Health status measures: strategies and analytic methods for assessing change scores

Responsiveness and minimal important changes of the OARSI core set of performance-based measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis following physiotherapy intervention

PURPOSE

The Osteoarthritis Research Society International has recommended a core set of performance-based tests of physical function for use in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The core set includes 30-second chair stand test (30-s CST), 4 × 10 m fast-paced walk test (40-m FPWT), and a stair climb test. This study aimed to evaluate responsiveness and minimal important changes (MICs) of these performance-based measures in knee OA patients following physiotherapy.

METHODS

Sixty patients with knee OA, undergoing 4-week physiotherapy performed 30-s CST, 40-m FPWT, and 4-step stair climb test (4-step SCT) at pre- and post-intervention. Patients also completed the 7-point global rating scale as an external anchor at post-intervention. Responsiveness was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics curve and correlation analysis.

RESULTS

All three performance-based measures of physical function showed area under the curve > 0.70. Correlation analysis showed relationship of 30-s CST, 40-m FPWT, and 4-Step SCT with the external anchor fell within moderate to good range (Spearman = 0.43-0.63). Furthermore, MIC values reflecting improvement for 30-s CST, 40-m FPWT, and 4-Step SCT were 2.5, 0.21, and 3.21, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated all three performance-based measures have good responsiveness to measure improvement in physical functions of knee OA patients following physiotherapy. The MIC reflecting improvement can help clinicians and researchers to make a decision based on the clinical significance of improvements in patients' functional status.

Effects of Dry Needling on Active Myofascial Trigger Points and Pain Intensity in Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized Controlled Study

Tension-type headache is the most prevalent type of headache and is commonly associated with myofascial pain syndrome and the presence of active myofascial trigger points. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of dry needling on the total number of active trigger points, pain intensity, and perceived clinical change in tension-type headache subjects. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to the control and dry needling groups. The presence of active trigger points in 15 head and neck muscles, the headache intensity, and the perceived clinical change were evaluated. A single dry needling technique was administered at each active trigger point across three sessions. Significant differences were observed in the post-treatment measures favouring the dry needling group, including reductions in the headache intensity scores (p = 0.034) and the total number of active trigger points (p = 0.039). Moreover, significant differences in the perception of clinical change were found between the control and treatment groups (p = 0.000). Dry needling demonstrated positive effects in reducing the number of active trigger points and improving the short-term headache intensity in tension-type headache patients. A single dry needling session applied in the cranio-cervical area resulted in a self-perceived improvement compared to the control subjects.

Responsiveness of monopodal postural stability tests in recreational athletes

Background

Stabilometry, the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) or the Emery balance test (EBT) are reported in the literature to reflect changes after an intervention in monopodal postural stability. Even so, the responsiveness of those tests has not been evaluated after an instability training programme or analysed using multiple statistical indicators of responsiveness. The main aim of this study was to analyse the responsiveness of the stabilometry, mSEBT or EBT.

Methods

Thirty healthy recreational athletes performed a 4-week programme with three weekly sessions of instability training of the dominant lower limb and were evaluated using stabilometry, mSEBT, and EBT tests. Responsiveness was quantified based on internal and external responsiveness.

Results

EBT and all parameters in mSEBT for the dominant lower limb showed large internal responsiveness (SRM > 0.8). Furthermore, mSEBT values for the non-dominant lower limb (except anterior displacement) also experienced significant changes with an associated large internal responsiveness. None of the stabilometry platform parameters showed a significant change after the intervention. The ability of the EBT to discriminate between the dominant and non-dominant lower limb (i.e., trained vs untrained, respectively) was generally acceptable (AUCs = 0.708). However, none of the parameters of the mSEBT test showed an acceptable AUC.

Conclusions

EBT showed a positive responsiveness after instability training compared to mSEBT, which only showed internal responsiveness, or stabilometry platform measures, whose none of the parameters could identify these changes.

Item Level Psychometrics of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory in Vestibular Migraine and Meniere's Disease

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the measurement properties of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) using item response theory in patients diagnosed with vestibular migraine (VM) and Meniere's disease (MD).

DESIGN

One hundred twenty-five patients diagnosed with VM and 169 patients diagnosed with MD by a vestibular neurotologist according to the Bárány Society criteria in two tertiary multidisciplinary vestibular clinics and who completed the DHI at their initial visit, were included in the study. The DHI (total score and individual items) was analyzed using the Rasch Rating Scale model for patients in each subgroup, VM and MD, and as a whole group. The following categories were assessed: rating-scale structure, unidimensionality, item and person fit, item difficulty hierarchy, person-item match, and separation index, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change (MDC).

RESULTS

Patients were predominantly female (80% of the VM subgroup and 68% of the MD subgroup) with a mean age of 49.9 ± 16.5 years and 54.1 ± 14.2 years, respectively. The mean total DHI score for the VM group was 51.9 ± 22.3 and for the MD group was 48.5 ± 26.6 ( p > 0.05). While neither all items nor the separate constructs met all criteria for unidimensionality (i.e., items measuring a single construct), post hoc analysis showed that the all-item analysis supported a single construct. All analyses met the criterion for showing a sound rating scale and acceptable Cronbach's alpha (≥0.69). The all-item analysis showed the most precision, separating the samples into three to four significant strata. The separate-construct analyses (physical, emotional, and functional) showed the least precision, separated the samples into less than three significant strata. Regarding MDC, the MDC remained consistent across the analyses of the different samples; approximately 18 points for the full analyses and approximately 10 points for the separate construct (physical, emotional, and functional).

CONCLUSIONS

Our evaluation of the DHI using item response theory shows that the instrument is psychometrically sound and reliable. The all-item instrument fulfills criteria for essential unidimensionality but does seem to measure multiple latent constructs in patients with VM and MD, which has been reported in other balance and mobility instruments. The current subscales did not show acceptable psychometrics, which is in line with multiple recent studies favoring the use of the total score. The study also shows that the DHI is adaptable to episodic recurrent vestibulopathies. The total score shows better precision and separation of subjects in up to four strata compared to the separate construct that separate subjects into less than three strata. The measurement error smallest detectable change was found in our analysis to be 18 points, which means any change in the DHI of less than 18 points is not likely to be clinically significant. The minimal clinically important difference remains indeterminate.

Comparison of patient preferences and responsiveness among common patient-reported outcome measures for hand/wrist injuries or disorders

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were developed to examine patients' perceptions of functional health. Most studies compare the responsiveness of each type of questionnaire. However, reports of patient preferences among PROMs commonly used with patients with hand/wrist injuries or disorders are limited. This study aimed to compare patient preferences, factors associated with those preferences and responsiveness among the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) and EQ-5D in patients with hand/wrist injuries or disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study collected data on 183 patients with hand/wrist injuries or diseases who had visited a hand/wrist outpatient clinic or were hospitalized for surgery between 2017 and 2020. Patients had to be at least 18 years old and able to complete the four questionnaires included in the study. The four PROMs (DASH, MHQ, PRWHE and EQ-5D) were administered to the patients prior to treatment. After completing the questionnaires, patients were asked to answer two open-ended questions regarding their preferences. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors related to patient preferences. Results are presented as the relative risk ratio (RRR). The standardized response mean (SRM) was used to evaluate questionnaire responsiveness.

RESULTS

Of the 183 patients, most preferred the PRWHE questionnaire (n = 74, 41%), with the main reasons cited being "specific to injuries/diseases and reflects hand/wrist function (n = 23, 31%)" and "easy to complete (n = 22, 30%)." Sex was found to be associated with patient preference after adjusting for demographic data and reasons for choosing a PROM as confounders (RRR = 0.46, P value = 0.049). The PRWHE had the highest SRM, followed by DASH (0.92 and 0.88, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The PRWHE is the most preferred by patients and is the most responsive questionnaire. It is recommended for use in clinical practice in situations where a clinician would like to use only one PROM for evaluating patients with various types of hand/wrist problems.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic III.

Assessment of health-related quality of life in individuals with depressive symptoms: validity and responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L and the SF-6D

BACKGROUND

The EQ-5D and the SF-6D are examples of commonly used generic preference-based instruments for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, their suitability for mental disorders has been repeatedly questioned.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the responsiveness and convergent validity of the EQ-5D-3L and SF-6D in patients with depressive symptoms.

METHODS

The data analyzed were from cardiac patients with depressive symptoms and were collected as part of the SPIRR-CAD (Stepwise Psychotherapy Intervention for Reducing Risk in Coronary Artery Disease) trial. The EQ-5D-3L and SF-6D were compared with the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) as disease-specific instruments. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation. Effect sizes were calculated and ROC analysis was performed to determine responsiveness.

RESULTS

Data from 566 patients were analysed. The SF-6D correlated considerably better with the disease-specific instruments (|rs|= 0.63-0.68) than the EQ-5D-3L (|rs|= 0.51-0.56). The internal responsiveness of the SF-6D was in the upper range of a small effect (ES: - 0.44 and - 0.47), while no effect could be determined for the EQ-5D-3L. Neither the SF-6D nor the EQ-5D-3L showed acceptable external responsiveness for classifying patients' depressive symptoms as improved or not improved. The ability to detect patients whose condition has deteriorated was only acceptable for the EQ-5D-3L.

