Londrina Activities of Daily Living Protocol: validity, reliability, minimal detectable change, and standard error of measurement in adults with asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma symptoms are dyspnea, chronic cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or chest discomfort, which can directly limit the activities of daily living (ADL), which is frequently reported by adults with asthma. Evaluating ADL with a reliable protocol at the usual speed is necessary. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the validity, reliability, minimal detectable change (MDC), and standard error of measurement (SEM) of the Londrina ADL Protocol (LAP) for adults with asthma. METHODS: Adults with asthma were evaluated with the LAP test. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to verify validity with the 6-min walk test (6MWT), Glittre-ADL test, and London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL). To test the reliability, the test was reapplied in at least 30 min; the Wilcoxon test and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), SEM, MDC, and learning effect were performed. RESULTS: Fifty-three individuals were included (26% men, 43 ± 15 years, BMI 28 ± 8 kg/m2, FEV1 70 ± 24%predicted). For convergent validity, the LAP test was correlated with the 6MWT, Glittre-ADL, and LCADL scale (r = -0.49, 0.71, and 0.30, respectively; p < 0.03). There was a difference in test-retest (p < 0.0001) and reliability analysis shows ICC3 of 0.94, SEM of 14.88 s (22%), and MDC of 41.23 s (15%). Furthermore, the individuals performed the second test with -23 ± 19 (7.9%) s. CONCLUSION: The LAP test is valid and reliable for assessing limitations during ADL in adults with asthma. Considerable learning effect was observed, therefore, the best of two measures may avoid underestimation.

Phonological assessment for Greek (PAel) test: Reliability and validity in 4-to 6-year-old preschool children.

Single-word phonological tests are widely used for detecting children at risk for Speech Sound Disorders (SSDs). However, specific conceptual and operational criteria should be evaluated to ensure that these assessments are valid and reliable and can serve as diagnostic tools. The current study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the screener of a phonological Greek instrument, named the Phonological Assessment for Greek (PAel) comparing the phonological performance of typically developing (TD) children and children with SSDs, aged 4 to 6 years. The participants were 20 TD children and 40 children with SSDs. All participants completed the screener of PAel, the 70-word list of the standardised Test of Phonetic and Phonological Development (TPPD), and a language test, namely the Action Picture Test. Participants who scored below the 25th percentile on the language test were excluded. Phonological analysis revealed that PAel has high content validity. The participants who had received a diagnosis of SSDs presented restricted consonant and cluster inventories and significantly lower whole-word match levels in comparison to their TD peers. The overall Spearman's correlation coefficients between PAel and TPPD were 0.611 for TD children (p < 0.001) and 0.875 for children with SSDs (p < 0.001), indicating good criterion validity. The tool demonstrated strong test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability with Spearman values exceeding 0.85, and Intra-class correlation coefficients over 0.90. Overall, the results suggest that PAel has satisfactory reliability and validity and can be used as an assessment tool to detect children at risk for SSDs.

Intra- and inter-operator reliability of three-dimensional preoperative planning in total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To characterize the intra- and inter-operator reliability of a CT-based 3D preoperative planning software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed 30 CT scans of de-identified knees with osteoarthritis. For each scan, a case planner segmented the bones and pre-planned the TKA. Three orthopedic surgeons then reviewed each pre-planning three times at least one week apart, in a blinded manner. During the reviews, the surgeons modified the pre-plannings until they felt the plannings matched the objectives defined collegially at the beginning of the study. Reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM). RESULTS: The intra- and inter-operator reliabilities for implant size selection were almost perfect (ICC between 0.97 and 0.99). Implants of same sizes were selected in 67.1-90.0% of cases. For implant placements, almost perfect intra- and inter-operator reliability was observed in all degrees-of-freedom (ICC between 0.81 and 1.00), except in flexion-extension for the femur (intra-operator ICC between: 0.76 and 0.99; inter-operator ICC of 0.61) and the tibia (intra-operator ICC between 0.12 and 1.00; inter-operator ICC of 0.03). All implant placements SEM were below 1.3 mm or 1.7°. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed high intra- and inter-operator reliability for implant size selection and, in most of the degrees-of-freedom, also for implant placements. Further research is needed to evaluate the benefit of developing more precise means of describing the objectives of the surgical planning as well as to evaluate the possibility and relevance of adding features in the planning software to assist the operators.

