scholarly journals Ultrasound estimates of muscle quality in older adults: reliability and comparison of Photoshop and ImageJ for the grayscale analysis of muscle echogenicity

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael O. Harris-Love ◽  
Bryant A. Seamon ◽  
Carla Teixeira ◽  
Catheeja Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Image Analysis ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Histogram Analysis ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Selection Methods ◽  
Mean Differences

Background.Quantitative diagnostic ultrasound imaging has been proposed as a method of estimating muscle quality using measures of echogenicity. The Rectangular Marquee Tool (RMT) and the Free Hand Tool (FHT) are two types of editing features used in Photoshop and ImageJ for determining a region of interest (ROI) within an ultrasound image. The primary objective of this study is to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of Photoshop and ImageJ for the estimate of muscle tissue echogenicity in older adults via grayscale histogram analysis. The secondary objective is to compare the mean grayscale values obtained using both the RMT and FHT methods across both image analysis platforms.Methods.This cross-sectional observational study features 18 community-dwelling men (age = 61.5 ± 2.32 years). Longitudinal views of the rectus femoris were captured using B-mode ultrasound. The ROI for each scan was selected by 2 examiners using the RMT and FHT methods from each software program. Their reliability is assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the standard error of the measurement (SEM). Measurement agreement for these values is depicted using Bland-Altman plots. A pairedt-test is used to determine mean differences in echogenicity expressed as grayscale values using the RMT and FHT methods to select the post-image acquisition ROI. The degree of association among ROI selection methods and image analysis platforms is analyzed using the coefficient of determination (R2).Results.The raters demonstrated excellent intrarater and interrater reliability using the RMT and FHT methods across both platforms (lower bound 95% CI ICC = .97–.99,p< .001). Mean differences between the echogenicity estimates obtained with the RMT and FHT methods was .87 grayscale levels (95% CI [.54–1.21],p< .0001) using data obtained with both programs. The SEM for Photoshop was .97 and 1.05 grayscale levels when using the RMT and FHT ROI selection methods, respectively. Comparatively, the SEM values were .72 and .81 grayscale levels, respectively, when using the RMT and FHT ROI selection methods in ImageJ. Uniform coefficients of determination (R2= .96–.99,p< .001) indicate strong positive associations among the grayscale histogram analysis measurement conditions independent of the ROI selection methods and imaging platform.Conclusion.Our method for evaluating muscle echogenicity demonstrated a high degree of intrarater and interrater reliability using both the RMT and FHT methods across 2 common image analysis platforms. The minimal measurement error exhibited by the examiners demonstrates that the ROI selection methods used with Photoshop and ImageJ are suitable for the post-acquisition image analysis of tissue echogenicity in older adults.

scholarly journals Day-to-Day Variability and Year-to-Year Reproducibility of Accelerometer-Measured Free-Living Sit-to-Stand Transitions Volume and Intensity among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6068
Author(s):  
Antti Löppönen ◽  
Laura Karavirta ◽  
Erja Portegijs ◽  
Kaisa Koivunen ◽  
Taina Rantanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Angular Velocity ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the day-to-day variability and year-to-year reproducibility of an accelerometer-based algorithm for sit-to-stand (STS) transitions in a free-living environment among community-dwelling older adults. (2) Methods: Free-living thigh-worn accelerometry was recorded for three to seven days in 86 (women n = 55) community-dwelling older adults, on two occasions separated by one year, to evaluate the long-term consistency of free-living behavior. (3) Results: Year-to-year intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the number of STS transitions were 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.86, p < 0.001), for mean angular velocity—0.81 (95% ci, 0.72–0.87, p < 0.001), and maximal angular velocity—0.73 (95% ci, 0.61–0.82, p < 0.001), respectively. Day-to-day ICCs were 0.63–0.72 for number of STS transitions (95% ci, 0.49–0.81, p < 0.001) and for mean angular velocity—0.75–0.80 (95% ci, 0.64–0.87, p < 0.001). Minimum detectable change (MDC) was 20.1 transitions/day for volume, 9.7°/s for mean intensity, and 31.7°/s for maximal intensity. (4) Conclusions: The volume and intensity of STS transitions monitored by a thigh-worn accelerometer and a sit-to-stand transitions algorithm are reproducible from day to day and year to year. The accelerometer can be used to reliably study STS transitions in free-living environments, which could add value to identifying individuals at increased risk for functional disability.