CONCLUSION

Overall, both the convergent validity and responsiveness of the SF-6D are better than those of the EQ-5D-3L in patients with depressive symptoms. The SF-6D appears, therefore, more recommendable for use in studies to evaluate interventions for this population.

Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Thai Version of the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Background

The International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF) is a knee-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure that is commonly used to evaluate patients with various knee disorders. The Thai version of the IKDC-SKF (Thai IKDC-SKF) was shown to have good validity and reliability; nonetheless, no data regarding its responsiveness are available.

Purpose

To evaluate the responsiveness of the Thai IKDC-SKF for assessing patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for this PRO measure.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

This prospective study included ACL-injured patients who were scheduled for ACL reconstruction (ACLR) at a single institution. The patients completed the Thai IKDC-SKF at the baseline and the 6-month postoperative follow-up. The global rating of change scale was an anchor question that evaluated patients' overall perception of a clinical change compared with their preoperative condition. The effect size and standardized response mean were calculated. The MCID was identified with an anchor-based approach by plotting a receiver operating characteristic curve and calculating the value that maximized the Youden index.

Results

Of 59 enrolled patients, 53 patients (89.8%) completed the preoperative and 6-month postoperative Thai IKDC-SKF. The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 32.3 ± 10.3 years, and 86.8% were men. The mean Thai IKDC-SKF score improved significantly from preoperatively to the 6-month follow-up (from 56.3 ± 14.9 to 70.8 ± 14.1, respectively; P < .001), with an effect size of 0.975 and a standardized response mean of 0.977. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to determine the ability of the Thai IKDC-SKF to distinguish between improved patients and unimproved patients, and the area under the curve was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68-0.92), which was considered excellent. The MCID was 15.5, which yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 0.55 and 1, respectively.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the responsiveness of the Thai IKDC-SKF for detecting a clinical change in ACL-injured patients after ACLR. The identified MCID of 15.5 can be used to calculate the significant clinical change and sample size in future studies.

Responsiveness and minimal clinically important changes of common patient-reported and performance-based outcome measures of physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

We investigate and compare responsiveness of the physical function subscales of patient-reported measures of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and performance-based measures of the timed up-and-go test and 6-min walk test and determine the minimal clinically important change (MCIC) values in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients following physiotherapy intervention.

METHODS

One hundred patients were asked to complete the WOMAC and OKS and to perform the timed up-and-go test and 6-min walk test once pre-intervention and again after 4-week physiotherapy intervention (post-intervention). Responsiveness was determined by correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

The WOMAC-physical function subscale (WOMAC-PF), OKS-functional component score (OKS-FCS), timed up-and-go test, and 6-min walk test showed moderate-to-good relationships with the patients' global rating scale (Spearman correlation ranges = 0.51-0.56). All outcome measures of physical function showed the area under the curve (AUC) >0.70 (AUC ranges = 0.78-0.82). The MCIC values were 12.5 points for WOMAC-PF, 17.5 points for OKS-FCS, 2.82 s for timed up-and-go test, 61 m for 6-min walk test.

CONCLUSIONS

All outcome measures have adequate responsiveness to detect clinical improvements over time in functional status following the physiotherapy intervention in patients with knee OA. The MCIC values can help clinicians and researchers to make a decision based on the clinical significance of improvements in patients' functional status.

Test-Retest Reliability of the Acoustic Voice Quality Index and the Acoustic Breathiness Index

OBJECTIVE

The acoustic voice quality index (AVQI) and the acoustic breathiness index (ABI) are two validated measurements for the objective-acoustic assessment of voice quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative and absolute reliability of AVQI and ABI as well as detect the natural variability of vocally-healthy voices.

METHODS

Totally, 39 vocally-healthy participants received weekly an AVQI- and ABI measurement using the freeware VOXplot over a period of 3 weeks. This study is a within-subject design to assess significant differences between the test and retest measurements (test and mean of two retests) of AVQI and ABI with the paired sample t test and to investigate the reliability of these two acoustic parameters with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plot, and the minimal detectable change (MDC).

RESULTS

No significant differences between the test-retest measurements of AVQI and ABI were revealed (all P-values > 0.05). The relative reliability of AVQI and ABI showed good results (eg, ICC = 0.81, and ICC = 0.92, respectively). Absolute reliability measured with the MDC yielded a test-retest value of 0.78 and 0.66 for the AVQI and ABI, respectively. Deviations within this range may be due to natural variations of the voice (random bias).

CONCLUSION

AVQI and ABI revealed high-reliability results in a test-retest measurement of vocally-healthy participants.

Sensitivity to Change and Responsiveness of the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment in Individuals With Moderate to Severe Acute Stroke

BACKGROUND

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is a widely used outcome measure for quantifying motor impairment in stroke recovery. Meaningful change (responsiveness) in the acute to subacute phase of stroke recovery has not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

Determine responsiveness and sensitivity to change of the FMA-UE from 1-week to 6-weeks (subacute) after stroke in individuals with moderate to severe arm impairment who received standard clinical care.

METHODS

A total of 51 participants with resulting moderate and severe UE hemiparesis after stroke had FMA-UE assessment at baseline (within 2 weeks of stroke) and 6-weeks later. Sensitivity to change was assessed using Glass's delta, standardized response means (SRM), standard error of measure (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Responsiveness was assessed with the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), estimated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with patient-reported global rating of change scales (GROC) and a provider-reported modified Rankin Scale (mRS) as anchors.

RESULTS

The MCID estimates were 13, 12, and 9 anchored to the GROC Arm Weakness, GROC Recovery, and mRS. Glass's delta and the SRM revealed large effect sizes, indicating high sensitivity to change, (∆ = 1.24, 95% CI [0.64, 1.82], SRM = 1.10). Results for the SEM and MDC were 2.46 and 6.82, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The estimated MCID for the FMA-UE for individuals with moderate to severe motor impairment from 1 to 6-weeks after stroke is 13. These estimates will provide clinical context for FMA-UE change scores by helping to identify the change in upper-extremity motor impairment that is both beyond measurement error and clinically meaningful.

Field testing and psychometric properties of Thai version of the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire

Introduction

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is a widely recommended patient-reported outcome measure to evaluate symptoms and functions in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients. We aimed to evaluate the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Thai version of the BCTQ (Thai BCTQ) and to investigate the psychometric properties including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness.

Methods

The Thai BCTQ was field tested with 15 healthy volunteers and 15 CTS patients to evaluate the item-objective congruence of each item. Following that, one hundred and twenty-four CTS patients were included for psychometric evaluation in this study. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To evaluate construct validity, Spearman's rank correlation of the symptom severity scale (Thai BCTQ -S), the functional status scale (Thai BCTQ -F) and the subscales of the Thai MHQ were analyzed. Responsiveness was determined using the standardized response mean (SRM).

Results

Minor modification of the Thai version was made to better explain the term "tingling". The Thai BCTQ-S, Thai BCTQ-F and Thai BCTQ demonstrated adequate Cronbach's alpha values (0.91-0.94) and good test-retest reliability (ICC=0.89-0.98). Regarding related dimensions, a strong correlation (r=0.67, P<0.008) was found between the Thai BCTQ-F and the Function subscale of Thai MHQ as well as between Thai BCTQ-F and the Activities of Daily Living subscale of the Thai MHQ (r=0.75, P<0.008). In unrelated dimensions, there was a relatively weak correlation between the Thai BCTQ-S and the Aesthetics subscale of the Thai MHQ (r=0.32, P=0.0116). The SRM of the Thai BCTQ was 1.46, indicating large responsiveness.

Discussion

The Thai BCTQ has adequate internal consistency in both the symptom and function scales as well as good construct validity and test-retest reliability indicating it is suitable for evaluating Thai CTS patients. This tool also has a high ability to detect clinically significant changes in symptoms and function over time after receiving conservative or surgical treatment.

Psychometric validation of the simplified Chinese Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain

INTRODUCTION

Reliable and valid measurement tools are crucial for clinical practice in chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP). The Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS) is a widely used scale in neck pain assessment and has its unique advantages, but it is not available for patients with CNSNP in southern China.

OBJECTIVE

To develop the simplified Chinese version of CNFDS (CNFDS-SC) cross-culturally and to investigate its measurement properties in patients with CNSNP.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Validation of neck pain measurement scale in southern China.

PATIENTS

One hundred five patients with CNSNP.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Construct validity and structural validity were validated by hypothesis testing and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Internal and external responsiveness were validated. Interpretability was revealed by the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC).

