Comparison of Distance and Angular Analysis for Measurement of Hamstring Flexibility in Preschoolers

The study aimed to (1) investigate the reliability and usefulness of a proposed angular analysis during a modified sit-and-reach (MSR) test, and (2) compare the proposed MSR angular analysis and the commonly used MSR distance to verify the influence of the anthropometric characteristics in preschoolers. 194 preschoolers participated in the study. Before testing, the anthropometric characteristics were collected. Each participant performed the MSR test twice. The MSR distance score was obtained from the starting point to the reaching point, while the MSR angle score was calculated according to the approximate hip flexion angle. Both the relative and absolute reliability were good for the angular analysis during an MSR test in preschoolers (ICC ranging from 0.82 to 0.91, CV% ranging from 8.21 to 9.40). The angular analysis demonstrated good usefulness, with a lower typical error than the smallest worthwhile change in 3- and 5-year-old groups. The MSR angle scores could eliminate the concern of the influence of anthropometric characteristics, while MSR distance and anthropometric characteristics (i.e., sitting height and arm length) were found to be weakly correlated. In conclusion, the angular analysis when performing the MSR test is reliable and appears to eliminate the concern regarding the limb length bias.

5 Sulfur Fluoride Exchange (SuFEx)

Sulfur Fluoride Exchange (SuFEx) click chemistry is a new generation technology for creating stable molecular connections with absolute reliability under metal-free conditions. SuFEx builds upon the fundamental principles of click chemistry by exploiting a unique blend of stability and latent reactivity of high oxidation state sulfur fluoride [e.g., S(VI)] functionalities to forge stable covalent linkages at connective SuFEx hubs. In this review, we focus mainly on the SuFEx hubs, sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2), thionyl tetrafluoride (SOF4), ethenesulfonyl fluoride (ESF), 1-bromoethene-1-sulfonyl fluoride (BESF) and, 2-substituted alkyne-1-sulfonyl fluorides (SASFs). We describe each connector’s unique reactivity and their application to SuFEx click chemistry.

Test–Retest Reliability of Physiological Variables During Submaximal Seated Upper-Body Poling in Able-Bodied Participants

Purpose: To investigate the test–retest reliability of physiological variables across four different test days and four different submaximal exercise intensities during seated upper-body poling (UBP).Methods: Thirteen abled-bodied, upper-body trained men (age 29±3years; body mass 84±12kg; height 183±5cm) performed four submaximal 4-min stages of seated UBP on four separate test days. The four submaximal stages were set at individual power outputs corresponding to a rating of perceived exertion of 9, 11, 13, and 15. The absolute reliability for pairwise test-day comparisons of the physiological variables was investigated with the smallest detectable change percentage (%SDC) and the relative reliability with the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).Results: Absolute and relative reliability across test-day comparisons and submaximal stages were moderate to excellent for all variables investigated (V̇O2 – %SDC range: 5–13%, ICC range: 0.93–0.99; HR – %SDC range: 6–9%, ICC range: 0.91–0.97) other than blood lactate, for which absolute reliability was poor and relative reliability highly variable (%SDC range: 26–69%, ICC range: 0.44–0.92). Furthermore, absolute and relative reliability were consistent across the low-to-moderate exercise intensity spectrum and across test days.Conclusion: Absolute and relative test–retest reliability were acceptable for all investigated physiological variables but blood lactate. The consistent test–retest reliability across the exercise intensity spectrum and across test days indicates that a familiarization period to the specific exercise modality may not be necessary. For generalizability, these findings need to be confirmed in athletes with a disability by future large-scale studies.

Validity and Absolute Reliability of Axial Vertebral Rotation Measurements in Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae

Axial vertebral rotation (AVR) and Cobb angles are the essential parameters to analyse different types of scoliosis, including adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The literature shows significant discrepancies in the validity and reliability of AVR measurements taken in radiographic examinations, according to the type of vertebra. This study’s scope evaluated the validity and absolute reliability of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae AVR measurements, using a validated software based on Raimondi’s method in digital X-rays that allowed measurement with minor error when compared with other traditional, manual methods. Twelve independent evaluators measured AVR on the 74 most rotated vertebrae in 42 X-rays with the software on three separate occasions, with one-month intervals. We have obtained a gold standard for the AVR of vertebrae. The validity and reliability of the measurements of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were studied separately. Measurements that were performed on lumbar vertebrae were shown to be 3.6 times more valid than those performed on thoracic, and with almost an equal reliability (1.38° ± 1.88° compared to −0.38° ± 1.83°). We can conclude that AVR measurements of the thoracic vertebrae show a more significant Mean Bias Error and a very similar reliability than those of the lumbar vertebrae.

