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To investigate the psychometric properties of the activities of daily living (ADL) instrument used in the analysis of Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) dataset.
A retrospective study was carried out involving 2006 KLoSA records of community-dwelling adults diagnosed with stroke. The ADL instrument used for the analysis of KLoSA included 17 items, which were analyzed using Rasch modeling to develop a robust outcome measure. The unidimensionality of the ADL instrument was examined based on confirmatory factor analysis with a one-factor model. Item-level psychometric analysis of the ADL instrument included fit statistics, internal consistency, precision, and the item difficulty hierarchy.
The study sample included a total of 201 community-dwelling adults (1.5% of the Korean population with an age over 45 years; mean age=70.0 years, SD=9.7) having a history of stroke. The ADL instrument demonstrated unidimensional construct. Two misfit items, money management (mean square [MnSq]=1.56, standardized Z-statistics [ZSTD]=2.3) and phone use (MnSq=1.78, ZSTD=2.3) were removed from the analysis. The remaining 15 items demonstrated good item fit, high internal consistency (person reliability=0.91), and good precision (person strata=3.48). The instrument precisely estimated person measures within a wide range of theta (−4.75 logits < θ < 3.97 logits) and a reliability of 0.9, with a conceptual hierarchy of item difficulty.
The findings indicate that the 15 ADL items met Rasch expectations of unidimensionality and demonstrated good psychometric properties. It is proposed that the validated ADL instrument can be used as a primary outcome measure for assessing longitudinal disability trajectories in the Korean adult population and can be employed for comparative analysis of international disability across national aging studies.
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To evaluate test-retest reliability of trunk kinematics relative to the pelvis during gait in two groups (males and females) of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) using three-dimensional motion capture system.
A convenience sample of 40 NCLBP participants (20 males and 20 females) was evaluated in two sessions. Participants were asked to walk with self-selected speed and kinematics of thorax and lumbar spine were captured using a 6-infrared-cameras motion-analyzer system. Peak amplitude of displacement and its measurement errors and minimal detectable change (MDC) were then calculated.
Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were relatively constant but small for certain variables (lower lumbar peak flexion in female: inter-session ICC=0.51 and intra-session ICC=0.68; peak extension in male: inter-session ICC=0.67 and intra-session ICC=0.66). The measurement error remained constant and standard error of measurement (SEM) difference was large between males (generally ≤4.8°) and females (generally ≤5.3°). Standard deviation (SD) was higher in females. In most segments, females exhibited higher MDCs except for lower lumbar sagittal movements.
Although ICCs were sufficiently reliable and constant in both genders during gait, there was difference in SEM due to difference in SD between genders caused by different gait disturbance in chronic low back pain. Due to the increasing tendency of measurement error in other areas of men and women, attention is needed when measuring lumbar motion using the method described in this study.
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To establish the reliability and validity the Korean version of the Stroke Impact Scale (K-SIS) 3.0.
A total of 70 post-stroke patients were enrolled. All subjects were evaluated for general characteristics, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Modified Barthel Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The SF-36 and K-SIS 3.0 assessed their health-related quality of life. Statistical analysis after evaluation, determined the reliability and validity of the K-SIS 3.0.
A total of 70 patients (mean age, 54.97 years) participated in this study. Internal consistency of the SIS 3.0 (Cronbach's alpha) was obtained, and all domains had good co-efficiency, with threshold above 0.70. Test-retest reliability of SIS 3.0 required correlation (Spearman's rho) of the same domain scores obtained on the first and second assessments. Results were above 0.5, with the exception of social participation and mobility. Concurrent validity of K-SIS 3.0 was assessed using the SF-36, and other scales with the same or similar domains. Each domain of K-SIS 3.0 had a positive correlation with corresponding similar domain of SF-36 and other scales (HADS, MMSE, and NIHSS).
The newly developed K-SIS 3.0 showed high inter-intra reliability and test-retest reliabilities, together with high concurrent validity with the original and various other scales, for patients with stroke. K-SIS 3.0 can therefore be used for stroke patients, to assess their health-related quality of life and treatment efficacy.
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To evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of ultrasonographic measurements of axillary recess (AR) thickness in healthy individuals, and to analyze the factors affecting the thickness of the AR capsule.
