Intra- and inter-reliability of fleximetry in individuals with chronic shoulder pain

Unilateral seated shot-put test, muscle strength, and range of motion on recreational athletes with chronic shoulder pain: Cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To correlate the functional performance assessed by means of the Unilateral Seated Shot-Put Test (SSPT) with shoulder muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and handgrip strength in recreational athletes with chronic shoulder pain.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The sample was composed of recreational athletes with nonspecific pain in the dominant shoulder ≥3 months, both sexes, aged between 18 and 45 years. We diagnosed shoulder pain by reporting pain intensity ≥3 points on the Numerical Rating Pain Scale and used the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale, and Baecke Questionnaire. Moreover, shoulder muscle strength, handgrip strength, ROM, and functional performance using the SSPT were evaluated. We used the Spearman correlation coefficient to investigate the correlation between the variables.

RESULTS

Nineteen participants were included. Most of the sample consisted of adult women with adequate body mass and pain predominantly in the right shoulder. We observed higher correlation magnitudes of the SSPT with handgrip strength (rho = 0.818 to 0.833, p < 0.05). Correlations of the SPPT with shoulder musculature strength were of low to moderate magnitude (rho = 0.461 to 0.672, p < 0.05). The only significant correlation (p < 0.05) found was between the SSPT and ROM (horizontal adduction), however, with a weak magnitude (rho <0.50).

CONCLUSION

SSPT correlates strongly with handgrip strength and moderately with shoulder muscle strength in recreational athletes with chronic shoulder pain.

Construct validity and reliability of the 2-minute step test in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective

To validate and evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the 2-min step test (2MST) in measuring the functional performance of patients with knee pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Forty-one patients with knee OA was included. Two examiners assessed the patients at two times with interval between the test and retest from 7 to 14 days. All executions of 2MST were recorded in real time by the examiners and were also recorded by video. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence interval (CI), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable difference (MDD) were used to determine reliability. In the construct validity, we correlate the score of the 2MST with the other instruments used in the study: The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Numerical Pain Scale (NPS), Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale (PCTS) and Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale (PSEQ). The agreement between the face-to-face assessment and the evaluation based on the video record was assessed using the Bland-Altman methodology in the 4 moments of the 2MST.

Results

2MST presented excellent intra- (ICC = 0.94, SEM = 4.47, MDD = 12.40) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.97, SEM = 3.07, MDD = 8.52). The agreement was acceptable between face-to-face assessments and the analyzes performed on video. All instruments showed a statistically significant correlation with 2MST, except the PCTS. A correlation magnitude above 0.50 was found between the 2MST and pain and function domains of the WOMAC, and a correlation magnitude between 0.30 and 0.50 with the joint stiffness domain of the WOMAC, NRPS and PSEQ.

Conclusion

2MST proved to be valid for assessing functional capacity in patients with knee OA, with excellent reliability.

Reliability and Accuracy of 2-Minute Step Test in Active and Sedentary Lean Adults

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intrarater and interrater reliability of the 2-minute step test (2MST) in active and sedentary lean adults and to identify the test cutoff point to differentiate active from sedentary individuals.

METHODS

This observational study involved 4 mixed-sex groups (each with 50 lean participants): group 1, sedentary and aged 18 to 24 years; group 2, active and aged 18 to 24 years; group 3, sedentary and aged 25 to 44 years; and group 4, active and aged 25 to 44 years. The 2MST was administered independently by 2 examiners (with 3 months' training) at 2 different times, with a 7-day interval. Habitual physical activity was evaluated by means of the Baecke Questionnaire (BQ). In statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to verify the correlation between the 2MST and BQ; intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_2,3) were used to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the 2MST; and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the accuracy of the 2MST.

RESULTS

Excellent intrarater and interrater reliability were found for all 4 groups (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.83). Correlating the 2MST score with the BQ score, a significant, positive, weak correlation was observed (r = 0.344, P < .001). For differentiating active from sedentary individuals, the 2MST showed low accuracy (area under the curve = 0.671), with 61% sensitivity and 67% specificity.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the 2MST is a reliable test with a low amount of inherent error. There was a significant correlation between the 2MST and usual physical activity measured, and slight accuracy in differentiating active from sedentary individuals.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Versus Exercise Program in Runners With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

The effects of an exercise program (EP) for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) are well known. However, the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of OMT versus EP on knee pain, functionality, plantar pressure in middle foot (PPMF), posterior thigh flexibility (PTF), and range of motion of hip extension in runners with PFPS.

DESIGN

This is a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Human performance laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 82 runners with PFPS participated in this study.

