• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.107-111
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• 2020

The present study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of subjective visual horizontal (SVH) testing when tested with solid and dotted line images. In this repeated measures study, 36 healthy young Malaysian adults (mean age=23.3±2.3 years, 17 males and 19 females) were enrolled. All of them were healthy and had no hearing, vestibular, balance, or vision problems. The SVH angles were recorded from each participant in an upright body position using a computerized device. They were asked to report their horizontality perception for solid and dotted line images (in the presence of a static black background). After 1 week, the SVH procedure was repeated. The test-retest reliability of SVH was found to be good for both solid line [intraclass correlation (ICC)=0.80] and dotted line (ICC=0.78). As revealed by Bland-Altman plots, for each visual image, the agreements of SVH between the two sessions were within the clinically accepted criteria (±2°). The SVH testing was found to be temporally reliable, which can be clinically beneficial. Both solid and dotted lines in the SVH testing are reliable to be used among young adults.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.196-201
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• 2022

Objective: This prospective consecutive study investigated the variation in sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in multiple semen samples from patients with cancer. Methods: Eighty-one patients with various cancers underwent multiple semen collections on 3 consecutive days for sperm cryopreservation prior to cancer treatment. A commercial Halosperm kit was used to measure SDF. Within- and between-subject coefficients of variation were estimated via random-effects analysis of variance to assess the consistency of semen parameters and SDF. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the magnitude of the between-subject component of variance relative to the total variance. Results: The volume of semen in the day-2 and day-3 samples was significantly lower compared with the day-1 sample. Most parameters showed high ICC values, suggesting that within-subject fluctuations were small relative to the between-subject variability. The highest ICC values were identified for the SDF (ICC, 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.84) and semen volume (ICC, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.45-0.84). Conclusion: Our findings showed that repeated ejaculates from patients with cancer had stable SDF levels.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.107-111
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• 2020

The present study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of subjective visual horizontal (SVH) testing when tested with solid and dotted line images. In this repeated measures study, 36 healthy young Malaysian adults (mean age=23.3±2.3 years, 17 males and 19 females) were enrolled. All of them were healthy and had no hearing, vestibular, balance, or vision problems. The SVH angles were recorded from each participant in an upright body position using a computerized device. They were asked to report their horizontality perception for solid and dotted line images (in the presence of a static black background). After 1 week, the SVH procedure was repeated. The test-retest reliability of SVH was found to be good for both solid line [intraclass correlation (ICC)=0.80] and dotted line (ICC=0.78). As revealed by Bland-Altman plots, for each visual image, the agreements of SVH between the two sessions were within the clinically accepted criteria (±2°). The SVH testing was found to be temporally reliable, which can be clinically beneficial. Both solid and dotted lines in the SVH testing are reliable to be used among young adults.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.93-101
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• 2023

PURPOSE: The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC) index has been used to measure the outcome of total knee replacement (TKR), but studies on its reliability and validity are limited. The present study examined the reliability and validity of this index for patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent TKR. METHODS: Seventy-one inpatients and outpatients who underwent bilateral TKR for knee osteoarthritis were included in this study. The pain assessment scale and WOMAC index were used to evaluate the participants every two weeks to examine the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability scores for pain, stiffness, and physical function were .75-.92, .85-.90, and .75-.95, respectively. The corresponding intraclass correlation coefficients were .75-.88, .76-.88, and .71-.95, respectively. The internal consistency score in the first and second examinations was .92. Furthermore, the construct validity scores for pain, stiffness, and physical function were .83, .41, and .58, respectively. CONCLUSION: The application of the WOMAC index in patients who underwent TKR showed high test-retest reliability and internal consistency with the use of the WOMAC index and good validity with the use of the pain assessment scale.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.251-258
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• 2023

Objective: The practice of breathing exercises involves altering the depth and frequency of respiration. Strengthening respiratory muscles plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The efficiency of the respiratory system affects not only physical activity but also various physiological processes including cardiovascular health, lung function, and cognitive abilities. The study evaluated the reliability of the developed device for inspiratory/expiratory training using pressure sensors and Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone application. Design: Design & development research Methods: The research methodology involved connecting a custom-made respiratory sensor to an IMT-PEP BIC Breath device. Various pressure conditions were measured, and statistical analyses were performed to assess reliability and consistency. Results showed high Intraclass Coefficient Correlation (ICC) values for both inspiratory and expiratory pressures, indicating strong test-retest reliability. The device was designed for ease of use and wireless monitoring through a smartphone app. Results: This study conducted at expiratory pressure confirmed the proper operation of the IMT/PEP breathing trainer at the specified pressure setting in the product. The pressure sensor demonstrated high test-retest reliability with an ICC value of 0.999 for both expiratory and inspiratory pressure measurements. Conclusions: The developed respiratory training device measured and monitored inspiratory and expiratory pressures, demonstrating its reliability for respiratory training. The system could be utilized to record training frequency and intensity, providing potential benefits for patients requiring respiratory interventions. Further research is needed to assess the full potential of the device in diverse populations and applications.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.144-151
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the repeatability of the electrical measurement of taste detection on different dates and in different sessions in healthy young females. Methods: The sites of electrical stimulation were the tip of the tongue, the posterolateral border of the tongue and the soft palate on the right side unilaterally. The measurements were repeated over three consecutive days, three sessions per day and three times for each session in seventeen healthy females. The repeatability of the measurement was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: In the dB unit, the ICC of the tip of the tongue and the soft palate was good (61.03 and 66.03, respectively); however, the lateral border of the tongue was a little lower (58.07). In the ㎂ unit, all three test sites had poor ICC. Variability was more significantly associated with the subject factor than with other factors such as trials, sessions and days in dB and ㎂ units. Conclusions: Electrogustometry, which measures electrical taste detection thresholds in the dB unit, is repeatable and acceptable for clinical use in assessing taste function in healthy young females.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.540-548
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Colorectal polyps are removed to prevent progression to colorectal cancer. Polyp size is an important factor for risk stratification of malignant transformation. Endoscopic size estimation correlates poorly with pathological reports and several factors have been suggested to influence size estimation. We aimed to gain insight into the factors influencing endoscopic polyp size estimation. Methods: Images of polyps in an artificial model were obtained at 1, 3, and 5 cm from the colonoscope's tip. Participants were asked to estimate the diameter and volume of each polyp. Results: Fifteen endoscopists from three large-volume centers participated in this study. With an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-0.71) for diameter and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.50-0.62) for volume. Polyp size estimated at 3 cm from the colonoscope's tip yielded the best results. A lower distance between the tip and the polyp was associated with a larger estimated polyp size. Conclusions: Correct endoscopic estimation of polyp size remains challenging. This finding can affect size estimation skills and future training programs for endoscopists.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.43-53
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• 2017