We recruited 20 healthy individuals (10 male, 10 female) with a mean age of 37 years (standard deviation ±10). Two physiatrists (an experienced and a novice rater) independently investigated the AR thickness in three rounds. The AR thickness was measured for each individual at three shoulder abduction angles (50°, 70°, and 90°). Intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficients were used to assess the reproducibility of each measurement.
Excellent intra-rater reliability coefficients were observed at the three shoulder abduction angles, in the analysis of both raters. The inter-rater reliability coefficient was also was excellent in both studies. There were significant differences in the AR thickness, according to the angle of shoulder abduction. The AR was thicker at 50° than at 70° and 90° (all p<0.001), and the AR was thicker at 70° than at 90° (p<0.001). Height (r=0.62, p=0.003) and body mass index (r=0.52, p=0.019) were positively correlated with AR thickness. Males had a thicker AR capsule than females at all three angles (all p<0.001).
Ultrasonographic measurements of AR thickness in healthy individuals demonstrate excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. AR thickness may depend on anthropometric variables and position of the shoulder.
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To translate the English version of the Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ) into Korean and to investigate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the PDQ (K-PDQ) in patients suffering chronic disabling musculoskeletal disorders (CDMDs).
The English version of the PDQ was translated into Korean. Ten patients with CDMDs were randomly selected for a pilot study to assess the comprehensibility of the pre-final version. One hundred and thirty-nine patients suffering from CDMDs for more than 3 months were enrolled in this study. Follow-up questionnaires were obtained to examine the test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity was evaluated by comparing the K-PDQ with the visual analogue scale (VAS). Construct validity was evaluated by comparing the K-PDQ with the brief form of the World Health Organization quality of life assessment instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) using Pearson correlation coefficient. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency was determined by Cronbach's alpha.
Test-retest reliability was assessed in 70 patients, with an average time interval of 12 days. The ICC was 0.958 (p<0.001). Internal consistency reached Cronbach's alpha of 0.933 for the functional component and 0.870 for the psychosocial component. The correlation coefficient for the K-PDQ when compared with the VAS was 0.834 in the first assessment and 0.831 in the second assessment. All domains of the WHOQOL-BREF showed a significant negative correlation with the K-PDQ.
The K-PDQ is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring disability and can be used to assess disability and treatment outcomes in Korean patients with CDMD.
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To translate the English Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment for patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire into a Korean version and to determine the reliability and validity of the Korean version.
The English VISA-P questionnaire was translated into Korean according to the internationally recommended guidelines. Then, 28 adolescent elite volleyball athletes (average age, 16 years; range, 14 to 19 years) were asked to complete the questionnaire three times (before examination, after examination, and 1 week later) for reliability. They were evaluated through a physical examination and ultrasonography to diagnosis patellar tendinopathy.
The internal consistency of the VISA-P questionnaire by Cronbach's alpha was 0.80 for the first, 0.78 for the second, and 0.79 for the third assessment. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the first and second assessments was 0.97. The ICC between the second and third assessments was 0.96. The mean VISA-P scores were 67.6±15.7 for the patellar tendinopathy group (n=23) and 92.6±8.6 for the normal group (n=5). There were significantly lower VISA-P scores in the patellar tendinopathy group compared to the normal group.
The translated Korean version VISA-P questionnaire has good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and validity. In addition, this study indicated that most adolescent elite volleyball athletes had patellar tendon problems. Therefore, the Korean version VISA-P is a useful self-administered outcome score of athletes with patellar tendinopathy.
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To identify the validity and reliability of the Korean version World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL)-BREF among people with physical impairments living in a community.
Participants listed in the community-based rehabilitation project were recruited from 45 public health centers. People with brain lesions or physical disabilities were selected. Respondents (n=750) filled out the Korean WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Obtained data were analyzed statistically to assess the internal consistency as well as the construct and discriminant validity. An exploratory factor analysis was also performed.
