Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging for the assessment of selected morphometric parameters of the flexor hallucis longus muscle in healthy individuals: An inter- and intra- rater reliability study

IntroductionUltrasound imaging (USI) is useful to evaluate structures of the foot to guide treatment, but the reliability of USI technique needs to be clarified. The goal of the study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of USI image capture, and measurement of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) for experienced and novice examinersMaterial and methodsFHL images were captured for 20 healthy adults. Reliability of image capture was evaluated between images repeated at 10-min interval for an experienced and a novice examiner. Reliability of image-based measurements was evaluated for one experienced and one novice rater, using all images. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculatedResultsIntra-examiner reliability of image capture for the FHL muscle examined by USI was excellent for both thickness (ICC3,1, 0.944–0.976; SEM, 6.8%–10.0%) and CSA (ICC3,1, 0.954–0.979; SEM, 10.8%–16.5%), with no effect of examiner experience. Reliability was also excellent for measurement of thickness (ICC3,1, 0.954–0.972; SEM, 1.2%–9.6%) and CSA (ICC3,1, 0.961–0.986; SEM, 9.2%–14.1%), with no effects of experience.ConclusionsReliability of image capture and image-based measurements developed by USI of CSA and thickness for the FHL muscle in healthy individuals was excellent, independent of the examiner experience.

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KATZ AND STIRRAT HAND DIAGRAM REVISITED

Hand Surgery ◽

10.1142/s0218810410004667 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 15 (02) ◽

pp. 71-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rouin Amirfeyz ◽

Sanchit Mehendale ◽

Sarah Tyrrell ◽

Raj Bhatia ◽

Ian Leslie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Carpal Tunnel ◽

Observer Agreement ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Hand Surgeon ◽

Observer Reliability ◽

Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient

Katz and Stirrat devised a hand diagram, which uses subjective information from the patient for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). They reported a good result. We tested the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of this hand diagram. Twenty five consecutive patients with a diagnosis of CTS, 25 with other common hand and wrist problems but CTS and 25 healthy individuals were prospectively recruited. Each patient filled in a hand diagram. Two experienced hand surgeon scored the diagrams blindly on two different sittings four-week apart. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's Kappa were used for intra and inter-observer reliability respectively. The intra-observer agreement was poor (ICC 95% 0.33–0.65) and inter-observer was fair (Kappa = 0.241). This study does not support the use of Katz and Stirrat Hand Diagram for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in place if a thorough clinical examination.

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Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Ring Gauge Method and the Metacarpal Head Tape Measure Method of Measuring Hand Size

The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume) ◽

10.1142/s2424835518500418 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (03) ◽

pp. 382-387 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Hiroshi Yamazaki ◽

Toshiysasu Sakurai ◽

Shigeharu Uchiyama ◽

Hiroyuki Kato

Keyword(s):

Reliability And Validity ◽

Psychometric Testing ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Alternative Methods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Metacarpal Head ◽

Hand Size ◽

Tape Measure ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient

Background: There are several methods for measuring edema of the hand. While the volumetric techniques, finger circumference measurement, and figure-of-eight techniques have undergone extensive psychometric testing, alternative methods of measuring hand size, such as circumferential finger size determination using a ring gauge (ring gauge method; RGM) and tape measurement of hand girth taken along the distal palmar crease (metacarpal head tape measure method; MHTM), have not. This study's aim is to examine the reliability and validity of the RGM and the MHTM. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, two examiners measured 22 hands in 22 patients with hand edema using the RGM and the MHTM 3 times each to determine intra- and inter-tester reliability. The validity of each method was established using the finger circumference measurement and figure-of-eight method, respectively. Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) obtained for intra-tester reliability was 0.99–0.98 for both methods. ICCs for inter-tester reliability were 0.97–0.98 for the RGM and 0.98 for the MHTM. Pearson product-moment correlation values between the RGM and finger circumference measurement were 0.92–0.96, while those between the MHTM and figure-of-eight method were 0.84–0.90. Conclusions: The RGM and the MHTM are reliable and valid evaluation tools for the assessment of hand size.