RESULTS

Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77 for first test and 0.84 for retest) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.95) were satisfactory. CNFDS-SC scores showed strong correlations with the numeric rating scale (NRS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) scores (r = 0.652, 0.763, and 0.719, respectively; p < .001). Factor analysis revealed a one-factor structure of the scale. Regarding responsiveness, the standardized response mean (SRM) and the Guyatt's responsiveness index (GRI) were 1.29 and 2.12, respectively. CNFDS-SC change scores showed good correlations with the anchoring question (r = 0.619, p < .001), NDI (r = 0.439, p = .001), and NPQ (r = 0.438 p = .001) change scores; the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.89 (p < .001). The SEM and SDC were 0.93 and 2.57, respectively. No floor or ceiling effect and no missing items were observed.

CONCLUSION

The CNFDS-SC was demonstrated with adequate reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability. The CNFDS-SC could be an effective tool for the clinical assessment of patients with CNSNP in southern China.

An Assessment of the Longitudinal Construct Validity of the Pain Behavioral Scale (PaBS) in a Saudi Population with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study

Background: The Pain Behavioral Scale (PaBS) measures the presence and severity of pain behavior. We examine the longitudinal construct validity of the PaBS using convergent and known-groups approaches on a population of 23 participants with chronic lower back pain (LBP) undergoing routine physiotherapy care and pain neuroscience education. Methods: Participants who satisfied study inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited from patients who attended two testing sessions at physiotherapy clinics in Saudi Arabia. Participant pain behavior was initially measured using the PaBS scale; participants performed standardized physical tests (e.g., repeated trunk flexion) and provided baseline demographic, clinical data, and self-reported measurements using the Modified Roland and Morris disability questionnaire (MODI), fear-avoidance questionnaire (FABQ), and pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). In subsequent visits, a physiotherapist provided usual care to participants, and weekly sessions were established for online pain-neuroscience education. During week six, participants repeated the same questionnaires and physical performance tests with the PaBS. Paired t-tests are used to compare changes in health characteristics from baseline responses to those in week six. Correlations between changes in PaBS from baseline to week six, with changes in outcome measures (i.e., disability, pain intensity, fear-avoidance beliefs, catastrophizing), were determined. To assess known-group validity, we also used a general linear model. Results: A total of 23 participants completed the PNE and follow-up data collection. The mean change from baseline in the PaBS score was statistically significant, as were changes in MODI, FABQ, and PCS. Almost 70% of participants improved their PaBS scores over the six-week period, with PaBS scores of almost 40% of them improving by three units or more. The change in PaBS score correlated significantly with changes in the PCS-rumination subscale, supporting a proposed approach to estimate convergent validity (r = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.04-0.72, p = 0.035). Conclusions: The mean change from baseline in the PaBS score is statistically significant, as are changes in MODI, FABQ, and PCS, supporting its convergent validity. According to our STarT Back groups, the medium to low-risk group had a lower PaBS score, and high-risk group had a higher PaBS score, indicating that PaBS use in clinical assessment may identify people according to pain-behavior severity, or those at increased risk of developing disability.

Responsiveness and minimal clinically important changes to physical therapy interventions of Persian versions of copenhagen neck functional disability index, neck bournemouth questionnaire and spine functional index questionnaires in people with chronic neck pain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chronic neck pain has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. Specific outcome measures like Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Index (CNFDI), Neck Bournemouth questionnaire (NBQ), and Spine Functional Index (SFI) are reliable and valid measures that have been used for comprehensively evaluating neck-related disabilities. However, responsiveness has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the responsiveness and clinically meaningful changes of the CNFDI, NBQ, and SFI for Persian patients with chronic neck pain.

METHODS

Prospective recruitment of 145 patients with chronic neck pain was conducted. Participants completed the Persian versions of CNFDI, NBQ, and SFI at baseline and after 4 weeks of physical therapy. Also, the Global Rating of Change Scale (GRCS) was completed in the post-intervention assessment. The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve and correlational analysis were used for evaluating the responsiveness. In addition, the Minimal Clinically Important Change (MCIC) was determined.

RESULTS

All selected outcome measures revealed an area under the curve of 0.96. The MCICs of 10, 7, and 10 points were found for the CNFDI, NBQ, and SFI, respectively. The results showed an excellent Gamma correlation coefficient of the CNFDI (_γ = 0.98), NBQ (_γ = 0.99), and SFI (_γ = 0.99) with the GRCS.

CONCLUSION

The Persian versions of the CNFDI, NBQ, and SFI have acceptable responsiveness properties for evaluating the changes in health status in patients with chronic neck pain following physical therapy interventions.

Reliability of functional outcome measures in adults with neurofibromatosis 2

Objective:

To determine inter- and intra-rater reliability of functional performance outcome measures in people with neurofibromatosis 2. To ascertain how closely objective and subjective measures align.

Methods:

Twenty-nine people with neurofibromatosis 2 were recorded performing the modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance, four square step test and modified nine-hole peg tests. Three raters scored each measure to determine inter-rater reliability. One rater scored the measures a second time to determine intra-rater reliability. Participants also completed a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire and dynamic visual acuity testing.

Results:

Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability scores (intra-class correlation coefficient) were excellent for all tests (intra-class correlation coefficient r ⩾ 0.9). The four square step test correlated with perceived walking challenges and modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance correlated with perceived balance challenges in a neurofibromatosis 2 quality of life patient report outcome measure.

Conclusion:

The modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance, four square step test and modified nine-hole peg tests are potentially useful measures for monitoring neurofibromatosis 2.

Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Thai version of the Dry Eye-Related Quality-of-Life Score questionnaire

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common and growing eye problem worldwide. Chronic DED symptoms can, subsequently, affect the patients’ quality of life (QOL). This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Thai version of the Dry Eye-Related Quality-of-Life Score (DEQS-Th) questionnaire and to evaluate its accuracy in DED screening. Psychometric validation was conducted on DED participants. All participants completed the DEQS-Th and other measurements including the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the 5-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L). Internal consistency, concurrent validity, convergent, and discriminant validity were evaluated. The standardized response mean (SRM) was used to evaluate the responsiveness of the DEQS-Th. The optimal cut-off score of DEQS-Th for DED screening was assessed. Among 100 participants with a mean age of 50.9 ± 14.4 years, and 89.0% female, the internal consistency of the DEQS-Th was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.80–0.92). The test-retest intraclass correlation was 0.82–0.92. It showed concurrent validity with the OSDI (r = 0.694, p < .001) and EQ-5D-5L index scores (r = -0.578, p < .001). DED is suspected if the DEQS-Th score ≥ 18.33 (AUC = 0.897, sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 76.7%) or its Short Form score ≥ 3 (AUC 0.857, sensitivity 93.0%, specificity 63.3%). The SRM of the symptom subscale of DEQS-Th was 0.82, indicating relatively large responsiveness, whereas the impact on daily life subscale and the summary score was small. In conclusion, the DEQS-Th is valid and reliable for evaluating the multifaceted effects of DED on a patient’s QOL. It can be useful for primary assessment and monitoring of DED in routine clinical practice.

The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis, Lequesne Algofunctional index, Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale-short form, and Visual Analogue Scale in patients with knee osteoarthritis: responsiveness and minimal clinically important differences

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to see whether the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), Lequesne Algofunctional index and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale-short form (AIMS2-SF) could changes after physiotherapy interventions (i.e., responsiveness) and to determine Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in the performance of the people with knee osteoarthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A convenient sample of 116 people with knee osteoarthritis completed the tools at baseline and then again after 10 sessions physiotherapy intervention. Two techniques were used to determine responsiveness: The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) method and the correlation analysis.

RESULT

All of the tools showed the AUC of greater than 0.70 (AUC ranges = 0.72 - 0.83). For the WOMAC, Lequesne Algofunctional index, AIMS2-SF and VAS-pain, optimal cutoff points were 12.5, 2.75, 4.5 and 2.5 points, respectively. The gamma correlation between WOMAC, Lequesne Algofunctional index, AIMS2-SF, VAS-pain, and Global Rating Change (GRC) scores was 0.55, 0.52, 0.40, and 0.46, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In people with knee osteoarthritis, the WOMAC has the maximum responsiveness to clinical changes. The MCID values identify in this study will aid in determining whether or not an individual with knee osteoarthritis has undergone a true improvement since receiving physiotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe results of this study provide valuable information regarding to the ability of outcome measures to detect treatment effects in patients with knee osteoarthritis.The WOMAC questionnaire is a responsive tool to measure the changes in functional activity due to physiotherapy intervention in patients with knee osteoarthritis.A patient with knee osteoarthritis had to change at least 12.5 scores on the WOMAC to be judged as having clinically changed.

A methodology to engineering continuous monitoring of intrinsic capacity for elderly people

Continuous monitoring of the well-being state of elderly people is about to become an urgent need in the early future due to population aging. Aiming a unified notion of well-being, we find the Intrinsic Capacity concept in accordance with the SMART BEAR project goals. In this study, we mainly focus on the enabling infrastructure, mapping our models to interoperable repositories and to streaming/computing components that can foster monitoring. Our method is also innovative for explicitly combining personalized and risk levels in generating the Intrinsic Capacity score. Leveraging on synthetic data, we represent the outcome trajectories of some sample patients for 1-year continuous monitoring and discuss approaches to characterize them based on the exhibited tendency and evaluate the results from the predictability point of view providing by the entropy of time series concept. At the end, we discuss the possible data quality issues in health care studies using synthetic data.

