Body Awareness Rating Questionnaire: Measurement properties

The purpose of present study was to investigate important measurement properties of the Body Awareness Rating Questionnaire (BARQ) subscales: Function; Mood; Feelings; and Awareness. Samples of 50 patients with prolonged musculoskeletal pain and psychosomatic disorders, and 50 gender and age-matched healthy persons participated in the study. Relative (ICC 2,1) and absolute reliability (S_w) were calculated. Construct validity was examined by testing hypothesis using Pearson (r) or Spearman rank (r_s) correlation. Discriminate ability was examined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (aROC) being the measure of discriminative validity. All patients reported more or less improvement after treatment, using the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) as an external indicator of important change. Responsiveness to important change was therefore examined by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), relating change scores of BARQ subscales to the PGIC categories. Relative and absolute reliability values were within recommended limits for all four subscales. Construct and discriminate validity was indicated for Function, Feelings and Awareness, but not for Mood. Responsiveness was indicated for the subscales Function and Awareness, but not for Feelings and Mood. Further research is needed to complement the subscales of BARQ, found with appropriate measurement properties.     

Reproducibility,Construct Validity,and Responsiveness of the Tetraplegia Upper Limb Activities Questionnaire,TUAQ. Part 2

ObjectiveTo test reliability, construct validity and responsiveness of the Tetraplegia Upper Limb Activities Questionnaire (TUAQ), a patient-reported outcome measure that assesses perceived performance and satisfaction with 10 standardized activities.DesignOutcome measure psychometric evaluation.SettingSpinal cord injury units in 2 countries.ParticipantsReproducibility: 47 individuals with tetraplegia. Construct validity and responsiveness: 33 individuals with tetraplegia undergoing surgery to restore hand function (N=80).InterventionsReproducibility: The TUAQ was completed on 2 occasions, 2 weeks apart. Construct validity and responsiveness: Participants completed the TUAQ prior to surgery and 3-12 months after hand reconstruction surgery. Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach α. Two agreement parameters were examined: the SEM and minimal detectable change with 90% confidence interval (MDC₉₀). Construct validity was evaluated using Pearson product moment correlation against a priori hypotheses. Responsiveness was assessed using paired t tests and effect size.ResultsTest-retest reliability and internal consistency was high (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.89 for performance scale and 0.88 for satisfaction, Cronbach α of 0.92 and 0.90, respectively). For agreement the SEM scores were 4.7 and 3.5, with MDC₉₀ of 10.9 and 8.2, respectively. Responsiveness and construct validity showed sound results with no ceiling or floor effects and with large effect size (>1.05).ConclusionsThe TUAQ demonstrates good psychometric properties for reliability and agreement for persons with tetraplegia and responsiveness and construct validity for surgical reconstruction of hand function for persons with tetraplegia. The TUAQ appears appropriate to be used as a patient-reported outcome measure for clinical and research purposes in this population.     

Measuring identification with the mothering role

Three summated rating scales entitled Feelings of Motherliness (FOM), Conception of the Fetus as a Person (CFP), and Appropriateness of Fantasies about the Baby-to be (AFB) were constructed. During instrument development, data were collected from a sample of 169 women selected using the criteria of gravidity, ethnicity, and experience. Thirty-four of these women were used to test the final versions of the scales. Coefficient alphas for FOM, CFP, and AFB were.87, .89, and .67, respectively. Coefficient alphas for the subscales ranged from .88 to 1.0. Content validity was built into the scales. The data supported the concept validity of FOM and CFP, but not AFB. Three subscales of the Parental Attitude Research Instrument were used as criterion measures; criterion validity was not established. Construct validity was assessed using convergent and discriminant measures. Data provided support for convergent validity, but not for discriminant validity. Further modification and testing of the scales are needed.     