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Repeatability of the Evaluation of Perception of Dyspnea in Normal Subjects Assessed Through Inspiratory Resistive Loads

The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal ◽

10.2174/1874306401408010041 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 41-47 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Andréia K Fernandes ◽

Bruna Ziegler ◽

Glauco L Konzen ◽

Paulo R.S Sanches ◽

André F Müller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Normal Subjects ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Resistive Load ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Loading System ◽

Resistive Loads ◽

The Brain ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient

Purpose: Study the repeatability of the evaluation of the perception of dyspnea using an inspiratory resistive loading system in healthy subjects. Methods: We designed a cross sectional study conducted in individuals aged 18 years and older. Perception of dyspnea was assessed using an inspiratory resistive load system. Dyspnea was assessed during ventilation at rest and at increasing resistive loads (0.6, 6.7, 15, 25, 46.7, 67, 78 and returning to 0.6 cm H2O/L/s). After breathing in at each level of resistive load for two minutes, the subject rated the dyspnea using the Borg scale. Subjects were tested twice (intervals from 2 to 7 days). Results: Testing included 16 Caucasian individuals (8 male and 8 female, mean age: 36 years). The median scores for dyspnea rating in the first test were 0 at resting ventilation and 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7 and 1 point, respectively, with increasing loads. The median scores in the second test were 0 at resting and 0, 0, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4 and 0.5 points, respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.57, 0.80, 0.74, 0.80, 0.83, 0.86, 0.91, and 0.92 for each resistive load, respectively. In a generalized linear model analysis, there was a statistically significant difference between the levels of resistive loads (p<0.001) and between tests (p=0.003). Dyspnea scores were significantly lower in the second test. Conclusion: The agreement between the two tests of the perception of dyspnea was only moderate and dyspnea scores were lower in the second test. These findings suggest a learning effect or an effect that could be at least partly attributed to desensitization of dyspnea sensation in the brain.

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Does Function Determine the Structure? Changes in Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle and the Associated Performance Related to Dance Modality: A Cross-Sectional Study

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina56040186 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 56 (4) ◽

pp. 186

Author(s):

Blanca De-la-Cruz-Torres ◽

Irene Barrera-García-Martín ◽

Mónica De la Cueva-Reguera ◽

María Bravo-Aguilar ◽

María Blanco-Morales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽

Cross Sectional Area ◽

Flexor Hallucis Longus ◽

Full Time ◽

Sectional Area ◽

Range Of Movement ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽

Counter Movement Jump ◽

Longus Muscle

Background and Objectives: Flexor hallucis longus pathology is one of the most common conditions of the ankle and foot in dancers, due to the high demand of dance movements performed in an extreme plantar flexion and dorsiflexion range of motion. The objectives of this study were to determine the bilateral differences between the thickness and cross-sectional area of the flexor hallucis longus muscle in dancers, to establish possible differences between dance modalities, and to analyze whether there is a correlation between ultrasonographic parameters or performance variables and the dance modality. Material and Methods: A sample of 50 (29 classical and 21 contemporary) full-time pre-professional female dancers were included in the study. The thickness and cross-sectional area of the flexor hallucis longus muscle were evaluated for both limbs using ultrasound imaging. The range of movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was measured using functional extension with maximal ankle plantarflexion, balance was measured in a unilateral stance with the heel raised, endurance was evaluated through a modified heel rise fatigue test, and a counter movement jump to assess the vertical jump performance was measured bilaterally. Results: There were no significant differences recorded between the dominant and non-dominant limbs for each variable, within both groups. Contemporary dancers showed a greater thickness and cross-sectional area of the flexor hallucis longus muscle than classical dancers. However, classical dancers showed an increase of balance, endurance, range of movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and counter movement jump with respect to contemporary dancers. Conclusion: Bilateral symmetry was identified in all variables for both groups. The size and performance of the flexor hallucis longus muscle may be influenced by the specific nature of dance modality.

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Pedometer determined Physical Activity levels and Reliability of Pedometer data in Pakistani Adolescents

Pakistan Journal of Public Health ◽

10.32413/pjph.v10i3.597 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 190-196

Author(s):

Shagufta Naseer

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Gender Based ◽

And Gender ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient ◽

Objective Tool

Background:Pedometer is the most convenient and economical objective tool which is progressively being used to assess physical activity in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe the overall and gender stratified physical activity levels and to determine minimal no. of reliable days for collecting pedometer data among Pakistani adolescents. Methods:Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in four schools of Karachi during 2017. A total of 265 adolescents (age 13-16 years) wore unsealed Ymax Digi Walker SW-200 pedometer for a duration of 7 days including both weekends and weekdays. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Independent t test and ANOVA were used for gender based stratified physical activity levels whereas, Cronbach’s alpha and Intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to ascertain the reliability of pedometer data. Results:The average recorded step counts per day were 10,010 (SD: ± 4926). However, boys took 12,513 (SD: ± 5365) steps / day than girls 7,809 (SD: ± 3168) and higher steps were recorded from Thursday to Saturday. The reliability of pedometer monitoring increases with increase in number of days. The maximum pedometer reliability ? = 0.91 was observed for 7 days. Conclusion:This study concludes that adolescents are more physical active, with slightly higher reported activity among boys compared to girls. It also proposes that at least 7 days pedometer data should be collected for the reliable estimation of adolescent’s physical activity. The resulting data provides key information regarding pedometer-determined physical activity which may be useful for formulating strategies and other interventions to increase level of adolescents physical activity.