Reproducibility, validity, and reliability of the incremental step test for subjects with moderate to severe asthma

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the measurement properties of the incremental step test in subjects with moderate to severe asthma.

METHODS

Subjects with moderate to severe persistent asthma were recruited from a tertiary university hospital specializing in treating severe asthma. All subjects performed one cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and two incremental step tests (IST) in random sequences. Pulmonary gas exchange was measured during all exercise tests. The measurement properties investigated were reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), measurement error by the standard error of measurement and minimum detectable difference, construct validity by Pearson's correlation, and interpretability by the ceiling and floor effects.

RESULTS

Fifty subjects (38 females, mean [SD], age 43.7 [11.6] yr, % FEV1 70 [14.3], BMI 28.5 [5.3] kg/m2) completed the study. The peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) for the CPET was 27.6 [±6.8] ml/kg/min, for the first IST was 22.3 [±5.3] ml/kg/min and for the second IST was 23.3 [±5.3] ml/kg/min. The IST presented excellent reliability (ICC=0.93, CI95% 0.88-0.96), very good measurement error (2.5%), and construct validity for peak VO2 measurement compared to the CPET (r = 0.85; p < 0.001) to assess exercise capacity in subjects with moderate to severe asthma, with appropriate ceiling (10%) and floor (0%) effects.

CONCLUSION

The IST presented excellent reliability and very good measurement error and validity to assess exercise capacity in subjects with moderate to severe asthma, without ceiling or floor effects.

Does Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Exercise, or Both Improve Pain and Function in Postmenopausal Women With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome? A 2 × 2 Factorial Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a debilitating chronic condition, most prevalent in postmenopausal women. A positive association between high estrogen levels and tendon health may exist, and postmenopausal women have reduced estrogen. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may reduce the incidence of tendon abnormality, particularly when combined with exercise.

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of MHT and exercise on tendon pain and function in postmenopausal women with GTPS.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Postmenopausal women (N = 132; n = 12, lost to follow-up) with GTPS were randomized into MHT and placebo transdermal cream groups combined with tendon-specific or sham exercise. All groups received education about avoiding gluteal tendon compression and load management throughout 12 weeks of intervention. The primary outcome was the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment for gluteal tendinopathy (VISA-G), and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline and at 12 and 52 weeks. The Global Rating of Change was assessed at 12 and 52 weeks. A linear mixed-effects model was used to assess differences. Body mass index (BMI) was included as a covariate.

RESULTS

All participant groups improved over time (baseline vs 12 weeks, P < .001; baseline vs 52 weeks, P < .001). There was no difference among exercise groups measured by all outcomes (VISA-G: baseline, P = .97, mean difference [MD] = 0.10; 12 weeks, P = .49, MD = 2.15; 52 weeks, P = .32, MD = -3.08). There was a significant interaction effect between cream and BMI; therefore, the population was stratified by BMI levels (<25, <30, ≥30). The MHT groups (with exercise and education) had significantly better VISA-G outcomes (baseline, P = .04, MD = -11.20, 95% CI = -21.70 to -0.70; 12 weeks, P < .001, MD = -20.72, 95% CI = -31.22 to -10.22; 52 weeks, P = .002, MD = -16.71, 95% CI = -27.21 to -6.22) and secondary measure scores as compared with placebo at all time points when BMI was <25.

CONCLUSION

MHT or placebo combined with tendon-specific or sham exercise plus education reduced pain and increased function for this population. For women with a BMI <25, MHT with any exercise plus education was better than placebo. A targeted exercise or sham exercise strategy is effective when prescribed with education about avoiding gluteal tendon compression and load management.

REGISTRATION

ACTRN12614001157662 (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).

Disablement in the Physically Active Scale Short Form-8: psychometric evaluation

Background

Patient-centered care and evidence-based practice (EBP) are core competencies for health care professionals. The importance of EBP has led to an increase in research involving clinical outcomes; current recommendations emphasize collecting patient focused measures, thus increasing the need for psychometrically sound patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of health. Disablement has been identified as a valuable multi-dimensional construct for patient care. The Disablement in the Physically Active Scale Short Form-8 (DPA SF-8) has been proposed as a tool to be used in the physically active population that assesses a physical summary component of health and a quality of life component however, further analysis is necessary to ensure the instrument is psychometrically sound.

Methods

Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were conducted on the DPA SF-8 at each time point to ensure factor structure. Reliability of the scale and internal consistency of the subscales were assessed, and a minimal detectable change (MDC) calculated. Additionally, a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was also established, and invariance testing across three time points and groups was conducted.

Results

The CFAs at all three visits exceeded recommended model fit indices. The interclass correlation coefficient value (.924) calculated indicated excellent scale reliability and Cronbach’s alpha for subscales PHY and QOL were within recommend values. The MDC value calculated was 5.83 and the MCID for persistent injuries were 2 points and for acute injuries, 3 points. The DPA SF-8 was invariant across time and across subgroups.

Conclusions

The DPA SF-8 met CFA recommendations and criteria for multi-group and longitudinal invariance testing, which indicates the scale may be used to assess for differences between the groups or across time. Our overall analysis indicates the DPA SF-8 is a valid, reliable, and responsive instrument to assess patient improvement in the physically active population.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13102-021-00380-3.

Translation and Validation of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory into Thai Language

OBJECTIVE

To translate and evaluate psychometric properties of Thai version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI-TH).

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Ambulatory.

PATIENTS

Fifty patients with dizziness at a vestibular clinic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original English version of the DHI was performed according to published guidelines. Psychometric evaluation included internal consistency, content validity, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, discriminant ability, and responsiveness. Responsiveness was examined in 28 patients with vestibular dysfunction who received vestibular rehabilitation for 6 to 8 weeks.

RESULTS

There were no floor and ceiling effects. The Cronbach's alpha was good for the total score (0.87) and subscale scores (0.70 physical, 0.73 emotional, and 0.71 functional). Excellent test-retest reliability was demonstrated for the total and subscales (ICC ranged from 0.91 to 0.97, p < 0.001). The SEM was 3.50 and the MDC was 9.68. The total and subscales of DHI-TH were moderately correlated with the SF-36-TH scores (r ranged from -0.40 to -0.63). An optimal cut-off point for detection of dizziness was 21 points (98% sensitivity, 94% specificity). Responsiveness of the DHI-TH was excellent. The ES and SRM were large (1.25 and 1.59, respectively). The DHI-TH discriminated well between patients with self-perceived improved dizziness versus unchanged dizziness (AUC = 0.87). The MCID was 17 points (82.0% sensitivity, 82.0% specificity).

CONCLUSION

The DHI-TH demonstrated good psychometric properties for patients with dizziness. The DHI-TH is a valid and reliable instrument recommended as a measure of disability and quality of life in Thai patients with dizziness.

Establishing the Minimal Clinically Important Differences for Sagittal Hip Range of Motion in Chronic Stroke Patients

Many researchers have pointed out that decreased sagittal range of motion (ROM) in the affected hip joint is a common consequence of stroke, and it adversely affects walking performance and walking speed. Nevertheless, the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in hip-related kinematic gait parameters post-stroke have not yet been determined. The present study aimed to define MCID values for hip ROM in the sagittal plane i.e., flexion-extension (FE), for the affected and unaffected sides at a chronic stage post-stroke. Fifty participants with hemiparesis due to stroke were enrolled for the study. Four statistical methods were used to calculate MCID. According to the anchor-based approach, the mean change in hip FE ROM achieved by the MCID group on the affected/unaffected side amounted to 5.81°/2.86° (the first MCID estimate). The distribution-based analyses established that the standard error of measurement in the no-change group amounted to 1.56°/1.04° (the second MCID estimate). Measurements based on the third method established that a change of 4.09°/0.61° in the hip ROM corresponded to a 1.85-point change in the Barthel Index. The optimum cutoff value, based on ROC curve analysis, corresponded to 2.9/2.6° of change in the hip sagittal ROM for the affected/unaffected side (the fourth MCID estimate). To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a comprehensive set of statistical methods to determine the MCID for hip sagittal ROM for the affected and unaffected sides at a chronic stage post-stroke. According to our findings, the MCID of the hip FE ROM for the affected side amounts to 5.81° and for the unaffected side to 2.86°, in patients with chronic stroke. This indicator is extremely important because it allows clinical practitioners to assess the effects of interventions administered to patients, and to interpret the significance of improvements in sagittal kinematic parameters of the hip; ultimately, it may facilitate the process of designing effective gait reeducation programs.