The psychometric properties of the Brief Symptom Inventory depression and anxiety subscales in patients with heart failure and with or without renal dysfunction

More than 5 million Americans have heart failure (HF); approximately one third have concomitant renal dysfunction. Anxiety and depressive symptoms are the most common psychological responses of these individuals and may influences outcomes; thus a reliable valid instrument to measure these is needed. This article reports a psychometric evaluation of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) depression and anxiety subscales in patients with HF and with or without renal dysfunction, as these scales are commonly used in this population for research studies. This rigorous psychometric analysis used existing data from 590 patients with HF with an average ejection fraction of 35% ± 15% and average age of 63 ± 13 years. Patients were categorized as normal renal function (n = 495) or renal dysfunction (n = 95), and groups were compared and analyzed separately. Cronbach's alpha for the BSI subscales was .82 for those with normal renal function and .88 for those with renal dysfunction. Factor analysis determined that the subscales evaluated one dimension, psychological distress, in both groups. Construct validity was examined using hypothesis testing, and construct validity was supported in patients with HF and with normal renal function by significant associations of the BSI subscales with another measure of depression and a measure of perceived control. Construct validity in patients with HF and renal dysfunction was not strongly supported. Only the BSI depression subscale predicted poorer outcomes in patients with HF and with normal renal function; neither subscale was associated with event-free survival at 12 months in those with renal dysfunction. The BSI anxiety and depression subscales provide reliable and valid data in patients HF and normal renal function. Although reliability is excellent, construct validity was weak in those patients with HF and with concomitant renal dysfunction, which may reduce the validity of those data.     

Psychometric properties of the Swedish Diabetes Empowerment Scale

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (Swe-DES-23). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A convenience sample of 195 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes completed the Swe-DES-23 questionnaire. To establish discriminant validity, Swe-DES subscales were compared with the Semantic Differential in Diabetes scale (SDD) and a general health scale (EVGFP). Construct validity was tested using factor analyses. To determine unidimensionality of the subscales, inter-item correlations were calculated. Internal consistency was tested by the use of the Crohnbach-alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The factor analysis resulted in four factors (empowerment subscales) with eigenvalues >1.0, explaining 60% of the variance. The four empowerment subscales: goal achievement, self-awareness, stress management and readiness to change showed Crohnbach-alpha values ranging from 0.68 to 0.91. Patients with good self-reported health and low burden of diabetes scored significantly higher on almost all empowerment subscales. Only weak correlations were found between metabolic control and the empowerment subscales. CONCLUSIONS: The SWE-DES-23 scale had acceptable validity and reliability and, thus, could be a suitable tool in evaluating empowerment-based education programmes. Further testing is needed to shorten the questionnaire.     

Refinement of the Shared Care Instrument-Revised: a measure of a family care interaction

This study's purpose was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Shared Care Instrument-Revised (SCI-R) in a sample of family care dyads. The SCI-R was developed to measure the construct of shared care, which is a system of three constructs (communication, decision making, reciprocity) used in family care to exchange support. An important aspect of evaluating the SCI-R was to create a measure that is statistically sound and meaningful for patient and caregivers. Surveys were mailed to randomly selected home health dyads, which included 223 patients and 220 caregivers. Reliability and confirmatory factor analysis, and concurrent validity were examined. Internal consistency reliability of the patient subscales ranged from 0.74 to 0.76, and from 0.72 to 0.78 for caregiver subscales. Factor analysis supported the underlying theoretical basis of the SCI-R. Construct validity also was supported using the hypothesis-testing approach. One major challenge in family care research is to develop methods and tools to study the dynamic characteristics of close relationships. The findings from this study support further use of SCI-R to study how shared care facilitates the exchange of support and the influence shared care has on outcomes for both patients and caregivers.     

中文版澳大利亚盆底问卷在孕产妇人群中的信效度检验

目的汉化澳大利亚盆底问卷自适问卷(the self-administered Australian pelvic floor questionnaire,APFQ),并检验其在中国孕产妇人群中的信度、效度及反应度。方法经过跨文化调适及预调查后,确定中文版APFQ自适问卷,将其应用于316例妊娠晚期的孕妇,纵向随访至产后2个月再次发放问卷,对两次测量结果进行信度、效度及反应度分析。结果内容效度:问卷S-CVI为0.98;结构效度:妊娠晚期及产后2个月阶段有症状困扰的女性和没有症状困扰的女性得分差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);信度:妊娠晚期及产后2个月的问卷总Cronbach’s α系数分别为0.83,0.89,重测信度为0.79;反应度:该问卷的膀胱功能维度和性功能维度能够显著识别症状随时间的变化,效应量(effect size,ES)分别为0.75、0.28,标准化反应均数(standardized response mean,SRM)分别为0.62、0.20。结论中文版APFQ自适问卷具有良好的信效度,能够纵向监测症状的变化,适用于评估孕产妇人群的盆底功能障碍疾病症状。     

Development of the Applied Liberal Education Competences Scale.