Validating the AI-assisted second language (L2) learning attitude scale for Chinese college students and its correlation with L2 proficiency.

The positive impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on second language (L2) learning is well-documented. An individual's attitude toward AI significantly influences its adoption. Despite this, no specific scale has been designed to measure this attitude, particularly in the Chinese context. To address this gap, our study aims to construct the AI-Assisted L2 Learning Attitude Scale for Chinese College Students (AL2AS-CCS) and evaluate its reliability, validity, and relationship with L2 proficiency. Our research comprises two phases, each involving separate samples. In Phase One (Sample 1: n = 379), we conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the factor structure of the AL2AS-CCS. The resulting two-factor structure consists of 12 items, categorized into cognitive and behavioral components. In Phase Two (Sample 2: n = 429), we performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the factor structure and assess model fit. CFA in Sample 2 confirmed the factor structure and demonstrated a good model fit. Additionally, the AL2AS-CCS exhibited high criterion validity, internal consistency, and cross-gender invariance. Our findings suggest that the AL2AS-CCS is a valid measurement tool for assessing Chinese college students' attitude toward AI-assisted L2 learning. Moreover, Chinese college students were discovered to maintain a moderately positive attitude toward AI-assisted L2 learning. Additionally, a positive correlation was identified between this attitude and their L2 proficiency.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Quality of Life Index Among Hausa-Speaking People with Spinal Cord Injury in Northwest Nigeria.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome that is used to measure the success of healthcare interventions. Valid and reliable instruments are required to assess QoL. Hence, we conducted this study to adapt and validate the QoL Index (QLI) among Hausa-speaking people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in northwest Nigeria. Method: Using the International Society for Pharmacoeconomic and Outcome Research principles of good practice and the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments guidelines, the QLI-SCI version was translated into Hausa language and tested for content validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability among people with SCI in northwest Nigeria. Result: The Hausa QLI (HQLI) demonstrated good content validity (CVI = 92.18%), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.855), and test-retest reliability (ICC =0.949 [95% CI, 0.916-0.969]). Conclusion: The HQLI can be deployed to assess QoL among Hausa-speaking people with SCI, thus promoting robust measurement of QoL in an SCI population.

Modified Radiological Union Score of Tibia (RUST) Scores in Diaphyseal Fractures Treated by the Ilizarov Frame: A Retrospective Analysis Evaluating Reliability.

Introduction The number of cases of tibia diaphyseal fractures treated by Ilizarov fixation is increasing. Fractures with infective etiology and altered bone biology due to the requirement of revision surgery or open wounds, which are often treated by the Ilizarov method, have challenges in ascertaining radiological signs of union. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the application of the modified Radiological Union Score of Tibia (m-RUST) scores in the assessment of fracture union in patients operated by the Ilizarov method. The secondary aim is to assess the interobserver and intraobserver variability of the m-RUST score validated by orthopaedicians and radiologists. Methodology A total of 119 patients who were treated with an Ilizarov fixator from February 2017 to December 2023 were included in the study. Four observers (two orthopaedicians and two radiologists) independently applied the m-RUST score for the included patients. Clinical data were not disclosed to the observers who worked independently of each other. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to measure the reliability of the m-RUST score. Interobserver reliability was measured by examining the scores of four observers from the second assessment, and intra-observer variability was assessed by a repeat evaluation after two weeks following the first assessment. Results The m-RUST score of the 119 X-rays analysed ranged from 8 to 16. The mean score in the first assessment was 11.36±3.51, and in the second assessment was 11.42±3.39. The reliability between all the observers was "substantial agreement" (ICC: 0.74, 95% CI). The ICC among the orthopaedicians was 0.77 and that among the radiologists was 0.72. Conclusion The m-RUST score has potential in other long bone fractures such as femur or humerus. Assessment of the m-RUST score in the healing of infective sequel and bone grafting conditions has been found effective. The m-RUST score is a dependable score in evaluating union in tibia fractures treated by the Ilizarov frame.