Cronbach's α for the total score was 0.839. The value for each domain ranged from 0.746 to 0.849. Pearson correlation coefficient between each domain ranged from 0.539 to 0.717. The highest correlation was between the psychological and physical domain. The item-domain correlation indicated a significant correlation with their original domains. A multiple regression analysis of each domain with two overall questions was performed. The psychological domain made the strongest contribution with the overall quality of life (unstandardized coefficient B=0.065, r2=0.437). When general health satisfaction was considered as a dependent variable, the physical domain most strongly contributed to the variable (unstandardized coefficient B=0.081, r2=0.462). Exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors in the WHOQOL-BREF, accounting for 55.29% of the variability. To assess the discriminant validity, a comparison of each domain with Modified Barthel Index (MBI) was conducted. There were highly significant changes across the MBI scores with the WHOQOL-BREF domains (p<0.001).
Korean WHOQOL-BREF is a valid and reliable tool to measure the quality of life for people with physical impairments. It has good internal consistency, construct validity and discriminant validity for the population. Further study with a stratified sample is needed.
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To evaluate intra-tester reliability of P300 more precisely, this study was designed. Event-related potential (ERP) is the result of endogenous brain response following cognitive stimulus. The P300 component of the human ERP is a positive wave with a latency of 300 ms or greater. Our purpose of this study was to estimate reliability of P300 latency and amplitude with 30 normal persons without head injury, as well as to set up them as the reference values in the event that they would be found to be highly reliable.
ERP was performed at three separate times on 30 normal adults in their 20s and 30s. We measured P300 latency and amplitude among ERP.
P300 latency show excellent reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.81. As to P300 amplitude, reliability was good to fair with ICC of 0.53. Average value of P300 latency was 311.3±37.0 ms, shorter than reference value of previous study in Korea.
P300 latency revealed higher reliability than P300 amplitude, although reliability of P300 was confirmed in both component. After further study including precise mechanism, influence factor on measurement and method standardization, it is expected to be an objective indicator to assess the cognitive state and predict prognosis.
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To obtain reliability and applicability of the Korean version Bayley Scale of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) in evaluating the developmental status of children with cerebral palsy (CP).
The inter-rater reliability of BSID-II scores from 68 children with CP (46 boys and 22 girls; mean age, 32.54±16.76 months; age range, 4 to 78 months) was evaluated by 10 pediatric occupational therapists. Patients were classified in several ways according to age group, typology, and the severity of motor impairment by the level of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The measures were performed by video analysis, and the results of intraclass correlation (ICC) were obtained for each of the above classifications. To evaluate the clinical applicability of BSID-II for CP, its correlation with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), which has been known as the standard motor assessment for CP, was investigated.
ICC was 0.99 for the Mental scale and 0.98 for the Motor scale in all subjects. The values of ICC ranged from 0.92 to 0.99 for each age group, 0.93 to 0.99 for each typology, and 0.99 to 1.00 for each GMFCS level. A strong positive correlation was found between the BSID-II Motor raw score and the GMFM total score (r=0.84, p<0.001), and a moderate correlation was observed between the BSID-II Mental raw score and the GMFM total score (r=0.65, p<0.001).
The Korean version of BSID-II is a reliable tool to measure the functional status of children with CP. The raw scores of BSID-II showed a great correlation with GMFM, indicating validity of this measure for children with CP on clinical basis.
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To investigate the inter-rater agreement using the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS).
The present study was designed as a multicenter, single-blind trial. A Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) was performed using the protocol described by J.A Logemann. Thick-fluid, pureed food, mechanically altered food, regularly textured food, and thin-fluid boluses were sequentially swallowed. Each participant received a 3 ml bolus followed by a 5 ml bolus of each food material, in the order mentioned above. All study procedures were video recorded. Discs containing these video recordings in random order were distributed to interpreters who were blinded to the participant information. The video recordings were evaluated using a standardized VDS sheet and the inter-rater reliability was calculated.
In total, 100 patients participated in this study and 10 interpreters analyzed the findings. Inter-rater reliability was fair in terms of lip closure (κ: 0.325), oral transit time (0.253), delayed triggering of pharyngeal swallowing (0.300), vallecular residue (0.275), laryngeal elevation (0.345), pyriform sinus residue (0.310), coating of the pharyngeal wall (0.310), and aspiration (0.393). However, other parameters of the oral phase were lower than those of the pharyngeal phase (0.06-0.153). Moreover, the summation of VDS reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.556) showed moderate agreement.
