Validity of the MarkWiiR for kinematic analysis during walking and running gaits

Reliability and Convergent Validity of Digital Photography in Assessing Postural Orientation of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Methodological Study

Background: This study aimed to assess the test-retest intra-rater reliability and convergent validity of digital photography (DP) in detecting the postural orientation of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: The study recruited children with various types of CP with the Gross Motor Function Classification System level I or II and spasticity < 2 on the Ashworth Scale, without any visual or cognitive impairments. Children who had undergone any surgical intervention or received a botulinum toxin injection within the previous six months were excluded. A digital camera was fixed at 1.5 meters from the participants at the height of 90 cm. Non-reflective markers were attached to eight anatomical landmarks to localize the upper and lower center of mass on both sides. The same examiner took three digital photos to detect intra-rater reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis were used to assess the convergent validity of the DP method compared with the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) scores. Results: Thirty children (7.44 ± 2.38 years) were assessed to test the reliability of DP, and 55 others (8.06 ± 2.19 years) participated in the convergent validity study. Intra-rater reliability was found to be perfect (ICC > 0.995) and there was a strong significant negative correlation between DP measures and PBS scores (Pearson's correlation > 0.75) with high adjusted R2 (R2 > 0.567), indicating goodness of fit between the measures. Conclusions: Digital photography (DP) is a reliable and valid method for assessing postural orientation in children with various types of CP.

Randomized controlled trial of aquatic exercise for treatment of knee osteoarthritis in elderly people

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of aquatic exercise on pain, gait, and balance among elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

We performed a randomized controlled trial at a university hospital. Overall, 32 men with knee osteoarthritis, aged ≥ 60 years, were included. Pain, balance, and gait were evaluated before and 2 months after interventions. The group control used acetaminophen and followed lifestyle recommendations. The intervention group performed the aquatic exercise three sessions per week for 8 weeks.

Results

At the end of the study, mean pain scores were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.010). Within-group analyses showed that group intervention experienced significant pain relief (p = 0.019), whereas group control did not show the significant change (p = 0.493). There was significant improvement in favor of aquatic exercise with regard to static (p = 0.001) and dynamic (p = 0.001) balance, step length (p = 0.038), stride length (p < 0.001), and cadence (p < 0.001). However, we did not find a significant difference in step time and width between the two groups.

Conclusions

Aquatic exercise would be beneficial in decreasing subjective pain of osteoarthritis. There are some recognizable improvements in patients’ gait and balance as well.

An Optoelectronic System for Measuring the Range of Motion in Healthy Volunteers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Within the clinical evaluation of multiple pathologies of the lower limb, the measurement of range of motion (ROM) of its joints is fundamental. To this end, there are various tools, from the goniometer as a reference to more recent devices such as inclinometry-based applications, photo capture applications, or motion capture systems. This study aimed to assess the validity, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability of the VeloFlex system (VS), which is a new camera-based tool designed for tracking joint trajectories and measuring joint ROM. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five healthy volunteers (16 females; aged 18–61 years) participated in this study. All participants were assessed on two separate occasions, one week apart. During the first assessment session, measurements were obtained using a goniometer and the VS, whereas, in the second session, only the VS was used. In each assessment session, nine active movements were examined. For each movement, three trials were tested, and the mean of these three measures was used for analysis. To evaluate the concurrent validity and agreement, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and Bland-Altmann plots were used. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were evaluated using intra-class correlation (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Results: Both devices showed excellent correlations for all movements (r ranged from 0.992 to 0.999). The intra-rater reliability of the VS was excellent (ICC ranged from 0.93 to 0.99), SEMs ranged from 0.53% to 2.61% and the MDC ranged from 0.68° to 3.26°. The inter-rater reliability of the VS was also excellent (ICC ranged from 0.88 to 0.98), SEMs ranged from 0.81% to 4.76% and the MDC ranged from 2.27° to 4.42°. Conclusions: The VS is a valid and reliable tool for the measurement of ROM of lower limb joints in healthy subjects.