Is 7-days home BP measurement comparable to 24-hours Ambulatory BP Measurement?

High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is a significant risk factor for the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Home blood pressure measurements (HBPM) have been recommended for hypertension diagnosis, treatment initiation and medication titration, but guidelines for the number of measurements and duration are inconsistent. This study compared the accuracy of 3 home BP measurements per day for seven days with 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements. We examined 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements (ABPM) and HBPM during-morning, afternoon, and evening each day for seven days in healthy community living volunteers. Standardized Bland-Altman scatterplots and limits of agreement (LOA) were used to assess absolute reliability and the variability of measurement biases. We used nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-tests to compare the mean (SD) of the devices. Correlations between HBPM and 24-hour ABPM measurements were statistically significant at p<0.05. The high correlation coefficient (r=0.75) was observed between the systolic BP retrieved from two devices compared to moderate correlation (r=0.46) among diastolic BP. A significant difference was found for systolic BP (P<0.05) between the HBPM and ABPM but was non-significant for diastolic BP (P>0.05). In Bland-Altman plots, the LOA between HBPM and ABPM was 0.07-26.23 mmHg for SBP and 11.24 -16.20 mmHg for DBP. The overall mean difference (bias) in SBP and DBP was 13.08 and 2.48, respectively. Our results suggest that HBPM three times per day for seven days can potentially be used where ABPM is unavailable. Further studies in a diverse group of people with hypertension are needed.

Absolute Reliability and Concurrent Validity of Hand-Held Dynamometry in Shoulder Rotator Strength Assessment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this study is to establish the absolute reliability between hand-held dynamometers (HHDs) and concurrent validity between HHDs and isokinetic dynamometers (IDs) in shoulder rotator strength assessment. The Medline, CINAHL, and Central databases were searched for relevant studies up to July 2020. Absolute reliability was determined by test–retest studies presenting standard error of measurement (SEM%) and/or minimal detectable change (MDC%) expressed as percentage of the mean. Studies considering intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between IDs and HHDs were considered for concurrent validity. The risk of bias and the methodological quality were evaluated according to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Shoulder internal rotator strength assessment MDC% was 0.78%, 95% confidence interval (CI) −5.21 to 3.66, while shoulder external rotators MDC% was 3.29%, CI −2.69 to 9.27. ICC between devices was 0.94, CI (0.91 to 0.96) for shoulder internal rotators and 0.92, IC (0.88 to 0.97) for shoulder external rotators. Very high correlation was found for shoulder rotator torque assessment between HHDs and IDs. The COSMIN checklist classified the selected studies as adequate and inadequate.

Spatio-temporal gait parameters obtained from foot-worn inertial sensors are reliable in healthy adults in single- and dual-task conditions

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are increasingly popular and may be usable in clinical routine to assess gait. However, assessing their intra-session reliability is crucial and has not been tested with foot-worn sensors in healthy participants. The aim of this study was to assess the intra-session reliability of foot-worn IMUs for measuring gait parameters in healthy adults. Twenty healthy participants were enrolled in the study and performed the 10-m walk test in single- and dual-task ('carrying a full cup of water') conditions, three trials per condition. IMUs were used to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters, gait symmetry parameters (symmetry index (SI) and symmetry ratio (SR)), and dual task effects parameters. The relative and the absolute reliability were calculated for each gait parameter. Results showed that spatiotemporal gait parameters measured with foot-worn inertial sensors were reliable; symmetry gait parameters relative reliability was low, and SR showed better absolute reliability than SI; dual task effects were poorly reliable, and taking the mean of the second and the third trials was the most reliable. Foot-worn IMUs are reliable to assess spatiotemporal and symmetry ratio gait parameters but symmetry index and DTE gait parameters reliabilities were low and need to be interpreted with cautious by clinicians and researchers.