INTERVENTIONS

The participants were randomized into 3 groups: OMT, EP, and control group. The OMT group received joint manipulation and myofascial release in the lumbar spine, hip, sacroiliac joint, knee, and ankle regions. The EP group performed specific exercises for lower limbs. The control group received no intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main evaluations were pain through the visual analog scale, functionality through the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, dynamic knee valgus through the step-down test, PPMF through static baropodometry, PTF through the sit and reach test, and range of motion through fleximetry. The evaluations were performed before the interventions, after the 6 interventions, and at 30-day follow-up.

RESULTS

There was a significant pain decrease in the OMT and EP groups when compared with the control group. OMT group showed increased functionality, decreased PPMF, and increased PTF. The range of motion for hip extension increased only in the EP group.

CONCLUSION

Both OMT and EP are effective in treating runners with PFPS.

Seated Single-Arm Shot-Put Test to Measure the Functional Performance of the Upper Limbs in Exercise Practitioners With Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Reliability Study

OBJECTIVE

To measure the intra- and interrater reliability of the seated single-arm shot-put test (SSPT) in the functional performance of the upper limbs of regular physical exercise practitioners with shoulder pain.

METHODS

This is a reliability study. Thirty individuals regularly practicing any sports modality that uses the upper limb effectively for at least 6 months, both sexes, ages between 18 and 30 years, with chronic shoulder pain were included. Chronic shoulder pain was measured by means of the shoulder pain and disability index, numerical rating scale, and catastrophic thoughts about pain scale. Functional performance of the upper limbs was measured by means of SSPT.

RESULTS

Excellent intrarater reliability was found, with intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.93, standard error of the measurement values ≤4.63%, and minimum detectable change values for absolute and normalized score of 45.11 cm and 9.97, respectively. Excellent interrater reliability was found, with intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.96, standard error of the measurement values ≤3.55%, and minimum detectable change values for absolute and normalized score of 32.29 cm and 7.70, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SSPT is a reliable tool for measuring the functional performance of the upper limbs in regular exercise practitioners with chronic shoulder pain.

Correlation Between Habitual Physical Activity and Central Sensitization, Pain Intensity, Kinesiophobia, Catastrophizing, and the Severity of Myogenous Temporomandibular Disorder

OBJECTIVE

We sought to correlate habitual physical activity with central sensitization, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, and the severity of chronic myogenous temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

METHODS

This was an observational study. Fifty-five individuals, male and female, aged 18 to 45 years, with pain for at least 3 months (chronic) related to myogenous TMD were included in the study. Myogenous TMD was evaluated by means of the Numerical Rating Scale, Catastrophic Thoughts on Pain Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Fonseca Anamnestic Index, Central Sensitization Inventory, and habitual physical activity by means of the Baecke Questionnaire (BQ). The Spearman correlation coefficient (r s) was applied to verify the association of the BQ score with the pain variables.

RESULTS

No significant correlations (P > .05) were observed in the total or mean BQ scores (both r s = -0.17 to -0.04), nor in the analyses performed on the occupational (r s = -0.03 to 0.14), sport (r s = -0.16 to 0.01), and leisure domains (r s = -0.16 to -0.02).

CONCLUSION

Habitual physical activity as measured by the BQ is not associated with pain intensity, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, central sensitization, or the severity of chronic myogenous TMD.

Reliability, validity, and minimal detectable change of Side Hop Test in male children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To determine the reliability, measurement error, and construct validity of the Side Hop Test in male children and adolescents.

DESIGN

Intra-and inter-rater reliability and construct validity study.

SETTINGS

Soccer club.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-six asymptomatic boys, 10-16 years old.

MAIN OUTCOME

The intra and inter-rater reliability of the Side Hop Test were analyzed by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Minimum Detectable Change (MDC). The construct validity of the Side Hop Test in reference to the Single Hop Test, the Standing Long Jump Test, the Shuttle Run, and isometric muscle strength was analyzed.

RESULTS

The intra-rater ICC of the Side Hop Test ranged from 0.63 to 0.67, SEM ranged from 1.2 to 2.5 s, and MDC ranged from 2.8 to 5.7 s. The inter-rater ICC ranged from 0.83 to 0.91, SEM ranged from 0.6 to 0.8 s, and MDC ranged from 1.4 to 1.9 s. The Side Hop Test was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the Single Hop Test (r = -0.49) and the Standing Long Jump (r = -0.47).

CONCLUSION

The results support the use of the Side Hop Test to evaluate children and adolescents. The measurements showed good intra-rater and very good inter-rater reliability.