VDS shows a moderate rate of agreement for evaluating the swallowing function. However, many of the parameters demonstrated a lower rate of agreement, particularly the oral phase parameters.
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To assess the intrarater and interrater reliability of the supraspinatus thickness measured by ultrasonography (US) in normal subjects and to identify the relationship between the supraspinatus thickness measured by US and cross sectional area (CSA) of the supraspinatus muscle by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hemiplegic patients.
We examined 20 shoulders of normal subjects and 10 shoulders of hemiplegic patients. In normal subjects, one examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness twice by US at the scapular notch and another examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness several days later. The intrarater and interrater reliability of supraspinatus thickness measurements were then evaluated. In hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch was measured by US in affected side and compared with CSA of the supraspinatus muscle at the scapular notch and the Y-view of MRI.
One examiner's supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.72±0.21 cm and 1.74±0.24 cm, and the other examiner's supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.74±0.22 cm in normal subjects. Intraclass correlation coefficients of intrarater and interrater examination were 0.91 and 0.88, respectively. For hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness measured by US was 1.66±0.13 cm and CSA by MRI was 4.83±0.88 cm2 at the Y-view and 5.61±1.19 cm2 at the scapular notch. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient between the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch and the CSA at the Y-view was 0.72 and that between the supraspinatus thickness and CSA at the scapular notch was 0.76.
The supraspinatus thickness measurement by US is a reliable method and is positively correlated with the CSA of the supraspinatus muscle in MRI in hemiplegic patients. Therefore, supraspinatus thickness measurement by US can be used in the evaluation of muscle atrophy and to determine therapeutic effects in hemiplegic patients.
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To examine the intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-instrumental reliability of the digitalized pinch muscle strength dynamometer.
Thirty normal subjects were examined for pinch strength, using both the Preston pinch gauge and the digitalized pinch dynamometer. The participants performed all pinch strength tests in the seated position as recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). Three successive measurements were taken for each hand. The mean of the three trials was used for data analysis. The pinch strength tests performed used a repeated measure design and measurements were taken by each rater.
The relationship between the Preston pinch gauge and the digitalized pinch dynamometer in pinch strength was reliable (the ICC were 0.821 and 0.785 in rater 1 and rater 2 respectively). The relationship between the first session and second session in pinch strength using the digitalized pinch dynamometer was reliable (the ICC were 0.872 and 0.886 in rater A and rater B respectively). The relationship between rater A and rater B in pinch strength using the digitalized pinch dynamometer was reliable (the ICC was 0.754).
The pinch strength measurement using the digitalized pinch dynamometer is reliable within the rater and between raters. Thus, the Preston pinch gauge and the digitalized dynamometer measure grip strength equivalently, and can be used interchangeably.
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To examine inter-rater reliability of the Korean version Gross Motor Function Measure (K-GMFM-88) and the Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM) based on the video clips.
We considered a sample of 39 children (28 boys and 11 girls; the mean age=3.50±1.23 years) with cerebral palsy (CP). Two pediatric physical therapists assessed the children based on video recordings.
For the K-GMFM-88, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3, 1) ranged from .978 to .995, and Spearman's correlation coefficient ranged from .916 to .997. For the GMPM, ICC3, 1 ranged from .863 to .929, and Spearman's correlation coefficient ranged from .812 to .885. With the gross motor function classification system classified according to the functional level (GMFCS I-II vs. III-V), the ICCs were .982 and .994 for the K-GMFM-88 total score and .815 and .913 for the GMPM total score. There were good or high correlations between the subscales of the two measures (r=.762-.884).
The K-GMFM-88 and GMPM are reliable tools for assessing the motor function of children with CP. These two methods are highly correlated, which adds more reliability on them. Thus, it is advisable to use K-GMFM-88 and GMPM for children with CP to assess gross motor function.
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To determine reliability and clinical use of two methods of migration index (MI) in CP patients with or without hip dysplasia.
The materials included radiographs of 200 hips of children with cerebral palsy. Conventional anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis were taken with the child in the supine position with standardized methods. Two rehabilitation doctors measured the migration index using two methods. In the classic method, the lateral margin of the acetabular roof was used as a landmark and in the modified method the lateral margin of the sourcil was used as a landmark. Each rater measured the migration index at three separate times with a time interval of at least one week. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was used to test the inter- and intra-rater reliability.