This article describes the development and initial psychometric testing of the Applied Liberal Education Competences Scale, an instrument designed to measure professional nurses' self-reported use of selected applied liberal education competences in professional practice. The ALECS was created using a conceptual model proposed by Stark and Lowther (1988a) and content validity was assessed using an expert panel. Construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the ALECS were examined and the instrument refined. This 67-item instrument consists of six subscales: leadership, contextual practice, professional development, analytic practice, reflective practice, and aesthetic practice. Since the instrument taps dimensions other than technical skills and specific role functions, it will enable educators and service personnel to better understand how nurses think and perform.     

Houghton Scale of prosthetic use in people with lower-extremity amputations: Reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the responsiveness to change and the floor and ceiling effects of the Houghton Scale. DESIGN: One-week and 3-month test-retest to evaluate reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change. SETTING: Amputee rehabilitation program. PARTICIPANTS: Persons (N=125) with unilateral or bilateral lower-extremity amputation who were wearing a prostheses: 1 group (n=49) for the reliability component and another group (n=76) for the responsiveness and validity component. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Responsiveness to change, ceiling and floor effects, and reliability and convergent validity. RESULTS: Evaluation of responsiveness to change (n=76) showed that the total score increased from a mean +/- standard deviation of 6.14+/-2.40 at discharge to 7.70+/-2.62 (P<.001) at follow-up 3 months later. Floor and ceiling effects were not detected for the overall score but were noted for the individual subscales. The internal consistency was moderate at discharge (Cronbach alpha=.71) and follow-up (Cronbach alpha=.70). The Houghton Scale correlated significantly, although moderately, with the physical composite score of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (r=.393, P<.01) and the 2-minute walk test at admission (r=.620, P<.01) and discharge (r=.653, P<.01). The reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=.96) of the Houghton Scale was high (n=49). CONCLUSIONS: The Houghton Scale is appropriately responsive to change in prosthetic use in individuals with lower-limb amputation after rehabilitation.     

The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia: further examination of psychometric properties in patients with chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia.

The present study attempted to replicate the robustness of a two-factor model of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients and fibromyalgia patients, by means of confirmatory factor analysis. Construct and predictive validity of the TSK subscales were also examined. Results clearly indicated that a two-factor model fitted best in both pain samples. These two factors were labelled somatic focus, which reflects the belief in underlying and serious medical problems, and activity avoidance, which reflects the belief that activity may result in (re)injury or increased pain. Construct validity of the TSK and its subscales was supported by moderate correlation coefficients with self-report measures of pain-related fear, pain catastrophising, and disability, predominantly in patients with CLBP. Predictive validity was supported by moderate correlation coefficients with performance on physical performance tests (i.e., lifting tasks, bicycle task) mainly in CLBP patients. Implications of the results are discussed and directions for future research are provided.     

Psychometric evaluation of the interpersonal relationship inventory for early adolescents

ABSTRACT The purposes of this methodological study were to factor analyze the short form of the Tilden Interpersonal Relationship Inventory (IPRI) for early adolescents, and to assess construct validity of the social support and conflict subscales with early adolescents. The sample consisted of 147 early adolescents, aged 12–14, who completed instrument packets in classrooms in a suburban middle school. Data obtained on the IPRI were subjected to principal components factor analysis with Varimax rotation. The two factors that emerged are consistent with the theories underlying the instrument. Factor I was social support, and had a coefficient α reliability of .90. Factor II was conflict, and had a coefficient α reliability of .86. Construct validity was assessed by testing hypotheses derived from theoretical propositions linking support or conflict to general humor, self-esteem, and symptom patterns; the results of the hypotheses were statistically significant and in the predicted direction. The findings indicate that the social support and conflict subscales of the IPRI have evidence of reliability and validity for early adolescents.     

