The intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of lower extremity muscle strength assessment of healthy adults using a hand held dynamometer

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of lower extremity muscle strength assessment of healthy adults using hand held dynamometer. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 55 students (19 males and 36 females) in Y University in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea participated in this study. Lower extremity muscle strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer (Commander Muscle Tester, JTech, USA). Flexion and extension strengths of the hip joint, the knee joint, and the ankle joint were measured. [Results] The intra-rater reliabilities were excellent (above 0.9) for the flexion and extension strengths of the ankle, knee, and hip joints. The inter-rater reliabilities were also excellent (above 0.8) for the flexion and extension strengths of the ankle, knee, and hip joint. [Conclusion] Lower extremity muscle strength assessment using a hand-held dynamometer provided consistent results when conducted by different examiners and when measured several times. Therefore, this method is a useful way of deriving objective and quantitative measurement values.Key words: Muscle strength, Lower extremity, Reliability     

Berg平衡量表在脑卒中患者中的构想效度

目的：探讨Berg平衡量表在脑卒中患者中的构想效度。方法：40例符合入选标准的脑卒中偏瘫患者参与本研究。对患者进行Berg平衡量表、Fugl—Meyer评价表、步行速度和Barthel指数的评价。对测量数据进行项目分析、因素分析和相关性分析，验证Berg平衡量表的因素效度、会聚效度和区分效度。结果：经过因素分析形成包含两个因素，第一个因素测量与静态平衡相关的内容，第二个因素测量与动态平衡相关的内容，两个因素可解释总变异量为70．6％，显示Berg平衡量表具有良好的因素效度。Berg平衡量表得分显著相关于步行速度（rho=O．717，P〈0．001）和Barthel指数得分（rho=O．673，P〈O．001），显示Berg平衡量表具有良好的会聚效度。Berg平衡量表与Fugl—Meyer量表下肢得分之间显著相关（rho=0．655，P〈0．001），而且Fugl—Meyer量表下肢得分≤25分组和得分〉25分组的BBS得分之间比较差异显著（t=2．85，P=-0．007），显示Berg平衡量表具有良好的区分效度。结论：Berg平衡量表在脑卒中患者中具有良好的构想效度。     

Relationship between the Berg Balance Scale and Static Balance Test in Hemiplegic Patients with Stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between results of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Static Balance Test (SBT) in hemiplegic patients with stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were 39 hemiplegic patients (25 men, 14 women; mean age, 69.4 ± 11.0 years) with stroke that had occurred within the preceding 6 months and who had good understanding of verbal instructions. [Methods] The SBT consists of five posture-holding tasks (sitting, stride standing, close standing, one-foot standing on the unparalyzed leg, and one-foot standing on the paralyzed leg). Four grades, 1–4, are used to judge the ability of patients to hold these postures. The SBT and BBS were each implemented, and the relationship between test results was analyzed using correlation coefficients. [Results] The correlation coefficient for the BBS score and SBT score was 0.87. Thus, a strong correlation was seen between the BBS and SBT. [Conclusion] The SBT is thought to be an assessment index that can predict overall balance ability.Key words: Stroke, Balance, Assessment     

Investigation of absolute intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities during the muscle hardness estimation

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the absolute intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities during the measurement of muscle hardness, which is used to evaluate physical therapy. Moreover, we examined the effects of using different equipment types and their positioning on the intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities. [Participants and Methods] Participants of this study comprised 12 healthy adult male individuals. Two experts and two beginners measured the muscle hardness of the lumbar erector spinae and rectus femoris using three types of hardness meters at two positions, including when the muscle was relaxed and stretched. [Results] Intra-rater fixed bias was observed during some measurements by both experts and beginners. Inter-rater fixed bias was observed during measurements by some experts and not the beginners. [Conclusion] In this study, the measurement of muscle hardness demonstrated a need to reconsider the measurement position and acclimation time. These examinations require the consideration of relative and absolute reliabilities.     

Developing a short form of the Berg Balance Scale for people with stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To improve the utility of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the aim of this study was to develop a short form of the BBS (SFBBS) that was psychometrically similar (including test reliability, validity, and responsiveness) to the original BBS for people with stroke. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 226 subjects with stroke participated in this prospective study at 14 days after their stroke; 167 of these subjects also were examined at 90 days after their stroke. The BBS, Barthel Index, and Fugl-Meyer Motor Test were administered at these 2 time points. By reducing the number of tested items by more than half the number of items in the original BBS (ie, making 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-item tests) and simplifying the scoring system of the original BBS (ie, collapsing the 5-level scale into a 3-level scale [BBS-3P]), we generated a total of 8 SFBBSs. RESULTS: The distributions of scores for all 8 SFBBSs were acceptable but featured notable floor effects. The 4-item BBS, 5-item BBS, 5-item BBS-3P, and 7-item BBS-3P demonstrated good reliability. The subjects' scores on the 6-item BBS, 6-item BBS-3P, 7-item BBS, and 7-item BBS-3P showed excellent agreement with those on the original BBS. The 6-item BBS-3P and 7-item BBS-3P exhibited great responsiveness. Only the 7-item BBS-3P demonstrated both satisfactory and psychometric properties similar to those of the original BBS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The 7-item BBS-3P was found to be psychometrically similar to the original BBS. The 7-item BBS-3P, compared with the original BBS, is simpler and faster to complete in either a clinical or a research setting and is recommended.     