Translation and validation of the stroke impact scale 3.0 into urdu for Pakistan

BACKGROUND

The Stroke Impact Scale version 3.0 (SIS 3.0) is a self-reported outcome measure designed to assess quality of life (QoL) following a stroke. Although the psychometric properties of the SIS 3.0 are identified as superior to the generic QoL scales, it has not been translated and tested in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the Urdu version of the SIS 3.0 (USIS 3.0) for Pakistan.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 116 patients with mild to moderate stroke reported their recovery using the USIS 3.0. The patients were concurrently assessed on the established tools to assess the validity and were re-evaluated to determine the test-retest reliability, precision, minimal detectable change (MDC), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

RESULTS

The reliability and internal consistency of USIS were satisfactory except for the emotion domain. The correlations of USIS with the established tools were strong. The discriminant validity was also significant across the levels of the modified Rankin scale (MRS). Only hand function and communication domains exhibited significant floor and ceiling effects, respectively. Regarding weighted K, values ranged from 0.53 to 0.88.

CONCLUSIONS

The USIS 3.0 has satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used in clinical and research settings for stroke survivors.

Responsiveness of Nepali version of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) on individuals with non-specific low back pain

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal problem, associated with disability and high societal costs. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is among the most commonly used patient reported outcome measures to measure disability due to LBP. Evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the Nepali Version of Oswestry Disability Index (NODI) exists, but its responsiveness is yet to be assessed.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the responsiveness of NODI in participants with non-specific low back pain.

METHODS

The study included 102 (Male 41, Female 61) participants with non-specific low back pain, attending the physiotherapy outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital and nearby community. The NODI was administered to the patients at baseline and again 2 weeks later along with a 7-item Nepali Version of Global Rating of Change (GROC-NP). Responsiveness of NODI was assessed by plotting Receivers Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

The area under curve (AUC) of NODI was 0.88. The best cut-off point on the NODI for improvement on the GROC-NP or the minimal clinical important change (MIC) was 4.22 and ranged from 3.11 to 6.34. The sensitivity and specificity was 77.4% and 84.2% respectively.

CONCLUSION

NODI is a responsive scale which can discriminate between participants whose level of disability due to LBP is stable or improving. The result for minimal clinically important change, sensitivity and specificity are consistent with other cross culturally adopted versions.

A generic outcome assessment of mobility capacity in neurorehabilitation: measurement properties of the de Morton Mobility Index

Background

Mobility capacity is a key outcome domain in neurorehabilitation. The de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), an established and generic outcome assessment of mobility capacity in older patients, is promising for use in neurorehabilitation. The aim of this study was to examine the measurement properties of the DEMMI in rehabilitation inpatients with neurological conditions.

Methods

Cross-sectional study including a mixed sample of adult inpatients in a neurorehabilitation hospital. Structural validity, unidimensionality and measurement invariance (Rasch analysis), construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and inter-rater reliability of the DEMMI (scale range: 0–100 points) were established. The minimal detectable change, the 95% limits of agreement, and possible floor and ceiling effects were calculated to indicate interpretability.

Results

We analyzed validity (n = 348) and reliability (n = 133) in two samples. In both samples, the majority of participants had a sub-acute stroke or Parkinson’s disease.

Rasch analysis indicated unidimensionality with an overall fit to the model (chi-square = 59.4, P = 0.074). There was no relevant measurement invariance by disease group. Hypotheses-based correlation analyses (DEMMI and other functional outcome assessments) showed sufficient construct validity. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94) and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.95) were sufficient. The minimal detectable change with 90% confidence was 15.0 points and the limits of agreement were 39%. No floor or ceiling effects were observed.

Conclusions

Results indicate sufficient measurement properties of the DEMMI in rehabilitation inpatients with neurological conditions. The DEMMI can be used as a generic outcome assessment of mobility capacity in neurorehabilitation.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00004681). Registered May 6, 2013.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-021-02327-0.

Responsiveness and the minimal important change of Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score in Persian patients with knee osteoarthritis following physiotherapy intervention

Introduction: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure designed for patients with knee osteoarthritis.Purpose: To evaluate responsiveness and determine minimal important change (MIC) for Persian-version of KOOS in patients with knee osteoarthritis following physiotherapy intervention.Method: One hundred and forty-six consecutive patients with knee osteoarthritis, undergoing 4-week physiotherapy completed KOOS alongside Oxford Knee Score at baseline and at 4-week follow-up. Patients also rated their overall changes on an external anchor at follow-up. Responsiveness was examined in two ways: by testing four hypotheses regarding pre-defined correlations between change scores of KOOS subscales and Oxford Knee Score and external anchor, and by calculating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. MIC was determined by identifying an optimal cutoff on ROC curve.Results: KOOS appeared to be responsive, as all expected hypotheses were accepted. Also, all subscales showed area under the curve (AUC) > 0.70. The MIC values reflecting improvement for Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Sports and Recreation (Sport/Rec), and Quality of Life (QoL) subscales were 15, 12.5, 15.5, 17.5, 12.5 points, respectively.Conclusions: All subscales of KOOS have adequate responsiveness and are able to measure the change in patients with knee osteoarthritis following a 4-week physiotherapy intervention.

The effect of levodopa on bilateral coordination and gait asymmetry in Parkinson's disease using inertial sensor

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of levodopa on the phase coordination index (PCI) and gait asymmetry (GA) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate correlations between the severity of motor symptoms and gait parameters measured using an inertial sensor. Twenty-six patients with mild-to-moderate-stage PD who were taking levodopa participated in this study. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS III) was used to assess the severity of motor impairment. The Postural Instability and Gait Difficulty (PIGD) subscore was calculated from UPDRS III. Patients were assessed while walking a 20-m corridor in both "OFF" and "ON" levodopa medication states, and gait analysis was performed using inertial sensors. We investigated the changes in gait parameters after taking levodopa and the correlations between UPDRS III, PIGD, and gait parameters. There was a significant improvement in PCI after taking levodopa. No significant effect of levodopa on GA was found. In "OFF" state, PCI and GA were not correlated with UPDRS III and PIGD. However, in "ON" state, PCI was the only gait parameter correlating with UPDRS III, and it was also highly correlated with PIGD compared to other gait parameters. Significant improvement in bilateral-phase coordination was identified in patients with PD after taking levodopa, without significant change in gait symmetricity. Considering the high correlation with UDPRS III and PIGD in "ON" states, PCI may be a useful and quantitative parameter to measure the severity of motor symptoms in PD patients who are on medication.

Construct validity, floor and ceiling effects, data completeness and magnitude of change for the eight-item HAKIR questionnaire: a patient-reported outcome in the Swedish National Healthcare Quality Registry for hand surgery

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the construct validity, floor and ceiling effects, data completeness and magnitude of change over time for the eight-item patient questionnaire (HQ-8) in the Swedish Healthcare Quality Registry for hand surgery (HAKIR).

Methods

Construct validity was investigated through predefined hypotheses and correlation statistics between the single items in HQ-8 (pain on load, pain on motion without load, pain at rest, stiffness, weakness, numbness, cold sensitivity and ability to perform daily activities) and QuickDASH. Floor and ceiling effects and data completeness were analysed at preoperative (n = 13,197), three months (n =10,702) and one year (n = 9,986) responses from hand surgery patients. Effect sizes were calculated for pre- and postoperative change scores in elective conditions and postoperative scores for acute conditions.

Results

Correlation coefficients at pre, 3 and 12 months ranged from 0.44 to 0.79 in the total group. No ceiling effect occurred, but a floor effect for the total group was noted for all items at all follow-ups. Missing responses were < 2.6% except for cold sensitivity. The effect sizes varied from small to large for individual items in elective diagnoses. For acute injuries, small effect sizes were found.

Discussion

This study provides evidence of construct validity of HQ-8, lack of ceiling effect, expected floor effect, good data completeness and an ability to detect changes over time. The results indicate that HQ-8 measures unique aspects of disability. The HQ-8 could complement the Quick-DASH in describing patient-reported outcomes after hand surgery.

Treatment of Mal de Debarquement Syndrome in a Computer-Assisted Rehabilitation Environment

Individuals with mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) describe symptoms of swaying, rocking, and/or bobbing after sea or air travel. These symptoms may be because of maladaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to roll of the head during rotation. Dai and colleagues have developed a treatment paradigm that involves passive roll of the patient's head while watching optokinetic stripes, resulting in adaption of the VOR and improvement of MdDS. The purpose of this case report is to describe replication of this treatment paradigm in a virtual reality environment with successful resolution of symptoms in two visits. A 39-year-old female reported swaying and rocking after returning from a 7-day cruise. The patient was treated with two sessions in a computer-assisted rehabilitation environment (CAREN). The patient canceled her third visit because of complete resolution of her symptoms. Her Global Rating of Change was +7 (on a 15-point scale of -7 to +7). She had returned to her prior level of function. This case report is the first to describe use of the CAREN for effective treatment of MdDS by replicating the treatment paradigm developed by Dai and colleagues.