The Psychometric Validation of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory—Revised with UK Incarcerated Sexual Offenders

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Social Problem-Solving Inventory—Revised (SPSI-R; D’Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2002) with a population of incarcerated sexual offenders. An availability sample of 499 adult male sexual offenders was used. The SPSI-R had good reliability measured by internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and adequate validity. Construct validity was determined via factor analysis. An exploratory factor analysis extracted a two-factor model. This model was then tested against the theory-driven five-factor model using confirmatory factor analysis. The five-factor model was selected as the better fitting of the two, and confirmed the model according to social problem-solving theory (D’Zurilla & Nezu, 1982). The SPSI-R had good convergent validity; significant correlations were found between SPSI-R subscales and measures of self-esteem, impulsivity, and locus of control. SPSI-R subscales were however found to significantly correlate with a measure of socially desirable responding. This finding is discussed in relation to recent research suggesting that impression management may not invalidate self-report measures (e.g. Mills & Kroner, 2005). The SPSI-R was sensitive to sexual offender intervention, with problem-solving improving pre to post-treatment in both rapists and child molesters. The study concludes that the SPSI-R is a reasonably internally valid and appropriate tool to assess problem-solving in sexual offenders. However future research should cross-validate the SPSI-R with other behavioural outcomes to examine the external validity of the measure. Furthermore, future research should utilise a control group to determine treatment impact.     

Measurement of Type A behavior in preschoolers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Matthews Youth Test of Health (MYTH) and its subscales of Hostility, Competitiveness, Impatience, and Leadership when used with preschoolers. The MYTH was completed by 13 teachers on 155 preschool children in a cross-sectional study and on sub-samples of this original group who were followed during a 2-year longitudinal study. These results were used to investigate internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the MYTH. Construct validity was evaluated by factor analysis as well as by examining the relationship of the MYTH scale and its subscales to cardiovascular reactivity, self-esteem, and locus of control. Construct validity was further assessed by testing for a predicted difference between boys and girls on the MYTH.     

Validation study of the Chinese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-C)

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 Chinese cancer patients with multiple diagnoses to validate a Chinese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-C). Cronbach's coefficient alpha was 0.92 for fatigue severity items and 0.90 for fatigue interference items. Construct validity was explored by principal factor analysis and suggested a two-factor solution: fatigue severity and fatigue interference. Internal consistency reliability was excellent. Convergent validity was examined by correlating the BFI-C with 2 subscales and 2 component scores of the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (coefficients ranged between -0.44 and -0.71, P<0.001). Known-group validity was examined by comparing fatigue severity in patients having different scores on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale. Approximately 60% of patients experienced moderate to severe fatigue (4 or greater on the 0-10 scale of the BFI-C "fatigue worst" item). The BFI-C is a valid, reliable instrument to measure the severity and impact of cancer-related fatigue among Chinese patients.     

The Reliability and Validity of the Visual Analog Mood Scales in Non‐English‐Speaking Pain Patients

Objectives: This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS) when administered to a non‐English‐speaking, headache population. Methods: The VAMS and another frequently administered measure of mood, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), were administered to sixty patients at a headache clinic in Milan, Italy. The VAMS and POMS were both administered before and after a regularly scheduled appointment at the clinic. Multitrait–multimethod analyses were conducted to assess the validity of each subscale comprising the VAMS. Results: All subscales comprising the VAMS possessed high test–retest reliability, and the “confused,”“sad,”“angry,”“energetic,” and “tired” subscales of the VAMS were shown to be valid when administered to a non‐English‐speaking pain population. Further, compared to age‐matched controls (from available normative data), pain patients reported being significantly more confused, sad, and tense on the VAMS and significantly more tired, confused, depressed, and tense on the POMS. Discussion: Given the evidence of strong reliability and validity, the VAMS may be useful as a clinical diagnostic tool when administered to non‐English‐speaking pain populations.     