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Healthcare Provider-Patient Activation Scale to Japanese

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate a cross-cultural adaptation of the 40-item Healthcare Provider-Patient Activation Scale (HP-PAS). [Participants and Methods] We followed a guideline for cross-cultural adaptation that recommended using two forward and backward translations. In pilot testing, participants were Japanese physical therapists who provided comments about expression readability. Two authors independently categorized each comment as either “unable to understand” or “suggestion to enhance clarity”, after which Cohen κ and % agreement were used to assess agreement. We then assessed the flooring and ceiling effects, internal consistency, and Spearman ρ between the factor scores of the patient-activation-approach and non-patient-activation-approach. [Results] A total of 58 Japanese physical therapists participated in the pilot test. The agreement on comments was κ=0.44 and 86.5%. We identified the flooring and ceiling effects for most items. In addition, the internal consistency was acceptable for each factor; however, the Spearman ρ between the patient-activation-approach and non-patient-activation-approach factor scores was positive when it should have been negative. [Conclusion] We developed a Japanese version of the HP-PAS which will serve as a foundation for future studies to establish a measurement method for the magnitude of patient activation in the physical therapist population.Key words: Patient activation, Patient centered approach, Self-management     

The Persian version of the Berg Balance Scale: inter and intra-rater reliability and construct validity in elderly adults

Purpose: As a well-known measure for quantifying functional mobility in elderly persons, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used in the present study to evaluate its psychometric properties among a sample of 106 elderly individuals speaking Persian language. Method: After forward-backward translation process, videotapes were recorded from all participants while performing 14 tasks of the BBS. The volunteers were also asked to perform the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test at the same session. To determine inter and intra-rater reliability, the videotapes were viewed by two experienced therapists while one of the raters assessed the videotaped performance of the subjects on a second occasion. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence interval) of 0.93 (0.87 0.96) and 0.95 (0.92 0.97) were obtained for inter and intra-rater reliability, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.62 which is marginally lower than the cut-off point of 0.70. Furthermore, there were no ceiling and floor effects for the Persian version. In terms of construct validity, the BBS had a negative and strong correlation with the TUG (r?=??0.74, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Acceptable levels of intra and inter-rater reliability with a moderate internal consistency and high validity were demonstrated for the Persian version of BBS.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The results on psychometric properties of the Persian BBS are comparable with the Italian, Brazilian, Norwegian, Turkish and Taiwanese versions of BBS.

• The Persian BBS seems to be a reproducible and standardized clinical instrument for use in community-dwelling elderly population.

• The Persian BBS can be used in geriatrics clinical settings and future outcome researches to assess balance abilities of Iranian older adults.

     

The Relationship of Abdominal Muscles Balance and Body Balance

This study aimed to identify what impact the thickness differences between the leftside and rightside transversus abdominis (TrA), internal obliquus (IO) and external obliquus (EO) have on balance ability in the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) and resting postures. [Subjects and Methods] In this study, 41 young adults were asked to adopt a resting posture and to perform ADIM. The thicknesses of the abdominal muscles (TrA, IO, EO) were measured using ultrasound imaging, Then balance ability was measured, so that a comparative analysis could be carried out. [Results] According to the results, the thicknesses of TrA and IO very significantly increased when ADIM was performed. The changes in thickness of the muscles on the left and right sides showed no significant correlations with balance ability. [Conclusion] According to the study results, the difference in thickness between the left and right side muscles in a normal person is small (symmetric), and the differences in the thickness of TrA and IO on the left and right side reduced when the ADIM, which is a re-education method for abdominal muscles was performed. Therefore, we consider that the ADIM should be used in future clinical trials to induce symmetric contraction of the abdominal muscles. Also, the correlation results of muscle balance and body balance can be used as empirical data.Key words: Ultrasound, Abdominal muscle, Imbalance     

Relationships among the Y balance test,Berg Balance Scale,and lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females

Background:

Older females have less dynamic postural control and muscle strength than do middle-aged females. Aging-related strength losses may limit balancing performance.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the Y Balance Test (YBT) and lower limb strength to discriminate between females in 2 age groups, the relationship between YBT distance and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the degree to which performance on YBT distance is related to lower limb strength in middle-aged and older females.