scholarly journals Intra- and Interrater Reliability of Infrared Image Analysis of Facial Acupoints in Individuals with Facial Paralysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xulong Liu ◽  
Jinghui Feng ◽  
Jingmin Luan ◽  
Chenxi Dong ◽  
Hefei Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Temperature Measurement ◽  
Facial Paralysis ◽  
Temperature Difference ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Infrared Image ◽  
Infrared Thermal Imaging ◽  
Difference Measurement

Infrared thermography (IRT), as a noncontact tool for temperature measurement, is widely applied in the study of acupuncture modernization. The aim of this study was to assess the intra- and interrater reliability of infrared image analysis of facial acupoints of subjects with facial paralysis and determine the factors influencing the variability of the measured values. A total of 26 patients with facial paralysis on one side, aged 26 to 53 years, participated voluntarily in the study. Facial infrared thermal images of all participants were analyzed by two trained raters at two different time points at a one-week interval. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the intra- and interrater reliability of IRT measurements. The ICC values varied depending on the analyzed acupoints. The reliability of temperature measurement ranged from moderate to excellent (intrarater, ICC ranged from 0.669 to 0.990; interrater, ICC ranged from 0.661 to 0.987). The reliability of temperature difference measurement ranged from low to excellent (intrarater, ICC ranged from 0.412 to 0.882; interrater, ICC ranged from 0.334 to 0.828). The main influencing factor of reliability is the incomplete consistency in selecting acupoint positions when repeatedly positioning the same acupoint manually. Despite low reliability of temperature difference measurement at some acupoints, some auxiliary measures can be used to reduce the error of manual positioning. Thus, infrared thermal imaging still has the potential to assist in objective and quantitative research on acupuncture.

scholarly journals Exercise-Based Interventions to Enhance Long-Term Sustainability of Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sansano-Nadal ◽  
Giné-Garriga ◽  
Brach ◽  
Wert ◽  
Jerez-Roig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Mean Differences

Exercise is a form of physical activity (PA). PA is an important marker of health and quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess the effect of exercise-based interventions on an at least six-month follow up PA measure, and to describe the specific strategies implemented during the intervention to strengthen the sustainability of PA in community-dwelling 65+ year-old adults. We registered and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42017070892) of randomized clinical trials (RCT). We searched three electronic databases during January 2018 to identify RCT assessing any type of exercise-based intervention. Studies had to report a pre-, post-, and at least 6-month post-intervention follow-up. To be included, at least one PA outcome had to be assessed. The effect of exercise-based interventions was assessed compared to active (e.g., a low-intensity type of exercise, such as stretching or toning activities) and non-active (e.g., usual care) control interventions at several time points. Secondary analyses were conducted, restricted to studies that reported specific strategies to enhance the sustainability of PA. The intervention effect was measured on self-reported and objective measures of time spent in PA, by means of standardized mean differences. Standardized mean differences of PA level were pooled. Pooled estimates of effect were computed with the DerSimonian–Laird method, applying a random effects model. The risk of bias was also assessed. We included 12 studies, comparing 18 exercise intervention groups to four active and nine non-active control groups. Nine studies reported specific strategies to enhance the long-term sustainability of PA. The strategies were mostly related to the self-efficacy, self-control, and behavior capability principles based on the social cognitive theory. Exercise interventions compared to active control showed inconclusive and heterogeneous results. When compared to non-active control, exercise interventions improved PA time at the six-months follow up (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.30; 95%CI 0.15 to 0.44; four studies; 724 participants; I2 0%), but not at the one- or two-years follow-ups. No data were available on the mid- and long-term effect of adding strategies to enhance the sustainability of PA. Exercise interventions have small clinical benefits on PA levels in community-dwelling older adults, with a decline in the observed improvement after six months of the intervention cessation.

scholarly journals Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Infrared Image Analysis of Forearm Acupoints before and after Moxibustion

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jiali Lou ◽  
Yongliang Jiang ◽  
Hantong Hu ◽  
Xiaoyu Li ◽  
Yajun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Temperature Change ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Infrared Image ◽  
Infrared Images ◽  
Intrarater Reliability ◽  
Before And After

The objective of this study was to determine the intrarater and interrater reliabilities of infrared image analysis of forearm acupoints before and after moxibustion. In this work, infrared images of acupoints in the forearm of 20 volunteers (M/F, 10/10) were collected prior to and after moxibustion by infrared thermography (IRT). Two trained raters performed the analysis of infrared images in two different periods at a one-week interval. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to determine the intrarater and interrater reliabilities. With regard to the intrarater reliability, ICC values were between 0.758 and 0.994 (substantial to excellent). For the interrater reliability, ICC values ranged from 0.707 to 0.964 (moderate to excellent). Given that the intrarater and interrater reliability levels show excellent concordance, IRT could be a reliable tool to monitor the temperature change of forearm acupoints induced by moxibustion.