Research on reliability mapping of 5G low orbit constellation network slice based on deep reinforcement learning.

Reliability mapping of 5G low orbit constellation network slice is an important means to ensure link network communication. The problem of state space explosion is a typical problem. The deep reinforcement learning method is introduced. Under the 5G low orbit constellation integrated network architecture based on software definition network (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), the resource requirements and resource constraints of the virtual network function (VNF) are comprehensively considered to build the 5G low orbit constellation network slice reliability mapping model, and the reliability mapping model parameters are trained and learned by using deep reinforcement learning, solve the problem of state space explosion in the reliability mapping process of 5G low orbit constellation network slices. In addition, node backup and link backup strategies based on importance are adopted to solve the problem that VNF/link reliability is difficult to meet in the reliability mapping process of 5G low orbit constellation network slice. The experimental results show that this method improves the network throughput, packet loss rate and intra slice traffic of 5G low orbit constellation, and can completely repair network faults within 0.3 s; For different number of 5G low orbit constellation network slicing requests, the reliability of this method remains above 98%; For SFC with different lengths, the average network delay of this method is less than 0.15 s.

Translation, cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Persian version of the Constipation Severity Instrument.

Aim: The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI) and assess its reliability and validity in the Iranian Persian language with chronic functional constipation. Background: Chronic functional constipation is a common complaint characterized by a range of symptoms. The use of a validated tool adapted to the culture is an important part of the treatment process. Methods: CSI was translated into Persian language according to Beaton's guidelines. One hundred and twenty-five patients with chronic functional constipation, according to ROME IV criteria, completed the questionnaires. Face validity was assessed in two qualitative and quantitative forms (impact score), internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the total scores of the CSI and the WCSS. The floor/ ceiling effects of the questionnaire were also assessed. Results: The impact score of all questions was greater than 1.5. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total score was 0.90 and the ICC was 0.90. The total score of the CSI was significantly correlated with the total score of the WCSS (Spearman's p=0.74). No floor/ceiling effects were found. Conclusion: The Persian version of the CSI is a reliable and valid tool that can be used for psychometric evaluation. Clinicians can also benefit from this questionnaire when assessing treatment outcomes in Iranian patients.

Accessible Ecosystem for Clinical Research (Federated Learning for Everyone): Development and Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: The integrity and reliability of clinical research outcomes rely heavily on access to vast amounts of data. However, the fragmented distribution of these data across multiple institutions, along with ethical and regulatory barriers, presents significant challenges to accessing relevant data. While federated learning offers a promising solution to leverage insights from fragmented data sets, its adoption faces hurdles due to implementation complexities, scalability issues, and inclusivity challenges. OBJECTIVE: This paper introduces Federated Learning for Everyone (FL4E), an accessible framework facilitating multistakeholder collaboration in clinical research. It focuses on simplifying federated learning through an innovative ecosystem-based approach. METHODS: The "degree of federation" is a fundamental concept of FL4E, allowing for flexible integration of federated and centralized learning models. This feature provides a customizable solution by enabling users to choose the level of data decentralization based on specific health care settings or project needs, making federated learning more adaptable and efficient. By using an ecosystem-based collaborative learning strategy, FL4E encourages a comprehensive platform for managing real-world data, enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing among its stakeholders. RESULTS: Evaluating FL4E's effectiveness using real-world health care data sets has highlighted its ecosystem-oriented and inclusive design. By applying hybrid models to 2 distinct analytical tasks-classification and survival analysis-within real-world settings, we have effectively measured the "degree of federation" across various contexts. These evaluations show that FL4E's hybrid models not only match the performance of fully federated models but also avoid the substantial overhead usually linked with these models. Achieving this balance greatly enhances collaborative initiatives and broadens the scope of analytical possibilities within the ecosystem. CONCLUSIONS: FL4E represents a significant step forward in collaborative clinical research by merging the benefits of centralized and federated learning. Its modular ecosystem-based design and the "degree of federation" feature make it an inclusive, customizable framework suitable for a wide array of clinical research scenarios, promising to revolutionize the field through improved collaboration and data use. Detailed implementation and analyses are available on the associated GitHub repository.

