Validity and reliability of field-based measures for assessing movement skill competency in lifelong physical activities: a systematic review

Background: It has been suggested that young people should develop competence in a variety of ‘lifelong physical activities’ to ensure that they can be active across the lifespan. Objective: The primary aim of this systematic review is to report the methodological properties, validity, reliability, and test duration of field-based measures that assess movement skill competency in lifelong physical activities. A secondary aim was to clearly define those characteristics unique to lifelong physical activities. Data Sources: A search of four electronic databases (Scopus, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, and PubMed) was conducted between June 2014 and April 2015 with no date restrictions. Study Selection: Studies addressing the validity and/or reliability of lifelong physical activity tests were reviewed. Included articles were required to assess lifelong physical activities using process-oriented measures, as well as report either one type of validity or reliability. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: Assessment criteria for methodological quality were adapted from a checklist used in a previous review of sport skill outcome assessments. Results: Movement skill assessments for eight different lifelong physical activities (badminton, cycling, dance, golf, racquetball, resistance training, swimming, and tennis) in 17 studies were identified for inclusion. Methodological quality, validity, reliability, and test duration (time to assess a single participant), for each article were assessed. Moderate to excellent reliability results were found in 16 of 17 studies, with 71 % reporting inter-rater reliability and 41 % reporting intra-rater reliability. Only four studies in this review reported test–retest reliability. Ten studies reported validity results; content validity was cited in 41 % of these studies. Construct validity was reported in 24 % of studies, while criterion validity was only reported in 12 % of studies. Limitations: Numerous assessments for lifelong physical activities may exist, yet only assessments for eight lifelong physical activities were included in this review. Generalizability of results may be more applicable if more heterogeneous samples are used in future research. Conclusion: Moderate to excellent levels of inter- and intra-rater reliability were reported in the majority of studies. However, future work should look to establish test–retest reliability. Validity was less commonly reported than reliability, and further types of validity other than content validity need to be established in future research. Specifically, predictive validity of ‘lifelong physical activity’ movement skill competency is needed to support the assertion that such activities provide the foundation for a lifetime of activity.

Validity and reliability of a voice-recognition game analysis system for field sports

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of observers to use voice-recognition analysis to accurately classify gait transitions and quantify gait durations typical of team games. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability was also determined. Four males were filmed performing pre-determined gait protocols, each comprising different sequences of walking, jogging. running and sprinting. Two operators independently classified gait transitions and the time spent in each gait was determined by the voice recognition system. All gait modes as measured by trained observers demonstrated statistically significant correlations (p<O.O I) to predetermined measurement criteria. The mean absolute error for all gait transitions was less than half a second (0.32-0.36 5) with the maximum percentage error being approximately 4% for the walk, jog and run gaits and 10% for sprinting. Gait classification error was low at 1-9%. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was consistently high ranging from r =' 0.87 to 0.99. In conclusion, observers using voice-recognition software provided valid measures of time spent in each of the four gait categories with 90% or better accuracy achieved.

Extending construction linkage measures by the consideration of the impact of capital

Construction linkage is a well-established research field. However, a significant limitation in previous linkage research is that the flow of capital goods is not addressed. Using the OECD input-output tables, this research first generates a new input-output model considering capital as an intermediate factor. Using the new model, the construction linkages are recalculated and investigated in order to evaluate further the role of construction in national economies. The findings verify that traditional construction linkages were extremely underestimated in previous research. Furthermore, the effect of capital on construction shows a declining trend over the examined period. After considering the effect of capital, most values and rankings of backward and forward linkages show a decreasing trend, which confirms the declining role of the construction sector with economic maturity.

The effects of clustered data on standard error estimates in covariance structure analysis : a field data application

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to present an empirical analysis of complex sample data with regard to the biasing effect of non-independence of observations on standard error parameter estimates. Using field data structured in the form of repeated measurements it is to be shown, in a two-factor confirmatory factor analysis model, how the bias in SE can be derived when the non-independence is ignored.

Design/methodology/approach – Three estimation procedures are compared: normal asymptotic theory (maximum likelihood); non-parametric standard error estimation (naïve bootstrap); and sandwich (robust covariance matrix) estimation (pseudo-maximum likelihood).