Safety, Feasibility, and Reliability of the Maximal Step Length, Gait Speed, and Chair Test Measured by Seniors Themselves: The Senior Step Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim T.J. Bongers ◽  
Yvonne Schoon ◽  
Maartje J. Graauwmans ◽  
Marlies E. Hoogsteen-Ossewaarde ◽  
Marcel G.M. Olde Rikkert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Training Effect ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
At Home

Self-management of mobility and fall risk might be possible if older adults could use a simple and safe self-test to measure their own mobility, balance, and fall risk at home. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and intraindividual reliability of the maximal step length (MSL), gait speed (GS), and chair test (CT) as potential self-tests for assessing mobility and fall risk. Fifty-six community-dwelling older adults performed MSL, GS, and CT at home once a week during a four-week period, wherein the feasibility, test-retest reliability, coefficients of variation, and linear mixed models with random effects of these three self-tests were determined. Forty-nine subjects (mean age 76.1 years [SD: 4.0], 19 females [42%]) completed the study without adverse effects. Compared with the other self-tests, MSL gave the most often (77.6%) valid measurement results and had the best intraclass correlation coefficients (0.95 [95% confidence interval: 0.91−0.97]). MSL and GS gave no significant training effect, whereas CT did show a significant training effect (p < .01). Community-dwelling older adults can perform MSL safely, correctly, and reliably, and GS safely and reliably. Further research is needed to study the responsiveness and beneficial effects of these self-tests on self-management of mobility and fall risk.

scholarly journals The Modified Gait Efficacy Scale: Establishing the Psychometric Properties in Older Adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 318-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaina M. Newell ◽  
Jessie M. VanSwearingen ◽  
Elizabeth Hile ◽  
Jennifer S. Brach
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BackgroundPerceived ability or confidence plays an important role in determining function and behavior. The modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) is a 10-item self-report measure used to assess walking confidence under challenging everyday circumstances.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the reliability, internal consistency, and validity of the mGES as a measure of gait in older adults.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study.MethodsParticipants were 102 community-dwelling older adults (mean [±SD] age=78.6±6.1 years) who were independent in ambulation with or without an assistive device. Participants were assessed using the mGES and measures of confidence and fear, measures of function and disability, and performance-based measures of mobility. In a subsample (n=26), the mGES was administered twice within a 1-month period to establish test-retest reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [2,1]). The standard error of measure (SEM) was determined from the ICC and standard deviation. The Cronbach α value was calculated to determine internal consistency. To establish the validity of the mGES, the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was used to examine the association with measures of confidence, fear, gait, and physical function and disability.ResultsThe mGES demonstrated test-retest reliability within the 1-month period (ICC=.93, 95% confidence interval=.85, .97). The SEM of the mGES was 5.23. The mGES was internally consistent across the 10 items (Cronbach α=.94). The mGES was related to measures of confidence and fear (r=.54–.88), function and disability (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument, r=.32–.88), and performance-based mobility (r=.38–.64).LimitationsThis study examined only community-dwelling older adults. The results, therefore, should not be generalized to other patient populations.ConclusionThe mGES is a reliable and valid measure of confidence in walking among community-dwelling older adults.