Turkish version of the resilience scale for young children: Validity and reliability study.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Resilience Scale for Young Children. METHOD: This study used a methodological and descriptive design. The study was conducted with 210 parents of children aged 2-6 years at a Family Health Centre in Sakarya from June 2023 to January 2024. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews via a Descriptive Information Form and the Chinese Resilience Scale for Young Children. Translation processes, expert opinions, and content validity were meticulously addressed. Data analysis was utilized by IBM SPSS Statistics and AMOS 24. RESULT: The mean age of parents was 35.85 ± 6.52 years, and 82.9% of the parents were mothers (n = 174). The item-content validity index (I-CVI) ranged between 0.81 and 0.94, indicating a high level of agreement between the experts. The Cronbach's alpha value for the scale was 0.791. In the exploratory factor analysis, it was determined that the distribution of the items according to the sub-dimensions was consistent with the original scale. Confirmatory factor analysis results are as follows: chi-square/df = 2.395, RMSEA = 0.082, GFI = 0.842, CFI = 0.853, IFI = 0.856, RFI = 0.726, NFI = 0.776 and TLI = 0.820. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the Turkish scale with four sub-dimensions and 16 items is a valid and reliable tool. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended to use the Turkish version of the Resilience Scale for Young Children to assess resilience in children aged 2-6 years.

Development of the Critically Ill Patient Eye Assessment Scale: A study of validity and reliability.

BACKGROUND: Eye care and assessment of the eye are critical for intensive care patients to prevent ocular complications like dry eye and corneal abrasion. However, there is no measurement tool developed for intensive care patients that examines the risks of ocular complications. AIMS: This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable tool, the Critically Ill Patient Eye Assessment Scale (CIPEAS), for assessing the risk of ocular complications and determining the frequency of eye care. STUDY DESIGN: This study is an instrument development study. This methodological study was conducted with 151 intensive care patients in Turkey between March 2022 and March 2023. Data were collected with the Patient Information Form and the CIPEAS. The data were evaluated using SPSS 23 statistical software. AMOS 21 was used to verify the structure obtained with CFA. Exploration and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to determine the scale's factorial structure. RESULTS: As a result of exploratory factor analysis, a six-item scale consisting of a single dimension was obtained, explaining 59.993% of the total variance. The fit indices of the scale were found to be χ2/SD = 2.653, GFI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.075, NFI = 0.949 and CFI = 0.967. Cronbach's alpha of the scale was found to be 0.862. CONCLUSION: The CIPEAS was found to be a valid and reliable assessment tool. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The Critically Ill Patient Eye Assessment Scale is a valid and reliable tool for Turkish society for assessing the risk of ocular complications. It is recommended for various national and international studies with different patients in intensive care units.

Power system transformation in emerging countries: A SWOT/PESTLE analysis approach towards resiliency and reliability.