Findings – The study reveals that, when using either normal asymptotic theory or non-parametric standard error estimation, the SE bias produced by the non-independence of observations can be noteworthy.

Research limitations/implications – Considering the methodological constraints in employing field data, the three analyses examined must be interpreted independently and as a result taxonomic generalisations are limited. However, the study still provides “case study” evidence suggesting the existence of the relationship between non-independence of observations and standard error bias estimates.

Originality/value – Given the increasing popularity of structural equation models in the social sciences and in particular in the marketing discipline, the paper provides a theoretical and practical insight into how to treat repeated measures and clustered data in general, adding to previous methodological research. Some conclusions and suggestions for researchers who make use of partial least squares modelling are also drawn.

Security networks in the field of counter-terrorism in Australia

This thesis examines networks as a means of organising counter-terrorism in Australia and the conditions that promote the effectiveness of security networks. It presents a framework for analysing network dynamics and network effectiveness in this field that can assist researchers to better understand networks and practitioners to better manage networks.

Comparison of functional mobility performance with clinical vision measures in simulated Retinitis Pigmentosa

Simulations of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) under various conditions of retinal illuminance were designed and investigated in order that they might be used in the mobility training of clients with early RP. Goggles incorporating a 2.5 neutral density (ND) filter with a 0.5-mm diameter pinhole were found to be a potentially useful simulation device for this purpose. This investigation also compared mobility performance with clinical vision measures under photopic, mesopic, and scotopic conditions of retinal illuminance. Although none of the clinical vision measures we used was entirely predictive of mobility performance, some measures were better predictors than others. For a severe constriction of the visual field and decreasing retinal illuminance, both edge contrast sensitivity and visual acuity, measured outdoors, accounted for a greater proportion of the variance in mobility performance than did low contrast visual acuity measured under the same circumstances. The same clinical vision measures, taken in-doors, were of no value in predicting outdoor mobility performance.

Are voluntary wheel running and open-field behavior correlated in mice? Different answers from comparative and artificial selection approaches

Voluntary wheel running and open-field behavior are probably the two most widely used measures of locomotion in laboratory rodents. We tested whether these two behaviors are correlated in mice using two approaches: the phylogenetic comparative method using inbred strains of mice and an ongoing artificial selection experiment on voluntary wheel running. After taking into account the measurement error and phylogenetic relationships among inbred strains, we obtained a significant positive correlation between distance run on wheels and distance moved in the open-field for both sexes. Thigmotaxis was negatively correlated with distance run on wheels in females but not in males. By contrast, mice from four replicate lines bred for high wheel running did not differ in either distance covered or thigmotaxis in the open field as compared with mice from four non-selected control lines. Overall, results obtained in the selection experiment were generally opposite to those observed among inbred strains. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.

Field-testing of the rapid assessment of disability questionnaire

The Rapid Assessment of Disability (RAD) questionnaire measures the magnitude and impact of disability and aims to inform the design of disability inclusive development programs. This paper reports the psychometric evaluation of the RAD.

Evaluation of the Test-mate ChE (cholinesterase) field kit in acute organophosphorus poisoning

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Measurement of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is recommended in the management of organophosphorus poisoning, which results in 200,000 deaths worldwide annually. The Test-mate ChE 400 is a portable field kit designed for detecting occupational organophosphorus exposure that measures RBC AChE and plasma cholinesterase (PChE) within 4 minutes. We evaluate Test-mate against a reference laboratory test in patients with acute organophosphorus self-poisoning. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional comparison study of 14 patients with acute organophosphorus poisoning between May 2007 and June 2008. RBC AChE and PChE were measured in 96 and 91 samples, respectively, with the Test-mate ChE field kit and compared with a reference laboratory, using the limits of agreement method (Bland and Altman), κ statistics, and Spearman's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: There was good agreement between the Test-mate ChE and the reference laboratory for RBC AChE. The mean difference (Test-mate-reference) was -0.62 U/g hemoglobin, 95% limits of agreement -10.84 to 9.59 U/g hemoglobin. Good agreement was also observed between the categories of mild, moderate, and severe RBC AChE inhibition (weighted κ 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83 to 0.87). Measurement of PChE also showed good agreement, with a mean difference (Test-mate-reference) of +0.06 U/mL blood, 95% limits of agreement -0.41 to 0.53 U/mL blood. Spearman's correlation coefficients were 0.87 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.91) for RBC AChE and 0.76 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.84) for PChE. Analysis for within-subject correlation of subjects did not change the limits of agreement. CONCLUSION: The Test-mate ChE field kit reliably provides rapid measurement of RBC AChE in acute organophosphorus poisoning.