Cross‑cultural adaptation, construct validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Thai version of the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (Thai PRWHE)

PURPOSE

To translate the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) which is widely used as the evaluation in healthcare and research system in wrist/hand disorder patients into Thai (Thai PRWHE) and to examine its psychometric properties.

METHODS

The PRWHE was translated to Thai, including cross-cultural adaptations, following standard guidelines. Psychometric properties were evaluated with 292 wrist/hand musculoskeletal disorder patients. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine test-retest reliability over a 7-day interval. Construct validity was evaluated using two methods: Spearman's rank correlation of related and unrelated subscales and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Responsiveness was analyzed using the standardized response mean (SRM).

RESULTS

All subscales had high Cronbach's alpha (0.91-0.96). Evaluation of the Pain subscale found good correlations with the Thai PRWHE and the Thai version of disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Thai DASH) questionnaire (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001) in related dimensions. Unrelated dimensions, the Total Function subscale of the Thai PRWHE, and the Mobility subscale of the Thai EQ-5D-5L had a weak correlation (r = 0.09, P < 0.12). Comparison of the one-factor solution and the bifactor model found the first-order three-factor solution fitted the data better than other models. The test-retest reliability with 61 patients in each subscale revealed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.94-0.96). In the assessment of responsiveness, the SRM with 54 patients was large (0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

The Thai PRWHE has excellent internal consistency in all modules and good construct validity and reliability for Thai patients and provides a large standardized response mean after treatment.

Development of a Comprehensive Outcome Measure for Motor Coordination, Step 2: Reliability and Construct Validity in Chronic Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND

A comprehensive scale assessing motor coordination of multiple body segments was developed using a 3-phase content validation process. The Comprehensive Coordination Scale (CCS) evaluates motor coordination defined as the ability to produce context-dependent movements of multiple effectors in both spatial and temporal domains. The scale assesses motor coordination in individuals with neurological injuries at 2 levels of movement description: the motor performance level describes end point movements (ie, hand, foot), and the movement quality level describes limb joints/trunk movements contributing to end point movement.

OBJECTIVE

To determine measurement properties of the scale in people with chronic stroke.

METHODS

Standardized approaches determined the internal consistency (factor loadings), intrarater and interrater reliability (interclass correlation coefficient), measurement error (SEM; minimal detectable change [MDC]), construct validity, and interpretability (ie, ceiling and floor effects) of the CCS.

RESULTS

Data from 30 patients with chronic stroke were used for the analysis. The internal consistency of the scale was high (0.94), and the scale consisted of separate factors characterizing end point motor performance and movement quality. Intrarater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.97-0.97) and interrater (ICC=0.76-0.98) reliability of the whole scale and subscales were good to excellent. The CCS had an SEM of 1.80 points (total score = 69 points) and an MDC₉₅ of 4.98 points. The CCS total score was related to Fugl-Meyer Assessment total and motor scores and had no ceiling or floor effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The CCS scale has strong measurement properties and may be a useful measure of spatial and temporal coordination deficits in chronic stroke survivors.

Choosing the most appropriate PROM for clinical studies in sports medicine

Choosing the most appropriate patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for a clinical study is essential in order to achieve trustworthy results. This choice will depend on (a) the objective of the study and hence the research question; (b) the choice of a theoretical framework, such as the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF); (c) whether there currently is a PROM that possesses high content validity and high construct validity for the specific patient group and objective, and if not; (d) the decision on whether to use a suboptimal PROM or develop and validate a new PROM. This paper presents the steps that should be followed in order to assess the relevance of PROMs and suggests ways to enhance the choice depending on the goal of the study.

An investigation of the measurement properties of the de Morton Mobility Index for measuring mobility capacity in hospital patients with Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

To examine the measurement properties of the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), a performance-based clinical outcome assessment of mobility capacity, in hospital patients with Parkinson's disease.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Hospital patients with Parkinson's disease.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Structural validity and unidimensionality (Rasch analysis), construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and inter-rater reliability of the de Morton Mobility Index (scale range: 0-100 points) were established. The minimal detectable change, the 95% limits of agreement and possible floor and ceiling effects were calculated to indicate interpretability.

RESULTS

We analysed validity (n = 100; mean age: 70 years; 71% male) and reliability (n = 47; mean age: 71 years; 68% male) in two samples. The mean Hoehn and Yahr stage was 3.2 and the mean disease duration was 12 years in both samples. Rasch analysis indicated unidimensionality with an overall fit to the model (chi-square = 21.49, P = 0.122). Seventy-three percent of hypotheses on construct validity were confirmed. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91) and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.88; 95% confidence interval: 0.80 to 0.93) were sufficient. The minimal detectable change with 90% confidence was 17.5 points and the limits of agreement were 31%. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. The mean administration time was 6.6 minutes.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of unidimensionality, sufficient internal consistency reliability, inter-rater reliability, construct validity, and feasibility of the de Morton Mobility Index in hospital patients with Parkinson's disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00004681). Registered May 6, 2013.

Estimating Minimal Clinically Important Differences for Knee Range of Motion after Stroke

The importance of knee sagittal kinematic parameters, as a predictor of walking performance in post-stroke gait has been emphasised by numerous researchers. However, no studies so far were designed to determine the minimal clinically important differences (MCID), i.e., the smallest difference in the relevant score for the kinematic gait parameters, which are perceived as beneficial for patients with stroke. Studies focusing on clinically important difference are useful because they can identify the clinical relevance of changes in the scores. The purpose of the study was to estimate the MCID for knee range of motion (ROM) in the sagittal plane for the affected and unaffected side at a chronic stage post-stroke. Fifty individuals were identified in a database of a rehabilitation clinic. We estimated MCID values using: an anchor-based method, distribution-based method, linear regression analysis and specification of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In the anchor-based study, the mean change in knee flexion/extension ROM for the affected/unaffected side in the MCID group amounted to 8.48°/6.81° (the first MCID estimate). In the distribution-based study, the standard error of measurement for the no-change group was 1.86°/5.63° (the second MCID estimate). Method 3 analyses showed 7.71°/4.66° change in the ROM corresponding to 1.85-point change in the Barthel Index. The best cut-off point, determined with ROC curve, was the value corresponding to 3.9°/3.8° of change in the knee sagittal ROM for the affected/unaffected side (the fourth MCID estimate). We have determined that, in chronic stroke, MCID estimates of knee sagittal ROM for the affected side amount to 8.48° and for the unaffected side to 6.81°. These findings will assist clinicians and researchers in interpreting the significance of changes observed in kinematic sagittal plane parameters of the knee. The data are part of the following clinical trial: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000436370

Towards patient-centred cancer care: cross-cultural validity and responsiveness of the Turkish Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale

Background

A valid measure to describe the most important needs and concerns of people with life-threatening illnesses is missing in Cyprus. Our aim was to adapt and test the cross-cultural validity and responsiveness of the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) in a cohort of Turkish speaking cancer patients.

Methods

The IPOS (English) patient-reported measure was translated into Turkish following published guidelines including, 2 independent forward, 2 independent blind backward translations, expert panel review by 7 members and field testing with 11 cognitive interviews (5 patients and 6 specialists) and final approval of the copyright holder. Consecutive cancer patients (n = 234) seen by the community palliative care services were recruited from Help Those with Cancer Society (KHYD); of those 82 were followed-up. The instrument was administered by personal interview. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to validate the factor structure of Turkish IPOS. Internal consistency reliability of the subscales was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient respectively. Validity was assessed by calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) between Turkish IPOS scores and Turkish version of EQ-5D-3L - a validated generic measure of health status developed by the EuroQol Group.

Results

Turkish IPOS is conceptually and semantically equivalent to the English version and linguistically valid. The CFA was inconclusive for the three factor structure due to low sample size, as the SRMR and CFI tests only approached the defined minimums warranting further investigation. There were low levels of missing values, and no ceiling or floor effects. The Physical (α = 0.91) and the Social and Quality of Care Issues (α = 0.75) sub-scales showed good internal consistencies, however Emotional sub-scale showed poor internal consistency (α = 0.64). The reliability of the Physical (ICC = 0.51, 0.45–0.56 95% CI) and Social Quality of Care Issues (ICC = 0.50, 0.42–0.57 95% CI) were moderate. Poor internal consistency (α =0.64) and reliability (ICC = 0.31, 0.24–0.39, 95% CI) was obtained for Emotional Subscale. Construct validity was evidenced through significant correlations in the predicted directions and strength with EQ-5D. Turkish IPOS showed higher needs and concerns in participants at more advanced stages than those at earlier stages of cancer. The standardized response mean (SRM) of − 0.94 suggested large internal responsiveness to clinical change.

Conclusion

Turkish IPOS is a clear, relevant, acceptable measure and responsive to the needs and concerns of cancer patients, observing regional differences, it may have implications for use in other Turkish speaking communities. Future studies are needed to clarify the factor structure, assess its external responsiveness and to improve the properties of its Emotional subscale.