Most developing countries' electric power system is stressed by an unprecedented demand growth as well as obstacles that call for urgent actions. Therefore, tackling the present-day power-related challenges and ensure dependable and safe electricity may result in improving living conditions. This research aims to comprehend the primary factors that impede power companies in emerging economies and propose ways of addressing them with a focus on Togolese electricity system as a case study., The methodology utilized to study a complex and dynamic system like electricity sector is an integrated model composed of a survey and review of available literature, an interview with energy experts and the SWOT/PESTLE analysis to perform an in-depth and all-encompassing analysis. The study revealed that the electrification poverty was 39.47 % at countrywide level that requires an additional power of 220.95 MW to that of 2021 to achieve 100 % of electricity access by 2030. Moreover, the system's performance is hindered by a number of internal and external bottlenecks. They include but not limited to limitations in policies and regulations; technical difficulties in the transmission, distribution and off-grid subsystems; insufficient investments; and a lack of incentives and taxes rebates. In light of these findings, a model prioritizing a resilient power system was proposed for transforming the outdated power infrastructure in developing countries laying stress upon energy mix planning, transmission and distribution subsectors innovation and effective regional collaboration.

Comparison of case-based and lecture-based learning in dental fluorosis diagnostic ability with visual analog scale assessment.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the impact of case-based learning (CBL) versus lecture-based learning (LBL) on dental students' clinical decision-making regarding DF severity using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scoring. METHODS: Eighty first-year graduate dental students were randomly assigned to either the CBL (n = 38) or LBL (n = 42) groups. Both groups received instruction on DF diagnosis, with CBL involving small group sessions analyzing real cases and LBL involving traditional lectures. Effectiveness was assessed by presenting 32 dental fluorosis cases with Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index (TSIF) scores ranging from 0 to 7 through slide presentations to both groups for VAS assessment. Five evaluators of each group randomly selected were asked to repeat the rating 2 weeks later. Statistical analysis included two-way ANOVA for group and gender differences, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for reliability, and Spearman correlation coefficients for validity. RESULTS: Variations in VAS scores were observed between CBL and LBL groups, with no significant gender impact. Excellent inter- and intra-evaluator agreement was found for VAS scoring in both groups, indicating its reliability. Validation against established indices (such as DI and TSIF) demonstrated strong correlations, with CBL students exhibiting higher correlations. CONCLUSIONS: CBL enhances students' clinical decision-making and proficiency in DF diagnosis, as evidenced by more consistent and accurate VAS scoring compared to LBL. These findings highlight the importance of innovative educational strategies in dental curricula, with implications for improving training quality and clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at the Clinical Research Center, Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University (Registration code: HGGC-036).

Examining the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the proactive coping scale in nursing students: A methodological study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to use the "PROACTIVE Coping Scale" to adapt the scale to Turkish culture, to determine its validity and reliability in a sample of undergraduate nursing students, and to evaluate the proactive coping levels of nursing students. BACKGROUND: Proactive coping skills are very important for nursing students to cope effectively with various stressors that they may encounter both in their academic lives and in their future professional lives. There are no valid and reliable instruments for measuring the proactive coping levels of nursing students in Turkey. METHODS: The present study is a descriptive and methodological study. Research data were collected between 01.12.2023 and 01.01.2024 via face-to-face interviews. The study was completed by 272 nursing students who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. In the analysis of the data, number/percentage, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient methods were used. RESULTS: The scale structure was confirmed with 19 items and 4 factors. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of the PROACTIVE Coping Scale was found to be 0.816. The scale explains 67.17% of the total variance, and item correlation values vary between 0.263 and 0.650. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the PROACTIVE Coping Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the proactive coping levels of nursing students.