A systematic evaluation of field-based screening methods for the assessment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk

BACKGROUND: Laboratory-based measures provide an accurate method to identify risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; however, these methods are generally prohibitive to the wider community. Screening methods that can be completed in a field or clinical setting may be more applicable for wider community use. Examination of field-based screening methods for ACL injury risk can aid in identifying the most applicable method(s) for use in these settings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare field-based screening methods for ACL injury risk to determine their efficacy of use in wider community settings. DATA SOURCES: An electronic database search was conducted on the SPORTDiscus™, MEDLINE, AMED and CINAHL databases (January 1990-July 2015) using a combination of relevant keywords. A secondary search of the same databases, using relevant keywords from identified screening methods, was also undertaken. STUDY SELECTION: Studies identified as potentially relevant were independently examined by two reviewers for inclusion. Where consensus could not be reached, a third reviewer was consulted. Original research articles that examined screening methods for ACL injury risk that could be undertaken outside of a laboratory setting were included for review. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of included studies. Included studies were categorized according to the screening method they examined. A description of each screening method, and data pertaining to the ability to prospectively identify ACL injuries, validity and reliability, recommendations for identifying 'at-risk' athletes, equipment and training required to complete screening, time taken to screen athletes, and applicability of the screening method across sports and athletes were extracted from relevant studies. RESULTS: Of 1077 citations from the initial search, a total of 25 articles were identified as potentially relevant, with 12 meeting all inclusion/exclusion criteria. From the secondary search, eight further studies met all criteria, resulting in 20 studies being included for review. Five ACL-screening methods-the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), Clinic-Based Algorithm, Observational Screening of Dynamic Knee Valgus (OSDKV), 2D-Cam Method, and Tuck Jump Assessment-were identified. There was limited evidence supporting the use of field-based screening methods in predicting ACL injuries across a range of populations. Differences relating to the equipment and time required to complete screening methods were identified. LIMITATIONS: Only screening methods for ACL injury risk were included for review. Field-based screening methods developed for lower-limb injury risk in general may also incorporate, and be useful in, screening for ACL injury risk. CONCLUSIONS: Limited studies were available relating to the OSDKV and 2D-Cam Method. The LESS showed predictive validity in identifying ACL injuries, however only in a youth athlete population. The LESS also appears practical for community-wide use due to the minimal equipment and set-up/analysis time required. The Clinic-Based Algorithm may have predictive value for ACL injury risk as it identifies athletes who exhibit high frontal plane knee loads during a landing task, but requires extensive additional equipment and time, which may limit its application to wider community settings.

Evaluation of three field monitoring-density estimation protocols and their relevance to Komodo dragon conservation

Finding practical ways to robustly estimate abundance or density trends in threatened species is a key facet for effective conservation management. Further identifying less expensive monitoring methods that provide adequate data for robust population density estimates can facilitate increased investment into other conservation initiatives needed for species recovery. Here we evaluated and compared inference-and cost-effectiveness criteria for three field monitoring-density estimation protocols to improve conservation activities for the threatened Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). We undertook line-transect counts, cage trapping and camera monitoring surveys for Komodo dragons at 11 sites within protected areas in Eastern Indonesia to collect data to estimate density using distance sampling methods or the Royle-Nichols abundance induced heterogeneity model. Distance sampling estimates were considered poor due to large confidence intervals, a high coefficient of variation and that false absences were obtained in 45 % of sites where other monitoring methods detected lizards present. The Royle-Nichols model using presence/absence data obtained from cage trapping and camera monitoring produced highly correlated density estimates, obtained similar measures of precision and recorded no false absences in data collation. However because costs associated with camera monitoring were considerably less than cage trapping methods, albeit marginally more expensive than distance sampling, better inference from this method is advocated for ongoing population monitoring of Komodo dragons. Further the cost-savings achieved by adopting this field monitoring method could facilitate increased expenditure on alternative management strategies that could help address current declines in two Komodo dragon populations.