A Thai version of the Michigan hand questionnaire (Thai MHQ): an investigation of the psychometric properties

Background

The Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) is widely used to assess the hand/wrist conditions. We translated the original version into Thai (Thai MHQ) and evaluated its psychometric properties.

Methods

After receiving permission, the original MHQ was translated and cross-culturally adapted to Thai following standard guidelines. Two hundred and seventeen patients who had hand/wrist injuries or disorders were included in the study. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Spearman’s rank correlation among the subscales of Thai MHQ, Thai DASH and Thai EQ-5D-5L and also confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to explore construct validity. The standardized response mean (SRM) was used to evaluate the responsiveness of the Thai MHQ.

Results

All subscales showed an acceptable Cronbach’s alpha (0.79–0.98). The test-retest reliability of each subscale was good (ICC = 0.83–0.95). In related dimensions, strong correlation was demonstrated between the Activities of daily living subscale of the Thai MHQ and the Common activities subscale in the Thai DASH (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001). For unrelated dimensions, a weak correlation was found between the Aesthetics subscale in the Thai MHQ and the Mobility subscale in the Thai EQ-5D-5L (r = − 0.13, P = 0.05). The Thai MHQ had strong correlation with Thai DASH (r = − 0.79, P < 0.0001) and Thai EQ-5D-5L (r = 0.63, P < 0.0001). CFA showed that the 6-factor model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data. The SRM of the Thai MHQ was 0.78, indicating relatively large responsiveness. The MIC of Thai MHQ using distribution methods (SEM) was 5.2.

Conclusions

The Thai MHQ provides adequate internal consistency in all subscales as well as good construct validity and reliability for Thai patients and a relatively large standardized response mean at 2 months after treatment.

Measuring Outcomes Over Time in Distal Radius Fractures: A Comparison of Generic, Upper Extremity-Specific and Wrist-Specific Outcome Measures

Purpose

This study compared the responsiveness of a generic (Short Form-36 [SF-36]), an upper extremity-specific (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [DASH]) and a wrist-specific (Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation [PRWE]) outcome score when evaluating distal radius fractures over time.

Methods

We observed 235 patients who met the inclusion criteria of an isolated distal radius fracture treated surgically or nonsurgically and greater than age 50 years for 12 months in this prospective study. Standardized assessments were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Exclusion criteria included subjects with concomitant injuries in the ipsilateral limb and follow-up of less than 1 year. Responsiveness was evaluated through the standardized response mean and the proportion who met a minimal clinically important difference. Floor and ceiling effects were also calculated.

Results

The standardized response mean was significantly greatest for the DASH between baseline and 6 months (P < .001), and the PRWE between both baseline and 6 months (P < .01) and 6 and 12 months (P < .01) compared with the SF-36. The proportion of patients who met a minimal clinically important difference between baseline and 6 months was greater in the PRWE, but it did not meet statistical significance (P = .12). The PRWE demonstrated a high ceiling effect at baseline (76.6%) but less so at 12 months (16.9%). The DASH demonstrated similar ceiling effects at baseline (62.9%) and 12 months (18.6%). The SF-36 had no ceiling effect.

Conclusions

In the first 6 months, both the DASH and PRWE have greater responsiveness in assessing change over the SF-36 in distal radius fractures. From 6 to 12 months, the wrist-specific PRWE has greater responsiveness over both the DASH and SF-36. This supports the use of the anatomy- and injury-specific outcome measures over the generic outcome measure in detecting change over a patient's early recovery. However, as the time from injury increases, the absence of a ceiling effect from the generic outcome measure may become more useful.

Clinical relevance

This study demonstrates the responsiveness of the DASH, PRWE, and SF36 in assessing distal radius fractures treated in patients greater than age 50 in the first year. In establishing the most responsive measure, respondent burden can be decreased in future research.

Comparing the Responsiveness of the Global Rating Scale With Legacy Knee Outcome Scores: A Delaware-Oslo Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The selection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is essential for obtaining meaningful information to treat a patient, determine a plan of care, and make clinical decisions; however, the process of selecting PROMs for clinical care is difficult, with the need to balance these multiple factors. Variation makes it difficult to compare data across providers and studies.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The purpose was to determine the responsiveness of 4 PROMs via effect size and the presence of a ceiling effect in the 5 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We hypothesized that the single-item Global Rating Scale (GRS) would have an effect size and ceiling effect similar to the commonly used legacy PROMs.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

Of the 300 participants, 218 had ACLR, completed postoperative progressive criterion-based rehabilitation early after surgery, and were followed for 5 years. We collected data based on the GRS, the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS), the International Knee Documentation Committee-Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF), and the KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) before and after training and at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after ACLR.

RESULTS

The IKDC-SKF had the largest effect sizes and lowest ceiling effects. The GRS had a similar size and change in both effect size and ceiling effect when compared with the longer PROMs. The GRS and IKDC-SKF had a correlation of 0.72, and the GRS had a minimal detectable change of 2.9 or 4.8, depending on methodology.

CONCLUSION

The GRS responded similarly to the IKDC-SKF, KOS-ADLS, and KOOS and was responsive to patient change. The ease of use and patient-specific nature of the question means that it may be appropriate to use the GRS in clinical care as a consistent measure throughout the course of rehabilitation.

Practical issues encountered while determining Minimal Clinically Important Difference in Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background

Using a real dataset, we highlighted several major methodological issues raised by the estimation of the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of a Patient-Reported Outcomes instrument. We especially considered the management of missing data and the use of more than two times of measurement. While inappropriate missing data management and inappropriate use of multiple time points can lead to loss of precision and/or bias in MCID estimation, these issues are almost never dealt with and require cautious considerations in the context of MCID estimation.

Methods

We used the LIGALONGO study (French Randomized Controlled Trial). We estimated MCID on the SF-36 General Health score by comparing many methods (distribution or anchor-based). Different techniques for imputation of missing data were performed (simple and multiple imputations). We also consider all measurement occasions by longitudinal modeling, and the dependence of the score difference on baseline.

Results

Three hundred ninety-three patients were studied. With distribution-based methods, a great variability in MCID was observed (from 3 to 26 points for improvement). Only 0.2 SD and 1/3 SD distribution methods gave MCID values consistent with anchor-based methods (from 4 to 7 points for improvement). The choice of missing data imputation technique clearly had an impact on MCID estimates. Simple imputation by mean score seemed to lead to out-of-range estimate, but as missing not at random mechanism can be hypothesized, even multiple imputations techniques can have led to an slight underestimation of MCID. Using 3 measurement occasions for improvement led to an increase in precision but lowered estimates.

Conclusion

This practical example illustrates the substantial impact of some methodological issues that are usually never dealt with for MCID estimation. Simulation studies are needed to investigate those issues.

Trial registration

NCT01240772 (ClinicalTrials.gov) registered on November 15, 2010.

The evolution of radiological measurements and the association with clinician and patient reported outcome following distal radius fractures in non-osteoporotic patients: what is clinically relevant?

Introduction: Following distal radius fractures in young non-osteoporotic patients, clinical relevancy of outcome has been scarcely reported. Outcome can be put in perspective by using measurement errors of radiological measurements and Minimal Important Change when reporting on clinician and patient reported outcome. Aim of this study was to assess the clinical relevance of radiological measurements, clinician and patient reported outcomes following distal radius fractures in young non-osteoporotic patients.Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Non-osteoporotic patients following a distal radius fracture were selected. Radiographs of both wrists were obtained at baseline, 6 weeks and at follow-up. Active range of motion and grip strength measurements were obtained at the follow-up visit and 4 questionnaires were answered to assess pain, upper extremity functioning, and health status.Results: Seventy-three patients (32 women, 41 men) with a mean age of 33.5 (SD 9.2) years at the time of injury were included. Median follow up was 62 months (IQR 53.0-84.5). Several radiological measurements evolved statistically significantly over time, however none exceeded measurement errors. Flexion/extension difference of injured compared to uninjured wrist (mean difference 11.2°, t = -7.5, df = 72, p < 0.001), exceeded Minimal Important Change, while grip strength differences did not. When comparing patients with DRFs to healthy controls, only the differences on Patient Reported Wrist Evaluation subscales "pain", "function" and total scores exceeded minimal important change (8, 10 and 13 points, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between residual step-off and respectively diminished flexion/extension (B = -36.8, 95% CI -62; -11.1, p  =  0.006), diminished radial/ulnar deviation (B = -17.9, 95% CI -32.0; -3.9, p  =  0.013) and worse ShortForm-36 "mental component score" (B = -15.4, 95% CI -26.6; -4.2, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Radiological measurements following distal radius fractures seem to evolve over time, but differences were small and were probably not clinically relevant. Range of motion, in particular flexion/extension, was impaired to such extend that it was noticeable for a patient, whereas grip strength was not impaired. The Patient Reported Wrist Evaluation was clinically relevantly diminished. Residual articular incongruency seems to influence range of motion.Implications for rehabilitationReporting Minimal Important Change regarding clinician and patient reported outcome following distal radius fractures is of more clinical value than reporting on statistical significance.Following distal radius fractures, the changes in radiological measurements do not seem to reflect a clinical relevant change.Range of motion, in particular flexion/extension, should be measured following distal radius fractures, as this might be impaired in a clinically relevant way.Measuring grip strength is of less importance following distal radius fractures, because grip strength does not seem to be affected.Residual articular incongruency seems to influence range of motion and therefore should be reduced to a minimum when treating non-osteoporotic patients.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Dance Functional Outcome Survey (DFOS) for Spanish Dancers