Validity and reliability of the Kinovea program in obtaining angles and distances using coordinates in 4 perspectives

An objective analysis of the human movement can help both clinical assessment and sports performance. Kinovea is a free 2D motion analysis software that can be used to measure kinematic parameters. This low-cost technology has been used in sports sciences, as well as in the clinical and research fields. One interesting tool is that it can measure an object (or person) passing in front of the camera, taking into account the perspective between the camera and the recorded object. Although it has been validated as a tool to assess time-related variables, few studies assessed its validity compared to a Gold Standard; furthermore, its reliability in different perspectives has not been previously assessed. The main objective of this study is to determine the validity of the Kinovea software compared to AutoCAD, and its intra and inter-rater reliability in obtaining coordinates data; a second objective is to compare their results at 4 different perspectives (90°, 75°, 60° and 45°) and to assess the inter and intra rater reliability at each perspective. For this purpose, a wire structure figure in the shape of a human lower limb was designed and measured in AutoCAD; it was then recorded during a pendular motion with a video-camera placed at distance of 5 m and analyzed with Kinovea in the 4 perspectives (90°, 75°, 60° and 45°). Each frame was examined by three observers who made two attempts. A multiple approach was applied involving the analysis of the systematic error, with a two-way ANOVA 2x4; the relative reliability with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and the Coefficient of Variance (CV) (95% confidence interval); and the absolute reliability with the Standard Error (SE). The results indicate that the Kinovea software is a valid and reliable tool that is able to measure accurately at distances up to 5 m from the object and at an angle range of 90°–45°. Nevertheless, for optimum results an angle of 90° is suggested.

Reliability and validity of free software for the analysis of locomotor activity in mice

Background

Kinovea software that tracking semi-automatically the motion in video screen has been used to study motion-related tasks in several studies. However, the validation of this software in open field test to assess locomotor activity have not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of this software in analyzing locomotor activities.

Methods

Thirty male Institute Cancer Research mice were subjected in this study. The results examined by this software and the classical method were compared. Test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability were analyzed with Pearson's correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The validity of this software was analyzed with Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

This software showed good test-retest reliability (ICC=0.997, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.975-0.994, p<0.001). This software also showed good inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.987, 95% CI=0.973-0.994, p<0.001). Furthermore, in three analyses for the validity of this software, there were significant correlations between two methods (Pearson's correlation coefficient=0.928-0.972, p<0.001). In addition, this software showed good reliability and validity in the analysis locomotor activity according to time interval.

Conclusion

This study showed that this software in analyzing drug-induced locomotor activity has good reliability and validity. This software can be effectively used in animal study using the analysis of locomotor activity.

Barefoot running does not affect simple reaction time: an exploratory study

Background

Converging evidence comparing barefoot (BF) and shod (SH) running highlights differences in foot-strike patterns and somatosensory feedback, among others. Anecdotal evidence from SH runners attempting BF running suggests a greater attentional demand may be experienced during BF running. However, little work to date has examined whether there is an attentional cost of BF versus SH running.

Objective

This exploratory study aimed to examine whether an acute bout of BF running would impact simple reaction time (SRT) compared to SH running, in a sample of runners naïve to BF running.

Methods

Eight male distance runners completed SRT testing during 10 min of BF or SH treadmill running at 70% maximal aerobic speed (17.9 ± 1.4 km h⁻¹). To test SRT, participants were required to press a hand-held button in response to the flash of a light bulb placed in the center of their visual field. SRT was tested at 1-minute intervals during running. BF and SH conditions were completed in a pseudo-randomized and counterbalanced crossover fashion. SRT was defined as the time elapsed between the light bulb flash and the button press. SRT errors were also recorded and were defined as the number of trials in which a button press was not recorded in response to the light bulb flash.

Results

Overall, SRT later in the exercise bouts showed a statistically significant increase compared to earlier (p < 0.05). Statistically significant increases in SRT were present at 7 min versus 5 min (0.29 ± 0.02 s vs. 0.27 ± 0.02 s, p < 0.05) and at 9 min versus 2 min (0.29 ± 0.03 s vs. 0.27 ± 0.03 s, p < 0.05). However, BF running did not influence this increase in SRT (p > 0.05) or the number of SRT errors (17.6 ± 6.6 trials vs. 17.0 ± 13.0 trials, p > 0.05).

Discussion

In a sample of distance runners naïve to BF running, there was no statistically significant difference in SRT or SRT errors during acute bouts of BF and SH running. We interpret these results to mean that BF running does not have a greater attentional cost compared to SH running during a SRT task throughout treadmill running. Literature suggests that stride-to-stride gait modulation during running may occur predominately via mechanisms that preclude conscious perception, thus potentially attenuating effects of increased somatosensory feedback experienced during BF running. Future research should explore the present experimental paradigm in a larger sample using over-ground running trials, as well as employing different tests of attention.