Psychometric testing of the training needs for advance care planning scale for clinicians and nurses.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that Chinese Clinicians and nurses have positive attitudes toward ACP, but no local tools exist to assess their need for ACP knowledge and skills training. resulting in their inability to initiate ACP conversations as well as poor end-of-life care for patients. Therefore, this study aims to assess the needs of Chinese Clinicians and nurses for ACP knowledge and skills training and assess the validity and reliability of a questionnaire on the Training Needs for Advance Care Planning (TNACP) scale. METHODS: From October to November 2021, 170 clinicians and nurses were pre-surveyed using a preliminary draft of the questionnaire. The responses were screened using item analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to describe the internal consistency and stability of the questionnaire. The Content validity index (CVI), Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test the validity of the questionnaire. RESULTS: After independent samples t-test analysis, Except for the entry "A2", the critical ratio between the two groups of the remaining 23 items was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the above screening methods, the "A2" item was deleted, and the final number of questionnaire items was 23. The I-CVI was 0.79-1.00, and the S-CVI/Ave was 0.90. Three common factors were extracted-the cumulative contribution rate was 69.969%, and the factor loading of all items was 0.506-0.843 (all > 0.40). The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the Training Needs for Advance Care Planning (TNACP) scale model fit well(X2/df = 2.504, RMSEA = 0.092, GFI = 0.809, AGFI = 0.745, CFI = 0.931, IFI = 0.932, TLI = 0.916); the Cronbach's α = 0.888 for the total questionnaire, and the three dimensions of Cronbach's α were 0.729 to 0.959; and the ICC for the overall scores between the test-retest evaluations was 0.884 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The TNACP scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to assess Chinese Clinicians and nurses' training needs for implementing ACP.

Comparing the reliability of physical activity questionnaires in community-dwelling adults with stroke.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is important for people with stroke, but the reliability of PA questionnaires used in this population has been relatively unexplored. OBJECTIVE: To compare the internal consistency, test-retest, and absolute reliability of 3 commonly used PA questionnaires in adults with stroke. METHODS: Participants reported their PA levels twice, 2-3 days apart, using the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) were calculated for test-retest reliability, Cronbach's alpha (α) for internal consistency, and standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) for absolute reliability. RESULTS: Twenty-eight people (64.4 years, 50% female, 5.2 years post-stroke) participated. Internal consistency was acceptable for total scores on the IPAQ (α = 0.79) and GPAQ (α = 0.74), but only domain-level scores for the GPAQ (α = 0.71-0.88). In the full sample, test-retest reliability was good for the PASIPD (ICC2,1 = 0.83) but poor for the IPAQ and GPAQ (ICC2,1 <0.50). After excluding participants self-reporting true changes in PA, all questionnaires had good test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.77-0.88). SEM and MDC95 were lowest for the PASIPD (188.8 and 523.3 MET-minutes/week, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In adults with stroke, the IPAQ and GPAQ had adequate total-questionnaire internal consistency, and the GPAQ had acceptable domain-level internal consistency. When true change in PA did not occur, test-retest reliability was good for all questionnaires. We suggest clinicians and rehabilitation scientists can use any of the three questionnaires, but may consider the GPAQ due to acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

Test-Retest Reliability of Tone Burst-Induced 500 Hz Air-Conduction Masseter Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential in Healthy Individuals.

Background and Objectives: : Masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potential (mVEMP) is a newly developed tool which is used to assess the vestibulo-trigeminal neural and saccular functioning pathways. Recently, this test was added to a full test battery for evaluating the brainstem of people with neurological disorders and other vestibular diseases. For any test to qualify as a standard test, the test must have high reliability across all testing windows. Hence, the present study focused on validating the reliability of mVEMP in a large population. Subjects and Methods: : The study included 50 healthy participants with normal hearing. All the participants were tested using mVEMP and underwent retest within a month after the initial test. All parameters (latencies, peak-to-peak amplitude, asymmetric ratio) were observed for both sessions. To determine the statistically significant differences between and across the sessions, non-parametric tests such as Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used. Results: : The test-retest reliability of all parameters were observed. The reliability was fair-to-good for P11 and N21 latencies. The other parameters showed less significance. There were no significant differences in sex and ear comparisons between and across the sessions. Conclusions: : Our study demonstrated that the mVEMP is a reliable test which can be used to assess peripheral vestibular system dysfunction and neurological conditions.

Reliability and variability of pressure reactivity index (prx) during oscillatory pattern in arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injured patients.

Introduction: Pressure reactivity index (PRx) is used for continuous monitoring of cerebrovascular reactivity in traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, PRx has a noisy character. Oscillations in arterial blood pressure (ABP) introduced by cyclic positive end-expiratory pressure adjustment, can make PRx more reliable. However, if oscillations are introduced by the cycling process of an anti-decubitus-mattress the effect on PRx is confounding, as they affect directly also intracranial pressure (ICP). In our routine monitoring in TBI patients we noticed periods of highly regular, slow, spontaneous oscillations in ABP and ICP signals. Research question: We set out to explore the nature of these oscillations and establish if PRx remains reliable during the oscillations. Materials and methods: 10 TBI patients' recordings with oscillations in ICP and ABP were analysed. We computed PRx, PRx variability (hourly-average of standard-deviation, SD), phase-shift and coherence between ABP and ICP in the slow frequency range. Metrics were compared between oscillation and peri-oscillation periods. Results: During oscillations (frequency 0.006 ± 0.002Hz), a significantly lower variability of PRx (SD 0.185vs0.242) and higher coherence ABP-ICP (0.618 ± 0.09 vs 0.534 ± 0.09) were observed. No external oscillations sources could be identified. 34 out of 48 events showed signs of 'active' transmission associated with negative PRx, indicating a potential positive impact on PRx reliability. Discussion and conclusions: Spontaneous oscillations observed in ABP and ICP signals were found to enhance rather than confound PRx reliability. Further research is warranted to elucidate the nature of these oscillations and develop strategies to leverage them for enhancing PRx reliability in TBI monitoring.

Reliability and validity of "My Jump 2" application for countermovement jump free arm and interlimb jump symmetry in different sports of professional athletes.

Background: Vertical jumping is an important evaluation tool to measure muscle strength and power as well as lower limb symmetry. It is of practical importance and value to develop and utilize a portable and low-cost mobile application (APP) to evaluate jumping. The "My Jump 2" app is an iPhone camera-based application for measuring jumping movements, which is applied to the countermovement jump (CMJ) vertical jumps of the lower limbs of athletes in different sports. The validity of this application and previous versions applied to different forms of vertical jump tests has been preliminarily demonstrated in different population, which has an obvious progress in research. Therefore, the reliability and validity of the jump height, time of flight parameters and symmetry of the CMJ vertical jump of athletes in different sports are needed to be verified by more experiments. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to verify whether "My Jump 2" can effectively and reliably assess jump height, flight practice and lower limb symmetry in CMJAM (countermovement jump free arm) tests in fencing, swimming and diving athletes. Methods: Seventy-nine fencers, swimmers and divers with training experience participated in this study. They completed a total of three CMJAM vertical jump and lower limb symmetry tests in 1 day, while being assessed by using the "My Jump 2" application and a force platform. The intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify reliability, while the Cronbach's alpha and coefficient of variation (CV%) was used to analyze the stability of the CMJAM vertical jump test over three jumps. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to verify the strength of the relationship between methods (i.e., concurrent validity), and the Bland-Altman plot was used to represent consistency, meanwhile, the t-test was used to determine the systematic bias between methods. Results: Compared with the force platform, the cumulative height values of the total number of jumps (r = 0.999; p = 0.000), the cumulative time to vacate (r = 0.999; p = 0.000) for the CMJAM test obtained by the "My Jump 2" application, the height (ICC = 0.999-1, p = 0.000), the time to vacate flight (ICC = 0.999-1, p = 0.000), contact time symmetry (ICC = 0.976-0.994, p = 0.000), and flight time symmetry (ICC = 0.921-0.982, p = 0.000), respectively. Showed high correlation between the results of "my jump 2" app and the force platform. Conclusion: The "My Jump 2" application is a valid tool to assess CMJAM vertical jump and lower limb symmetry in fencing, swimming and diving athletes with training experience.