• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.231-239
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of interpretation and reproducibility of a pulse analyser (MAXMAC27-Plus). Methods : 38 of 40 volunteers completed the pulse analysis consecutively. Three Korean medical doctors who had at least 2 years of clinical experience interpreted the pulse waves for 3 aspects of size, depth and shape, then inter-rater reliability and crude agreement was obtained. Reinterpretation was done 2 weeks later and intra-rater reliability and crude agreement was obtained. Intra-rater reliability and crude agreement between 1st and 2nd measurement was calculated. Cohen's weighted kappa for size, Cohen's kappa for depth and shape were used as statistical analysis. Results : Inter-rater reliability of size, depth and shape among 3 raters was 0.598, 0.604, and 0.312, respectively, showing moderate to substantial agreement. Average intra-rater reliability between 1st and 2nd interpretation of size, depth and shape was 0.806, 0.705, and 0.638, respectively, showing substantial to almost perfect agreement. However, intra-rater reliability between consecutive measurements of size, depth and shape was 0.221, 0.121, and 0.194, respectively, which showed only poor to fair agreement. Conclusions : Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of one pulse wave showed relatively high concordance. Training by a clinical expert may effect better concordance among raters. Test-retest reliability showed poor agreement. Improvement of measurement technique and device performance will be needed.

• KIEAE Journal
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.69-75
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• 2012

Developing reliable measures of the environment is important to increase our understanding of the environmental effects on walking among seniors. As a preliminary study for developing an instrument for measuring walkability of seniors' environment, the purpose of this study are to identify important assessment indicators associated with seniors' walking and to test their reliability using inter-rater and intra-rater reliability methods. A set of assessment indicators was identified through literature review, and field studies by trained raters were conducted in three senior centers located in Seongnam area in order to test reliability of the audit tool. The results indicated high percent agreement for most indicators and overall 91.6% and 86.1% of items assessed had good or medium inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, respectively. The reliable assessment indicators would provide reliable data for use in community-based audits of built environment in relation to walking among older adults. The findings showed that the indicators of aesthetics had lower reliability compare to safety, convenience, and access. Rater training with various images would improve rater agreement while reduce rater bias.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.73-79
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• 2014

The purposes of the current study were to (1) estimate the inter-rater agreement for visual assessment of scapular downward rotation (SDR), (2) develop the scapular downward rotation index (SDRI) as a method to measure SDR objectively and quantitatively, and (3) analyze the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the SDRI. Twenty subjects with scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS) were recruited for this study. The visual assessment and the measurement for the SDRI were conducted by two examiners in two sessions each. The SDRI [$(a-b){\div}a{\times}100$] is calculated with the measurement of two linear distances: One is a perpendicular distance from the root of the scapular spine to the thoracic mid-line (a), and the other is a perpendicular distance from the inferior angle of the scapula to the thoracic mid-line (b). Cohen's kappa coefficient was calculated to estimate the inter-rater agreement for visual assessment. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), the standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable differences were calculated to assess intra- and inter-rater reliability of SDR measurement using the SDRI. The results indicated that the kappa coefficient of inter-rater agreement for visual assessment was fair (${\kappa}=.21$). The intra-rater reliability of SDR measurement using the SDRI was excellent for examiner 1 (ICC=.92, 95% CI=.78~.97) and good for examiner 2 (ICC=.82, 95% CI=.55~.93). The inter-rater reliability was moderate (ICC=.73, 95% CI=.32~.89). These findings showed that SDR measurement using the SDRI for subjects with SDRS may be considered reliable and better than the visual assessment.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.311-314
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• 2015

Purpose: This study attempted to determine intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for measurement of foot form using the FPI-6 (Foot Posture Index) in patients with hemiplegia caused by stroke. Methods: Twenty two stroke patients were recruited into the research and their foot posture was evaluated using the FPI. Two raters assessed 6 items sequentially in accordance with the FPI-6 manual. This procedure involved asking the subject to take several steps in-place, prior to settling into a comfortable stance position with double limb support. Subjects were instructed to stand still with their arms by their sides and look straight ahead. FPI-6 values ranged from -2 to +2 for each of the six criteria and from -12 to +12 for the total score, indicating a position for each foot either along the supinated (negative score) to pronated (more than +6) continuum of foot posture. Results: The results showed that intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for a total FPI-6 score was high: 0.807-0.888. An almost perfect agreement between the two raters was identified in the foot's morphological classification (Somer's D=0.712; p<0.05). Intra-percentage agreement was high (88.6%). Conclusion: The FPI-6 is a quick, simple, and reliable clinical tool with demonstrated good to excellent intra-rater reliability and good inter-rater reliability when used in assessment of the stroke patient's foot.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.10-18
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• 2013

Objectives : We performed a pilot study to investigate inter- and intra-rater reliability of pattern identification using nasal endoscopy for allergic rhinitis(AR). Methods : Eight experts of ophthalmology, otolaryngology and dermatology of Korean medicine evaluated 20 nasal endoscopy photograph cases of AR patients with pattern identification index using nasal endoscopy for AR including the nasal membrane color(pale / hyperemia), nasal membrane humidity(dryness / dampness), rhinorrhea(watery / yellow), and membrane edema (atrophic / edematous) on nasal endoscopy. Results : Intra-rater agreement(%) and Kappa coefficient was generally from 'moderate' to 'good'(% agreement: 73.13-90% / Kappa coefficient: 0.547-0.748). