE/VCO2 slope as well as ventilatory and lactate thresholds were investigated. Agreement between protocols was evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis, coefficients of variation (CV) and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Results None of the CPET parameters were significantly different between P0 and P1, 2, 3 or 4. For most of the parameters, low biases between P0 and P1–P4 were found and 95% confidence intervalls were narrow. CV and ICC values largely corresponded to well-defined analytical goals (CV < 10% and ICC > 0.9). Only maximal power (Pmax) showed differences in size and drift of the bias depending on the length of the step duration of the protocols. Conclusion Comparability between examination protocols has been shown for CPET parameters independent on step duration. Protocol-dependent standard values do not appear to be necessary. Only Pmax is dependent on the step duration, but in most cases, this has no significant influence on the fitness assessment.


Author(s):  
Jesús Requena García ◽  
Evelyn García Nieto ◽  
David Varillas Delgado

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.


Author(s):  
Vahid Abdollah ◽  
Eric C. Parent ◽  
Michele C. Battié

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 030006051988526
Author(s):  
Sen Yang ◽  
Wenjie Wu ◽  
Chengmin Zhang ◽  
Donggui Wang ◽  
Can Chen ◽  
...  

Objective To compare the test-retest reliability and validity of three simple maximal isometric back extensor strength (BES) assessment protocols with different test postures, and to recommend an optimal clinical protocol to quantify BES. Methods Asymptomatic adults, aged over 45 years, were assessed for maximal isometric BES using external fixation of dynamometers, with the subject in standing, prone and sitting positions, respectively. Measurements were repeated at a one-week interval to examine test-retest reliability. Validation was performed by comparing with results obtained from isokinetic dynamometer assessments. Results Out of a total of 60 included participants, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were 0.92, 0.93 and 0.90 in standing, prone and sitting positions, respectively. Correlation analyses revealed acceptable convergent validity in the standing and prone position (r = 0.50 and 0.54, respectively), whereas tests conducted in the sitting position showed a relatively low validity (r = 0.32). Among the three protocols, measurement error was lowest in the prone position. Conclusions Maximal isometric BES assessment in the prone position was shown to be the most reliable and valid protocol, and may be considered the preferred option for assessing BES in clinical practice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Fan Lu ◽  
Aizhu Tao ◽  
Yinu Hu ◽  
Weiwei Tao ◽  
Ping Lu

Purpose. To investigate the psychometric properties of three commonly used dry eye questionnaires including McMonnies Questionnaire (MQ), the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Questionnaire (SEEQ) in Chinese. Methods. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Ninety-eight participants completed three questionnaires in a random order. Ophthalmic examinations including tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining score, and Schirmer I test were performed. Reliability, validity, and accuracy were assessed for three questionnaires. Results. There were 35 mild-to-moderate dry eye patients, 14 severe dry eye patients, and 49 non-dry eye patients. The Cronbach α of MQ, OSDI, and SEEQ was 0.54, 0.74, and 0.76, respectively, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.91, 0.90, and 0.94, respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in MQ and OSDI scores among different groups, but there were no statistically significant differences between the mild-to-moderate group and the severe group in terms of SEEQ scores. With cutoff values for abnormal MQ of 15, OSDI of 27.2, and SEED of 1, respectively, good dry eye diagnostic accuracies were obtained. Conclusions. The three questionnaires showed fair accuracy in the diagnosis of dry eye. The cutoff values of OSDI changed when applied to Chinese people.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Catarina Vila-Real ◽  
Ana Pimenta-Martins ◽  
Jack-Susan Magu ◽  
Catherine Kunyanga ◽  
Samuel Mbugua ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To develop a semi-quantitative FFQ and to evaluate its validity and reproducibility for the assessment of total dietary intake of Kenyan urban adult population, given its non-existence in Kenya. Design: The current study adopted a cross-sectional design. A culture-sensitive semi-quantitative FFQ was developed and its validity was tested relative to three non-consecutive 24-h recalls (24hR). Reproducibility was tested by the test–retest method, with a 3-week interval. Spearman’s correlation coefficients and intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated for several macro- and micronutrients. Cross-classification into quartiles and Bland and Altman plots were analysed. Setting: Nairobi county (Dagoreti South and Starehe constituencies). Participants: A convenient sample was recruited in three different clusters in Nairobi. Results: A culture-sensitive 123-food-item semi-quantitative FFQ showed higher nutrient intakes compared with the 24hR (total energy median 12543·632 v. 8501·888 kJ, P < 0·001). Energy-adjusted and deattenuated Spearman’s correlations for macronutrients ranged between 0·21 (total fat) and 0·47 (protein). The agreement in the same quartile varied from 28 % (protein) to 41 % (carbohydrates). Including adjacent quartiles, the range increased: 76 % (protein and fat) to 81 % (carbohydrates). The extreme disagreement was low. The first FFQ application resulted in higher mean values for all nutrients compared with the second FFQ (total energy median 12459·952 v. 10485·104 kJ, P < 0·001). Energy-adjusted correlations for macronutrients ranged from 0·28 (carbohydrates) to 0·61 (protein). Intra-class correlation coefficients for macronutrients were moderate, between 0·6 and 0·7. Conclusions: The developed semi-quantitative FFQ was shown to be a valid and reproducible tool for ranking urban adult Kenyans according to their dietary intake.


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 269-276
Author(s):  
Valeria Rios Rodriguez ◽  
Maria Llop ◽  
Mikhail Protopopov ◽  
Joachim Sieper ◽  
Hildren Haibel ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The aim was to investigate the reliability and validity of radiographic sacroiliitis assessment in anteroposterior (AP) lumbar radiographs compared with conventional pelvic radiographs in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Methods Patients from the German Spondyloarthritis Inception Cohort were selected based on the availability of pelvic and AP lumbar radiographs with visible SI joints at baseline and year 2. Two readers scored the images independently in a random order according to the modified New York criteria. The sacroiliitis sum score was calculated as the mean of both readers. Patients were classified as radiographic (r-)axSpA if radiographic sacroiliitis of grade ≥2 bilaterally or grade ≥3 unilaterally was present in the opinion of both readers and as non-radiographic (nr-)axSpA otherwise. The reliability and validity of sacroiliitis assessment in AP lumbar radiographs was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), absolute agreement and κ statistics. Results A total of 226 sets of radiographs were scored from 113 patients included in the study. The ICC for the sacroiliitis sum score was 0.91 at both baseline and year 2. A total of 62 (54.9%) and 55 (48.7%) patients were classified as r-axSpA at baseline and 65 (57.5%) and 60 (53.1%) patients at year 2 based on evaluation of pelvic and AP lumbar radiographs, respectively. The absolute agreement between the methods on the classification was 84.9 and 85.0% at baseline and year 2, respectively, with the κ of 0.70 at both time points. Conclusion Radiographic sacroiliitis can be assessed in AP lumbar radiographs with a similar reliability to conventional pelvic radiographs.


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