scholarly journals Robot for health data acquisition among older adults: a pilot randomised controlled cross-over trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 793-799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roel Boumans ◽  
Fokke van Meulen ◽  
Koen Hindriks ◽  
Mark Neerincx ◽  
Marcel G M Olde Rikkert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background /ObjectivesHealthcare professionals (HCP) are confronted with an increased demand for assessments of important health status measures, such as patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM), and the time this requires. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of using an HCP robot assistant, and to test the hypothesis that a robot can autonomously acquire PROM data from older adults.DesignA pilot randomised controlled cross-over study where a social robot and a nurse administered three PROM questionnaires with a total of 52 questions.SettingA clinical outpatient setting with community-dwelling older adults.ParticipantsForty-two community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 77.1 years, SD: 5.7 years, 45% female).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the task time required for robot–patient and nurse–patient interactions. Secondary outcomes were the similarity of the data and the percentage of robot interactions completed autonomously. The questionnaires resulted in two values (robot and nurse) for three indexes of frailty, well-being and resilience. The data similarity was determined by comparing these index values using Bland-Altman plots, Cohen’s kappa (κ) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Acceptability was assessed using questionnaires.ResultsThe mean robot interview duration was 16.57 min (SD=1.53 min), which was not significantly longer than the nurse interviews (14.92 min, SD=8.47 min; p=0.19). The three Bland-Altman plots showed moderate to substantial agreement between the frailty, well-being and resilience scores (κ=0.61, 0.50 and 0.45, and ICC=0.79, 0.86 and 0.66, respectively). The robot autonomously completed 39 of 42 interviews (92.8%).ConclusionSocial robots may effectively and acceptably assist HCPs by interviewing older adults.

scholarly journals Reliability and Validity of the Activity Diversity Questionnaire for Older Adults in Japan

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2384
Author(s):  
Junta Takahashi ◽  
Hisashi Kawai ◽  
Hiroyuki Suzuki ◽  
Yoshinori Fujiwara ◽  
Yutaka Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Tokyo Metropolitan ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Tokyo Metropolitan Institute

Recent research has suggested that the breadth and evenness of activity and activity diversity contribute to health outcomes among older adults. However, few established assessment tools for activity diversity have been developed. This study developed an Activity Diversity Questionnaire (ADQ) for older adults through expert consultation and a preliminary survey among 18 community-dwelling older adults. The diversity score was calculated according to Shannon’s entropy. In study 1, the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of the diversity scores were determined for community-dwelling older adults (n = 30). In study 2, concurrent validity was tested with participants receiving comprehensive health checkups at the Itabashi ward in Japan in 2018 (n = 766). The correlation coefficients of the diversity scores were then calculated in reference to the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence and Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence. The final version of the ADQ consisted of 20 total items with excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.84) and moderate correlations with both the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence and Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (r = 0.48 and 0.60, respectively). The ADQ was developed through scientific procedures and revealed sufficient reliability and validity. As such, it is a scientifically validated tool for assessing activity diversity among older adults.

scholarly journals Interrater Reliability of AM-PAC “6-Clicks” Basic Mobility and Daily Activity Short Forms

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 758-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane U. Jette ◽  
Mary Stilphen ◽  
Vinoth K. Ranganathan ◽  
Sandra Passek ◽  
Frederick S. Frost ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Daily Activity ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Weighted Kappa ◽  
Item Scores ◽  
Mean Differences

BackgroundThe interrater reliability of 2 new inpatient functional short-form measures, Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) “6-Clicks” basic mobility and daily activity scores, has yet to be established.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the interrater reliability of AM-PAC “6-Clicks” measures.DesignA prospective observational study was conducted.MethodsFour pairs of physical therapists rated basic mobility and 4 pairs of occupational therapists rated daily activity of patients in 1 of 4 hospital services. One therapist in a pair was the primary therapist directing the assessment while the other therapist observed. Each therapist was unaware of the other's AM-PAC “6-Clicks” scores. Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland-Altman plots, and weighted kappa.ResultsThe ICCs for the overall reliability of basic mobility and daily activity were .849 (95% confidence interval [CI]=.784, .895) and .783 (95% CI=.696, .847), respectively. The ICCs for the reliability of each pair of raters ranged from .581 (95% CI=.260, .789) to .960 (95% CI=.897, .983) for basic mobility and .316 (95% CI=−.061, .611) to .907 (95% CI=.801, .958) for daily activity. The weighted kappa values for item agreement ranged from .492 (95% CI=.382, .601) to .712 (95% CI=.607, .816) for basic mobility and .251 (95% CI=.057, .445) to .751 (95% CI=.653, .848) for daily activity. Mean differences between raters' scores were near zero.LimitationsRaters were from one health system. Each pair of raters assessed different patients in different services.ConclusionsThe ICCs for AM-PAC “6-Clicks” total scores were very high. Levels of agreement varied across pairs of raters, from large to nearly perfect for physical therapists and from moderate to nearly perfect for occupational therapists. Levels of agreement for individual item scores ranged from small to very large.

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