Reliability of scapular upward rotation and anterior-posterior tilt measurements using a modified digital inclinometer in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome

BACKGROUD: Reliable scapular upward rotation and anterior-posterior tilt data are required for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Only a few studies have explored the reliability of such measurements derived using a modified inclinometer. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relative and absolute reliability of scapular upward rotation and anterior-posterior tilt measurements derived using a modified digital inclinometer in patients with SIS. METHOD: Seventeen SIS patients were assessed twice within 1 week. We determined the relative and absolute measurement reliability by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Both intra- and interrater reliability were determined. RESULTS: The intra-rater reliability (both measurements) was high (0.72–0.88), and the interrater ICC was high to excellent (0.72–0.98). Clinically acceptable SEM and MCID values were obtained for scapular upward rotation (SEM: 4.28–9.33∘, MCID: 5.1–11.3∘) and anterior-posterior tilt (SEM: 3.72–7.55∘, MCID: 2.5–10.8∘). CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of scapular upward rotation and anterior-posterior tilt using a modified digital inclinometer reliably reveal scapular position and kinematics in patients with SIS.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability of rectus femoris muscle thickness measured using ultrasonography in healthy individuals

Background Ultrasonography (US) is a feasible and accessible method for the measurement of skeletal muscle mass. This technique presents acceptable intra-rater reliability; however, there are a few reports on its inter-rater reliability. Additionally, relative reliability should equally be inspected to determine the presence of systematic errors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities and absolute reliability of rectus femoris muscle thickness as measured using US. Methods The participants included in our study comprised 12 healthy young men (26.5 ± 3.9 years. Rectus femoris muscle thickness was measured from the right side of the thigh using US by two trained physical therapists. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (1, 1) and ICC (2, 1) methods, respectively. Absolute reliability was evaluated using Bland − Altman analysis. Additionally, we calculated the minimal detectable change at the 95% level of confidence (MDC95). Result According to the results of the Bland − Altman analysis, no fixed or proportional errors were present. The ICC (1, 1) was 0.95, and the ICC (2, 1) was 0.70. The MDC95 values of rectus femoris thickness for the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were 2.0 mm and 4.3 mm, respectively. Conclusions In our study, intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were measured at “excellent” and “moderate” levels in the healthy individuals based on a previously defined scale. Moreover, we determined the measurement error for quantifying rectus femoris thickness. Therefore, the measurement of rectus femoris thickness using US could be considered applicable in clinical research.

Reliability of Sprint Force-Velocity-Power Profiles Obtained with KiSprint System

This study aimed to assess the within- and between-session reliability of the KiSprint system for determining force-velocity-power (FVP) profiling during sprint running. Thirty (23 males, 7 females; 18.7 ± 2.6 years;) young high-level sprinters performed maximal effort sprints in two sessions separated by one week. Split times (5, 10, 20 and 30 m), which were recorded with a laser distance meter (a component of the KiSprint system), were used to determine the horizontal FVP profile using the Samozino’s field-based method. This method assesses the FVP relationships through estimates of the step-averaged ground reaction forces in sagittal plane during sprint acceleration using only anthropometric and spatiotemporal (split times) data. We also calculated the maximal theoretical power, force and velocity capabilities and the slope of the FV relationship, the maximal ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (RF), and the decrease in the RF (DRF). Overall, the results showed moderate or good to excellent within- and between-session reliability for all variables (ICC > 0.75; CV < 10 %), with the exception of FV slope and DRF that showed low relative reliability (ICC = 0.47-0.48 within session, 0.31-0.33 between-session) and unacceptable between-session absolute reliability values (CV = 10.9-11.1 %). Future studies are needed to optimize the protocol in order to maximize the reliability of the FVP variables, especially when practitioners are interested in the FV slope and DRF. In summary, our results question the utility of the sprint-based FVP profiling for individualized training prescription, since the reliability of the FV slope and D RF variables is highly questionable.