Method:

The 40 healthy, independently active females were divided into 2 groups: older and middle-aged. The participants underwent measurements of YBT distance using the YBT, maximal muscular strength of the lower limbs using a handheld dynamometer, and the BBS.

Results:

The YBT distance in 3 directions and lower limb muscle strength for both lower limbs were significantly lower in the older adults than in the middle-aged group. A moderate correlation but insignificant correlation was found between the YBT composite distance and the BBS score. In the older females, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip abductor. In the middle-aged group, YBT distance was significantly positively correlated with strength of the knee flexor and hip extensor.

Conclusions:

Performance on the YBT was influenced by the strength of lower limb. We suggested that YBT can be used to alternative as a measurement of dynamic balance. Proper training programs for older people could include not only strengthening exercises but also YBT performance to improve balance.     

The comparative effectiveness among institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly people in Taiwan of reminiscence therapy as a psychological measure

This study examined the comparative effects of reminiscence on self-esteem, self-health perception, depressive symptoms, and mood status of elderly people residing in long-term care facilities and at home. A quasi-experimental design was conducted, using pre-intervention and post-intervention tests and purposive sampling. Rosenberg ' s Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Health Perception Scale (HPS), Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF), and Apparent Emotion Rating Scale (AER) were used as study instruments. Each subject was administered pre- and post-experimental tests at a four month interval and all subjects underwent weekly individual reminiscence intervention. Forty-eight subjects completed the study, with 25 institutionalized elderly people and 23 non-institutionalized home-based elderly people. Independent t-tests and paired t-tests were conducted to measure the differences in variable means between and within groups. A significant difference was found between groups in mood status post-test (t = 5.96, p <.001) and significant differences were noted in self-health perception, depressive symptoms, and mood status (t = -2.56, 2.83, -3.02; p =.018,.009,.007) between the pre- and post-intervention tests in the institutionalized group. These results suggest that reminiscence therapy is especially appropriate for older people who reside in care facilities. Implementing strategies that enrich the lives of elderly people residing in long-term cares is crucial, and reminiscence offers a method for promoting healthy aging.     

The effects of isometric trunk exercises and dynamic trunk exercises on gait in elderly people

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dynamic trunk exercises and isometric trunk exercises on gait in elderly people. [Subjects] This study randomly allocated 20 elderly people to an isometric trunk exercise group (n=10) and a dynamic trunk exercise group (n=10). The exercises were performed for 30 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Gait speed, stride length, cadence, and step width were measured at a normal pace using GAITRite. All groups were evaluated before and after 12 weeks. [Results] The isometric exercise group showed a significant change in gait velocity, cadence, and left and right step lengths. The dynamic trunk exercise group showed a significant change in gait velocity, cadence, left and right step lengths, left and right step times, and left and right stride lengths. Moreover, a comparison of the exercise effect between the two groups showed a significant difference in gait velocity. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that isometric trunk exercises and dynamic trunk exercises have a positive effect on gait function in elderly people. In particular, isometric trunk exercises are recommended to promote gait velocity.Key words: Isometric trunk exercise, Dynamic trunk exercise, Gait     

Correlation between the Mini Mental State Examination-Korean version and the Measurement of Quality of the Environment in the institutionalized elderly

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the cognitive level of the elderly and their attitude towards the living environment. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 80 elderly people hospitalized in a nursing home in K city, South Korea, participated in this study. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the relationships between scores on the Mini Mental State Examination-Korean Version and Measurement of Quality of the Environment (facilitators and obstacles). [Results] A positive and moderately strong correlation (r = 0.462) was found between scores on the Mini Mental State Examination and the Measurement of Quality of the Environment (obstacle). [Conclusion] In a nursing home, patients with relatively higher cognitive levels can perceive more obstacles in the surrounding environment.Key words: Dementia, Nursing home, Geriatric psychiatry     

Responsiveness of the Berg Balance Scale in patients early after stroke

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) has previously shown good measurement properties. However, its ability to detect important change in patients early after stroke is still unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine the minimal important change (MIC) and its relation to the minimal detectable change (MDC) for BBS in patients early after stroke. This prospective follow-up study included patients within the first 2 weeks after onset of stroke. The BBS, Barthel Index, and Scandinavian Stroke Scale were obtained at inclusion and 1 month later. At the follow-up assessment, the Patient Global Impression of Change was obtained. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the cut-off value for the MIC. Fifty-two patients (mean age of 78.7, SD 8.5 years) were included. All measures showed a significant improvement from baseline to follow-up. The ROC analysis identified a MIC of ≥6 BBS points, while the MDC was 5.97 BBS points at the 80% confidence level. This study shows that a change of 6 BBS point or more can be considered an important change for patients in the sub-acute phase after stroke, which also represents an 80% probability of exceeding the measurement error. A total of 80% of unchanged patients would display random fluctuations within the bounds of MDC₈₀, while 20% of unchanged patients would exceed MDC_80.