Reliability and internal consistency of the Swedish version of the MAastrIcht Nurses Activities INventory (MAINtAIN(S)) – A pilot testing of the tool

ObjectivesTo evaluate the test–retest reliability and internal consistency of the Swedish version of the MAastrIcht Nurses Activities INventory (MAINtAIN(S)) developed to measure nursing staff perceived behaviours and barriers for promotion of everyday activities in nursing home residents.MethodNursing staff completed the MAINtAIN(S) questionnaire on two occasions at 3-week intervals. Relative reliability, absolute reliability and internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha were calculated.ResultsThe test-–retest reliability of MAINtAIN(S)-behaviours subscales ranged from ICC_2. = 0.78-–0.91 and MAINtAIN(S)-barriers subscales from ICC_2.1 = 0.60-–0.84. Cronbach's alpha varied between 0.60 and 0.91 for the different subscales. The MAINtAIN(S) inventory shows acceptable reliability and internal consistency. MAINtAIN(S) seems to be a promising tool for identifying behaviours and barriers in promoting everyday activities in nursing home residents and can be used to develop ward specific interventions for promotion of daily physical activity level in the care of older adults.     

Measurement properties of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ): a study based on Classical Test Theory

Purpose: The construct validity, test–retest reliability, and measurement error of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) were examined. Additionally, the influence of administration-method on reliability and measurement error was investigated.

Method: 112 Dutch adult MS-patients from an academic- and a residential care-facility participated. Questionnaires were administered on paper, online or as interview, and patients performed several performance tests. Construct validity was assessed by testing pre-defined hypotheses. Reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs), Standard Error of Measurements (SEMs) and Smallest Detectable Changes (SDCs).

Results: For construct validity (N?=?105) 9 of 13 hypotheses were confirmed (69%). As expected, the AMSQ showed moderate to strong relationships with the instruments measuring similar constructs. The test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.96 (95% Confidence Interval 0.94–0.97); SEM was 6.3 (6.3% of scale range); SDC was 17.5 (on a sale from 0 to 100). Different administration-methods showed good reliability (ICC 0.88–0.94) and small standard errors (SEM 5.6–7.2).

Conclusion: The AMSQ shows satisfying results for validity and excellent reliability; allowing for proper use in research. Due to a large SDC value, caution is needed when using the AMSQ in individual patient care. Further research should determine whether the SDC is smaller than the minimal important change.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) measures activity limitations due to hand and arm functioning in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

• Results of this study confirm adequate validity and reliability of the AMSQ in patient with MS.

• The equivalence of scores from online, paper or interview administration is supported.

• A change score of ≥18 points on the scale of the AMSQ (on a scale 0–100) needs to occur to be certain a change beyond measurement error has occurred in an individual patient.

     