A growing number of research papers regarding Spanish-speaking dancers justifies the need for an adapted Spanish version of the Dance Functional Outcome Survey (DFOS). The objective of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the DFOS for Spanish-speaking dancers. A sample of 127 healthy and injured professional and pre-professional dancers were recruited. Test-retest reliability of DFOS-Sp was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients. Construct validity compared DFOS-Sp to the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) using Pearson correlations. Principal component analysis identified factors and internal-item consistency. Sensitivity was evaluated by generating receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve analyses. A subgroup of 51 injured dancers were followed across three time-points to examine responsiveness using repeated measures analysis of variance. Injured scores were analyzed for floor and ceiling effects. The DFOS-Sp showed high test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 ≥ 0.92). DFOS-Sp scores had moderate construct validity compared with SF-36 physical component summary scores (r ≥ 0.56). Principal component analysis (PCA) supported uni-dimensionality explaining 58% of the variance with high internal consistency (α = 0.91).Area under the curve (AUC) sensitivity values were excellent (AUC ≥ 0.82). There were significant differences across time (p < 0.001), demonstrating responsiveness to change, with no floor or ceiling effects. The DFOS-Sp demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability and validity in Spanish-speaking dancers, with comparable psychometric performance to the English-language version.

Reliability, validity, interpretability and responsiveness of the DEMMI mobility index for Brazilian older hospitalized patients

AIM

To translate and adapt cross-culturally the De Morton Mobility Index from English to Brazilian Portuguese. Furthermore, to test the content validity, reliability, construct validity, interpretability and responsiveness for older hospitalized patients.

METHODS

After we carried out the translation and the cross-cultural adaptation of the De Morton Mobility Index and its administration instructions according to international guidelines, the content validity of De Morton Mobility Index was tested by experienced physiotherapists. In the sequence, the reliability, construct validity, interpretability and responsiveness were tested in a test-retest design with 93 older patients hospitalized in ward for clinical reasons. The reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (internal consistency), standard error measurement (agreement), and interclass correlation coefficients (intra and inter-examiner reliability). The construct validity was tested by Pearson's correlation between the De Morton Mobility Index score and the number of steps. Interpretability was analyzed by determining the minimum detectable change and the floor and ceiling effects (frequency of maximum and minimum scoring). Responsiveness was analyzed by effect size.

RESULTS

The Brazilian version of the De Morton Mobility Index was made and adapted. The internal consistency (α = 0.89), reliability intra-(ICC = 0.94) and inter-examiners (ICC = 0.82), agreement were all adequate. The De Morton Mobility Index is validity when correlated with number of steps (r = 0.46). Floor or ceiling effects (<15%) were not observed and the responsiveness was high (ES = 3.65).

CONCLUSION

The De Morton Mobility Index has shown adequate reliability, validity, interpretability and responsiveness for the evaluation of the mobility of older hospitalized patients.

Reliability and Responsiveness of the Observable Movement Quality Scale for Children with Mild to Moderate Motor Impairments

AIM

The Observable Movement Quality (OMQ) scale measures generic movement quality and is used alongside standardized age-adequate motor performance tests. The scale consists of 15 items, each focusing on a different aspect; together, the entire construct of movement quality is assessed. This study aimed to determine interrater and intrarater reliability, and responsiveness of the OMQ scale.

METHODS

A prospective intervention study with pre-post design in pediatric physical therapy practices. For interrater reliability, 3 physical therapists observed video-recorded motor assessments of 30 children with mild to moderate motor impairments -aged 4 to 12 years-using the OMQ scale. One therapist scored baseline assessment a second time for intrarater reliability, and to calculate smallest detectable change (SDC). Responsiveness (n = 28) was tested by comparing outcomes before and after intervention.

RESULTS

Interrater reliability was moderate to good (ICC_2,1: 0.79); intrarater reliability was high (ICC_2,1: 0.97). Responsiveness results revealed an SDC of 2.4 and a minimal important change of 2.5; indicating sufficient validity in differentiating groups of children showing improved versus unchanged movement quality.

CONCLUSION

The OMQ scale is reliable and responsive to change when used to assess movement quality in clinical practice for children with mild to moderate motor impairments, aged 4-12 year.

Reliability and validity analyzes of Kinect V2 based measurement system for shoulder motions

Telerehabilitation systems provide some advantages against the classic rehabilitation methods. The ability of the shoulders depends on active motion range of them to do activities in daily life and to do sports. To evaluate the shoulder motions, range of motion (ROM) measurement is a basic method. Clinical goniometer and digital goniometer are the most commonly used measurement tools. However, these measurement tools have some deficiencies and difficulties. In this paper, we consider a Kinect One Sensor (Kinect V2) based measurement system for shoulder motions as an alternative method. The aim of this study is to examine the reliability and validity analyzes of the proposed shoulder measurement system. Three systems were used to evaluate validity of the Kinect V2 to measure shoulder motions: Kinect V2 based system, clinical goniometer and digital goniometer. One expert physical therapist measured shoulder abduction, flexion, external rotation, internal rotation and extension ROM values using a clinical goniometer and a digital goniometer in 40 healthy volunteers (22 males, 18 females, and 19-33 years old). All poses for each shoulder motion were captured with the Kinect V2 based system again and the ROM values were calculated. These procedures were carried out with all of the volunteer participants in three repetitions. In reliability for Kinect V2 based shoulder motion measurement system, we used the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of the measure (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC). The validity test includes the 95% limits of agreement (LOA) and mean difference between the Kinect V2 based system and the both of the goniometer systems for measuring shoulder motions. The high ICC values show that the Kinect V2 based shoulder motion measurement system has very good intra-rater reliability for abduction, flexion, external rotation, internal rotation shoulder poses. For extension pose, it has good reliability result according to the ICC value. The validity analysis gives good results for all shoulder poses except internal rotation between Kinect V2 and clinical/digital goniometer. As a result, Kinect V2 based measurement system is a reliable and valid alternative telerehabilitation tool for shoulder motions.

Responsiveness of pain, functional capacity tests, and disability level in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain

Background:

Clinical outcomes are very important in clinical assessment, and responsiveness is a component inside the outcome measures that needs to be investigated, particularly in chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP).

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the responsiveness of pain, functional capacity tests, and disability in individuals with CNSLBP.

Methods:

Twenty subjects were assessed in pain using the following methods: visual analog scale (VAS) and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), functional capacity tests: functional reach test (FRT), five-time sit-to-stand test (5 TSST), and two-minute step test (2 MST), and disability level: modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ), Thai version before and after 2-week intervention session. For interventions, the subjects received education, spinal manipulative therapy, and individual therapeutic exercise twice a week, for a total of two weeks. The statistics analyzed were change scores, effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM).

Results:

The most responsive parameter for individuals with CNSLBP was pain as measured by numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) (ES −0.986, SRM −0.928) and five-time sit-to-stand test (5 TSST) (SRM −0.846).

Conclusion:

This study found that NPRS pain and 5 TSST were responsive in individuals with CNSLBP at two weeks after the beginning of interventions.

Determining Real Change in Conditioned Pain Modulation: A Repeated Measures Study in Healthy Volunteers

Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is a potentially useful biomarker in pain populations; however, a statistically robust interpretation of change scores is required. Currently, reporting of CPM does not consider measurement error. Hence, the magnitude of change representing a "true" CPM effect is unknown. This study determined the standard error of measurement (SEM) and proportion of healthy participants showing a "true" CPM effect with a standard CPM paradigm. Fifty healthy volunteers participated in an intersession reliability study using pressure pain threshold (PPT) test stimulus and contact heat, cold water, and sham conditioning stimuli. Baseline PPTs were used to calculate SEM and >±2 × SEM to determine CPM effect. SEM for PPT was .21 kg/cm². An inhibitory CPM effect (>+2 SEM) was elicited in 59% of subjects in response to cold stimulus; in 44% to heat. Intrasession and intersession reliability of within-subject CPM response was poor (kappa coefficient <.36). Measurement error is important in determining CPM effect and change over time. Even when using reliable test stimuli, and incorporating measures to limit bias and error, CPM intersession reliability was fair and demonstrated a large degree of within-subject variation. Determining "true" change in CPM will underpin future interrogations of intraindividual differences in CPM. PERSPECTIVE: This study used a distribution-based statistical approach to identify real change in CPM, based on the SEM for the test stimulus. Healthy volunteers demonstrate substantial within-subject variation; CPM effect was paradigm dependent at intrasession testing and unstable to the same paradigm at intersession testing.