Validity and test-retest reliability of the Stride Analyzer in people with knee osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Subjects with knee osteoarthritis walk differently compared to healthy subjects. Managing these gait alterations has been proven effective for reducing pain and increasing function. The Stride Analyzer is a low cost gait analysis tool but its clinimetric properties have not been investigated yet in subjects with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the SA compared with the Gold standard (Vicon) in persons with knee OA.

METHODS

Fifteen subjects with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were instructed to walk at a self-selected speed in a gait laboratory. Temporospatial (TS) gait parameters were recorded simultaneously by the Stride Analyzer and by a 16-camera-infrared optoelectronic motion capturing system (Vicon). Validity and test-retest reliability of the Stride Analyzer were examined by Bland-Altman plots, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM).

RESULTS

Test-retest analyses showed good agreement for all TS parameters with ICC values ranging from 0.805 (single limb support right) to 0.949 (velocity) and SEM% values ranging from 0.78% (stance phase right (% of gait cycle)) to 4.52% (double limb support right (% of gait cycle)). Good agreement between Stride Analyzer and Vicon was found for the following TS parameters: velocity (z=1.01), cadence (z=-0.85), stride length (z=1.63) and gait cycle (z=0.86). All other gait parameters showed lower ICC values (<0.689).

INTERPRETATION

Our results suggest that the Stride Analyzer can be used in the clinical field to perform gait analysis in subjects with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Reliability and criterion-related validity of a new repeated agility test

The study aimed to assess the reliability and the criterion-related validity of a new repeated sprint T-test (RSTT) that includes intense multidirectional intermittent efforts. The RSTT consisted of 7 maximal repeated executions of the agility T-test with 25 s of passive recovery rest in between. Forty-five team sports players performed two RSTTs separated by 3 days to assess the reliability of best time (BT) and total time (TT) of the RSTT. The intra-class correlation coefficient analysis revealed a high relative reliability between test and retest for BT and TT (>0.90). The standard error of measurement (<0.50) showed that the RSTT has a good absolute reliability. The minimal detectable change values for BT and TT related to the RSTT were 0.09 s and 0.58 s, respectively. To check the criterion-related validity of the RSTT, players performed a repeated linear sprint (RLS) and a repeated sprint with changes of direction (RSCD). Significant correlations between the BT and TT of the RLS, RSCD and RSTT were observed (p<0.001). The RSTT is, therefore, a reliable and valid measure of the intermittent repeated sprint agility performance. As this ability is required in all team sports, it is suggested that team sports coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists consider this test in their training follow-up.

Validation of a Clinical Test of Thoracolumbar Dissociation in Chronic Low Back Pain

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical test validation.

OBJECTIVES

Preliminary study of concurrent and discriminant validity of a clinical test of thoracolumbar dissociation.

BACKGROUND

Control deficits of back muscles and trunk movement are common in chronic/recurrent low back pain (LBP). A reliable clinical test to rate an individual's ability to dissociate lumbopelvic movement from the thoracolumbar region has been described. This test rates the performance quality of 5 key aspects against criterion standards.

METHODS

Concurrent validity was examined by comparison of clinical test scores (overall score and each individual criterion) against spine kinematics. Discriminant validity was evaluated by comparison of scores between pain-free controls and participants with LBP. A receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to determine the optimal cutoff or score to differentiate between good and poor performers.

RESULTS

Concurrent validity was supported by the significant correlation between the total score and motion of the T5 vertebra relative to the S1 vertebra (P<.05). Scores for some (4 correlations of 14 measures) but not all individual criteria were correlated with the kinematic features that each criterion was expected to reflect. Discriminant validity was supported by higher test scores for pain-free controls than for participants with LBP after 2 minutes of training (P = .045). Scores of less than 5.5 were more prevalent in the LBP group (pretraining LBP versus control, 72% versus 35%; P = .008; posttraining LBP versus control, 48% versus 16%; P = .018).

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study of concurrent and discriminant validity of the test provides a foundation to further investigate its utility to characterize thoracolumbar movement patterns in individuals with LBP.