Purpose : To examine the relative absolute reliability and validity of step test (ST) scores in subjects with chronic stroke. Method : A total of 27 stroke patients, participated in the study. A relative reliability index (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) was used to examine the level of agreement of inter-rater test-retest reliability for ST score. Absolute reliability indices, including the standard error of measurement(SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC), and limits of agreement by Bland and Altman analysis. The validity was demonstrated by spearman correlation of ST score with 10 m Walk Test (10mWT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower/Extremity (FMA-L/E)-total score, Berg Balance Scale (BBS)-total score. Result : An excellent inter-rater reliability in ST scores was found (paretic, ICC=0.993~0.996; nonparetic, ICC=0.982~0.991). In addition, excellent test-retest reliability was found (paretic, ICC=0.992; nonparetic, ICC=0.967). It all showed acceptable SEM of the ST score as paretic and nonparetic were 0.22 and 0.46 respectively (average score <10 %), and the MDC of the paretic and nonparetic were 0.61 and 1.27 respectively (possible highest score <20 %). indicating that measures had a small and acceptable measurement error. The ST score of paretic and nonparetic were also found to be significantly associated with 10MWT (r=0.77~0.79), FMA-LE scores (r=0.73~0.81) and BBS scores (r=0.72~0.76). Conclusion : The ST showed highly sufficient Inter-rater test-retest agreement and validity and acceptable measurement errors caused by due to chance variation in measurement. It also can be used by clinicians and researchers to assess the balance and mobility performance and monitor functional change in chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.117-126
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to develop a badge-type passive sampler for the measurement of short-term nitrogen dioxide and to evaluate its performance. The principle of the method is a colorimetric reaction of nitrogen dioxide with sulfanilic acid, N-1-naphthylethylendiamine, and phosphoric acid. First, it has been shown that the filter paper should be rinsed with ultrapure water and ultrasound, and then dried in a vacuumed desiccator. The concentration and volume of absorption reagent (triethanolamine) were $20\%$ and 100 ${\mu}L$, respectively. The extraction time was determined as 60 min. Second, duplicate measurements (n= 116) were carried out for evaluating the precision of the passive sampler. The relative error and the correlation coefficient between duplicates are $3.4\pm 3.0\%$ and 0.994, respectively. In addition, the $95\%$ confidence interval of intraclass correlation coefficient and the estimated value are 0.992$\sim$0.996 and 0.994, respectively. Third, a paired t-test was carried out for evaluating the accuracy of the passive sampler (n=40). In the result of the test, the $95\%$ confidence interval of the difference was -1.710 ppb <$\gamma$< 0.788 ppb. Finally, the average concentration of blanks, measurement detection limit, limit of detection, and limit of quantification are $2.4\pm 0.4$ ppb, 104 ppb, 3.8 ppb, and 7.0 ppb, respectively.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.232-242
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop a Korean version of the pediatric functional muscle test (K-PFMT) for children with motor developmental disorders, and to verify its reliability and validity. Methods: The subjects were 40 children, aged below 5 years. Each was scored on the K-PFMT by 14 physical therapists to determine inter-rater reliability and internal consistency. Additionally, 3 of the 14 therapists tested 20 children again one or two weeks later to determine test-retest reliability. The internal consistency was calculated by Cronbach's alpha. The inter-rater and test-retest reliability were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). One-way ANOVA and the paired t-test were used to compare differences among the three evaluator groups and between the test and retest group. Concurrent validity was evaluated by Pearson's correlation with a total score of GMFM. Results: Chronbach's alpha was over 0.98 for each test item and 0.99 for the total items. There was no significant differences in the score of K-PFMT among the three evaluator groups except for a few items. The test-retest ICC was from 0.89 to 1.00 and from 0.82 to 1.00, respectively. There was no significant difference between the test and retest group, except for a few items. There were high significant correlations between K-PFMT and GMFM. Conclusion: This study showed that a K-PFMT with relatively high reliability and validity was successfully developed. The K-PFMT will be a useful tool for measurement of muscle strength of children with motor developmental disorder.