MI shows excellent intra-rater reliability in both the classic and modified methods, but the inter-rater reliability was higher in the classic method than in the modified method. When categorized according to the sourcil classification, inter-rater reliability was higher in the normal sourcil type and lower in the dysplastic sourcil types.
Generally, the classic method showed higher reliability than the modified method, even though the reliability of the MI measurement was relatively high with both methods.
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To evaluate the test-retest reliability of supraspinatus cross-sectional area measurement by ultrasonography.
Both shoulders of 11 normal subjects (22 shoulders in total) were included in this study. The supraspinatus muscle was examined with the arm alongside the body in the coronal oblique and sagittal oblique planes. The occupational ratio of the supraspinatus fossa was measured. To calculate the occupational ratio, the Y view of MRI was reproduced with sonography by locating the suprascapular notch in the coronal oblique plane (in the plane of the scapula) and then rotating the transducer 90° to that plane. The cross-sectional area was measured using the tracing and ellipse tool. The second measurement was performed 7 days after the initial measurement.
The Pearson correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient between the first and the second occupational ratio measurements were 0.43 and 0.44, respectively, for the tracing method, and 0.53 and 0.47, respectively, for the ellipsoidal method. The difference between the first and second occupational ratio measurement was 4.1±3.9% (0.1-13.2%) for the tracing method, and 4.5±3.4% (0.01-10.5%) for the ellipsoidal method. The maximum difference was 13.2%. The occupational ratio was 86.2±5.3% (70.6-95.8%) for the tracing method and 85.0±5.2% (69.3-96.1%) for the ellipsoidal method.
Supraspinatus occupational ratio by sonography is a low to moderately reliable intrarater method. However, the maximum difference was not significant. The main reason for its low to moderate reliability was the narrow value range. Therefore, the study method should be re-evaluated in stroke patients and in patients with rotator cuff disease. Knowledge of the anatomy is a prerequisite to attain intrarater reliability.
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To assess the usefulness of a pressure algometer to measure pressure pain threshold (PPT) for diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in the upper extremity and trunk muscles.
A group of 221 desk workers complaining of upper body pain participated in this study. Five physiatrists made the diagnosis of MPS using physical examination and PPT measurements. PPT measurements were determined for several muscles in the back and upper extremities. Mean PPT data for gender, side, and dominant hand groups were analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity of Fischer's standard method were evaluated. PPT cut-off values for each muscle group were determined using an ROC curve.
Cronbach's alpha for each muscle was very high. The PPT in men was higher than in females, and the PPT in the left side was higher than in the right side for all muscles tested (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in PPT for all muscles between dominant and non-dominant hand groups. Diagnosis of MPS based on Fischer's standard showed relatively high specificity and poor sensitivity.
The digital pressure algometer showed high reliability. PPT might be a useful parameter for assessing a treatment's effect, but not for use in diagnosis or even as a screening method.
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To investigate the reliability of inspection-based classification of sagittal gait patterns in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP).
Video clip recordings of gait patterns and sagittal kinematic data obtained by a computerized motion analysis system from 91 patients with bilateral spastic CP were reviewed. The abnormal gait patterns were classified into 4 groups using the method described by Rodda et al. Visual observation-based classification (visual classification) was compared with classification by 3D analysis-based methods (3D classification). The reliabilities of visual classifications made by an experienced physician and a trainee physician were analyzed.
The consistency of inspection-based gait classification using kinematic data analysis was demonstrated by an experienced physician (Kappa coefficient (k)=0.67, p<0.001). However, the consistency was low for the trainee physician (k=0.37, p<0.001). Group III (apparent equinus) was commonly confused with group IV (crouch gait) by the trainee physician, resulting in lower agreement for those two evaluation groups than for other patterns. Video observation showed low reliability in comparisons made between the experienced and the trainee physician (k=0.37, p<0.001).
There was substantial agreement of gait classification between video observation and kinematic data analysis by the experienced physician, but not by the trainee physician. Low reliability was also demonstrated for inspection-based gait classification.
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