A disease-specific measure of health-related quality of life in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura: psychometric testing in an open-label clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Patient Assessment Questionnaire (ITP-PAQ) was developed to assess disease-specific quality of life (QoL) in adults with ITP. It is a 44-item questionnaire that includes scales for physical health (symptoms, fatigue/sleep, bother, and activity), emotional health (psychological and fear), overall QoL, social activity, women's reproductive health, and work. A previous study reported preliminary evidence of its reliability and validity. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to ascertain the responsiveness (ability to detect a clinically important treatment effect), reliability, and validity of the ITP-PAQ and to corroborate the earlier findings. The women's reproductive health scale was evaluated for psychometric evidence of the existence of separate menstrual symptoms and fertility subscales. METHODS: The ITP-PAQ was evaluated in the context of an ongoing open-label extension study assessing the tolerability and durability of increases in the platelet count with AMG 531 (a thrombopoiesis peptibody that increases platelet production by targeting the thrombopoietin receptor) administered by subcutaneous injection once weekly in adult patients with ITP It was self-administered at baseline and at weeks 4, 12, and 24. The responsiveness of the questionnaire was evaluated by calculating and comparing the change scores of patients who showed clinical improvement-categorized as platelet responders (those with a platelet count > or =50 x 10(9) cells/L and a doubling of baseline values at week 24) and durable platelet responders (those with a platelet count > or =50 x 10(9) cells/L and a doubling of baseline values on > or =6 occasions during weeks 17-24)-with the change scores of patients wh did not show clinical improvement. The reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity (convergent, discriminant, and known groups) of the questionnaire were also evaluated. Validity was examined in terms of correlations between the ITP-PAQ and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), a generic measure of health-related QoL. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients completed the ITP-PAQ. Most of the scales were found capable of detecting clinically important treatment effects, with the scales for symptoms, fatigue/sleep, bother, and activity being particularly responsive. All scales were found to have internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha, 0.700-0.950), with the exceptions of the menstrual symptoms subscale (0.988 and 0.959 at weeks 12 and 24, respectively) and the work scale (0.691 at week 24). Test-retest reliability was acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.725-0.867), with the exceptions of the scales for symptoms (0.677) and women's reproductive health (0.592) and the fertility subscale (0.171). Construct validity was supported by correlations between specific ITP-PAQ and SF-36 scales, with the exceptions of the menstrual symptoms and fertility subscales. Discriminant validity was reported for the symptoms, fatigue/sleep, bother, and activity scales. Durable platelet responders had significantly better scores than nonresponders on the symptoms (P = 0.022), bother (P = 0.008), psychological (P = 0.033), and overall QoL scales (P = 0.032). Compared with those who had undergone splenectomy, patients without splenectomy had significantly higher scores on the women's reproductive health scale (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis indicate that the ITP-PAQ has acceptable responsiveness, reliability, and validity. Further study of the minimal clinically important difference in ITP-PAQ scale scores is needed.     

Validity and reliability study on traditional Chinese FACT-C in Chinese patients with colorectal neoplasm

Objective To establish the validity and reliability of traditional Chinese version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Colorectal (FACT‐C). Methods A total of 536 subjects self‐administered (n = 331) or interviewer‐administered (n = 205) FACT‐C (version 4), EORTC QLQ‐C30/CR38 and SF‐12v2 instruments for health‐related quality of life assessment. Construct validity was examined by item–scale correlation, scaling success and concurrent validity. Reliability was evaluated by test–retest reliability and internal consistency. Sensitivity was assessed by known‐groups comparisons. Results The completion rates for FACT‐C were almost perfect (>98%). The FACT‐C demonstrated item‐internal consistency and item discriminant validity through item–scale correlation. Scaling success and concurrent validity were satisfactory to support the construct validity. The five subscales of the FACT‐C showed good internal consistency with Cronbach alpha coefficient and substantial reproducibility, demonstrating good reliability. Sensitivity was supported when there were significant differences in scores related to physical condition between patients who were receiving treatment and those who were not. Conclusion Traditional Chinese version of the FACT‐C was demonstrated to have satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of applicability, reliability, validity and sensitivity in Chinese patients with colorectal neoplasm. The FACT‐C was valid colorectal‐specific health‐related quality of life tool for the Chinese population.     

Reliability and responsiveness of elbow trajectory tracking in chronic poststroke hemiparesis

This study established the reliability of a novel upper-limb trajectory-tracking task for assessment of perceptual motor control in hemiparetic adults. Eleven persons with chronic poststroke hemiparesis (mean 58.6 months) and eleven nondisabled control subjects performed an elbow flexion-extension task against a low-resistance isotonic load at three speeds: 25 degrees/s, 45 degrees/s, and 65 degrees/s. Both arms (paretic and nonparetic or dominant and nondominant) were tested during two identical sessions separated by 1 week. Relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) ranged from 0.5 to 0.8 and absolute reliability (standard error of measurement [SEM%]) ranged between 19% to 36% across both subject groups. No systematic errors between test sessions were revealed. Smallest real differences (SRDs) were determined to be +/- 2 degrees to 3 degrees in nondisabled, +/- 2 degrees to 5 degrees in nonparetic and +/- 9 degrees in paretic arms. Responsiveness ratios derived with the use of the SRDs ranged between 1.91 to 2.45, indicating that this instrument is sensitive to clinically important change and suitable for demonstrating effects on upper-limb motor performance following clinical intervention.