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Design and validation of Brucellosis prevention questionnaire focused on animal vaccination

10.21203/rs.3.rs-26120/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fazlollah Ghofranipour ◽

Farhad Bahadori ◽

Saeideh Ghaﬀarifar ◽

Reza Ziaei

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Content Validity ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Face To Face ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Proposed Model ◽

Animal Vaccination ◽

Standard Error Of Measurement ◽

Is Design ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient

Abstract Background Animal breeders' inadequate awareness about the transmission of brucellosis and their improper knowledge about prevention of brucellosis are among important barriers to vaccinate animals against brucellosis. The aim of this study is design, implementation and evaluation of a theory-driven and vaccination-focused training program for brucellosis prevention.Methods In this exploratory psychometric study, a brucellosis prevention questionnaire (BPQ) was developed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to develop the initial items of BPQ. The findings from interviews were merged with those of literature review. Face, content and construct validity of BPQ were assessed by participation of animal breeders, veterinarians and health educationists. Impact Score (IS), Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) of the items were calculated. Construct validity of BPQ was evaluated through factor analyses. Cronbach’s alpha, Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), composite reliability and standard error of measurement (SEM) were measured to assess the reliability of the findings by BPQ.Results BPQ was finalized by 53 items. Its validity was confirmed by CVI, CVR, and IS of 0.90, 0.74 and 4.30, respectively. The items were loaded into three constructs of awareness, attitude and practice. The predictive power of the awareness, attitude and practice was 43.43%, 15.81% and 15.78%, respectively. The fitness of the proposed model among those constructs was confirmed by RMSEA < 0.08, Normed Chi2 < 5, CFI > .90, TLI > .90.Conclusion The brucellosis prevention questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties. Applying BPQ, veterinarians and educational planners can identify factors influencing animal breeders' preventive behavior.

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Evaluation of Psychometric Properties of the ‘Sense of Coherence Scale’ in Schoolchildren

Revista Interamericana de Psicología/Interamerican Journal of Psychology ◽

10.30849/ripijp.v54i1.1148 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 54 (1) ◽

pp. e1148

Author(s):

Gabriele Rissotto Menegazzo ◽

Jessica Klöckner Knorst ◽

Fernanda Ruffo Ortiz ◽

Fernanda Tomazoni ◽

Thiago Machado Ardenghi

Keyword(s):

Psychometric Properties ◽

Sense Of Coherence ◽

Latent Variable ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Alpha Coefficient ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Brazilian Version ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13) in schoolchildren. This is a cross-sectional study that included eight to fourteen years-old schoolchildren. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for SOC-13 measurement presented questionable results (0.63) and the Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient of 0.70 was statistically significant between different time points (p<0.01). Regarding the construct validity, significant values were observed between the SOC-13 components scores and the overall scale score. In the Confirmatory Factorial Analysis, the latent variable was related, through the standard factorial loads, to the other items of the questionnaire. We can conclude that the Brazilian version of SOC-13 showed adequate psychometric properties in a school-age population.

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Validity and Reliability of the Satel 40 Hz Stabilometric Force Platform for Measuring Quiet Stance and Dynamic Standing Balance in Healthy Subjects

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17217733 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (21) ◽

pp. 7733

Author(s):

Pere Ramón Rodríguez-Rubio ◽

Caritat Bagur-Calafat ◽

Carlos López-de-Celis ◽

Elena Bueno-Gracía ◽

Rosa Cabanas-Valdés ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reliability And Validity ◽

Force Platform ◽

Standing Balance ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Eyes Open ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient ◽

40 Hz

Background: A force platform must have validity and reliability for optimal use. The objective of this study was to analyze the validity and the reliability of the Satel 40 Hz stabilometric force platform. Methods: A study of instrumental validity and reliability, involving a cross-sectional correlational and comparative analysis was performed. To determine the validity, four certified weights located on three axes were used and the ability of the stabilometric force platform to detect changes in the position of the different axes was observed. A test–retest was performed to analyze the reliability. Forty-two symptom-free volunteers participated in the study. Assessments were taken in a standing static position and in a dynamic position, with the eyes open and closed. Three measurements were taken and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. Results: The validity increased as the weight increased for all the variables measured in the stabilometric parameters (p < 0.05). The reliability was shown to be good to excellent for the two visual conditions. The positional variables obtained a higher ICC. The variable with the best ICC was the Y mean in OE (ICC 0.874 and a p < 0.001). All the values showed an increase in a dynamic situation. Conclusion: The findings support the reliability and validity of the Satel 40 Hz stabilometric force platform. The platform could be recommended to evaluate static and dynamic standing balance in healthy adult individuals. Guidelines for treatment and the level of quality of stabilometry could be obtained from its use.

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A Cross-Sectional Reproducibility Study of a Standard Camera Sensor Using Artificial Intelligence to Assess Food Items: The FoodIntech Project

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14010221 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 221

Author(s):

Virginie Van Wymelbeke-Delannoy ◽

Charles Juhel ◽

Hugo Bole ◽

Amadou-Khalilou Sow ◽

Charline Guyot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Deep Neural Networks ◽

Assessment System ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Food Items ◽

Reproducibility Study ◽

Food Detection ◽

Nutritional Needs ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient

Having a system to measure food consumption is important to establish whether individual nutritional needs are being met in order to act quickly and to minimize the risk of undernutrition. Here, we tested a smartphone-based food consumption assessment system named FoodIntech. FoodIntech, which is based on AI using deep neural networks (DNN), automatically recognizes food items and dishes and calculates food leftovers using an image-based approach, i.e., it does not require human intervention to assess food consumption. This method uses one-input and one-output images by means of the detection and synchronization of a QRcode located on the meal tray. The DNN are then used to process the images and implement food detection, segmentation and recognition. Overall, 22,544 situations analyzed from 149 dishes were used to test the reliability of this method. The reliability of the AI results, based on the central intra-class correlation coefficient values, appeared to be excellent for 39% of the dishes (n = 58 dishes) and good for 19% (n = 28). The implementation of this method is an effective way to improve the recognition of dishes and it is possible, with a sufficient number of photos, to extend the capabilities of the tool to new dishes and foods.

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Measurement of transversus abdominis activation in chronic low back pain patients using a novel standardized real-time ultrasound imaging method

Ultrasound ◽

10.1177/1742271x18785403 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 31-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Carol A Flavell ◽

Laurence G Marshman ◽

Susan J Gordon

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Ultrasound Imaging ◽

Chronic Low Back Pain ◽

Transversus Abdominis ◽

Imaging Method ◽

Low Back ◽

Intra Class Correlation ◽

Observer Reliability ◽

Intra Class Correlation Coefficient

Real-time ultrasound imaging (US) to measure abdominal muscle dimensions has aided low back pain rehabilitation and research. Notwithstanding, ultrasound imaging measurement of transversus abdominis muscle activation in chronic low back pain populations has been characterized by variable and generally suboptimal intra-observer reliability. Methodological deficiencies of ‘freehand’ ultrasound imaging are uncontrolled probe–skin pressure, inclination and roll of the probe. Despite previous attempts to standardize these parameters, intra-observer reliability in chronic low back pain was poor to moderate (0.32–0.62). Therefore, a standardized method that controls and records probe force, inclination and roll during ultrasound imaging may optimize measurement reliability in chronic low back pain. This pilot study investigated utility, standardization and intra-observer reliability of ultrasound imaging transversus abdominis thickness measurement in chronic low back pain patients (n = 17). Transversus abdominis imaging over two separate measurement sessions was conducted using a novel method to standardize probe parameters. Resting and contracted transversus abdominis thickness, and transversus abdominis activation measurements were obtained from duplicate paired images (n = 68). Intra-class correlation coefficients were reported with 95% confidence intervals. Transversus abdominis thickness at rest (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.97 confidence interval: 0.93, 0.99), when contracted (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.99 confidence interval: 0.97, 0.99) and transversus abdominis activation (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.93 confidence interval: 0.81, 0.97) measurements were highly reliable. Ultrasound imaging of transversus abdominis using the novel standardized ultrasound imaging method produced highly reliable intra-observer transversus abdominis measurements, superior to ‘freehand’ ultrasound imaging, despite the physical limitations typically associated with a chronic low back pain population. Unique standardizing ranges for ‘probe force device’ probe parameters were obtained. This novel standardized ultrasound imaging method may optimize transversus abdominis activation assessment in chronic low back pain and other populations, aiding future research.

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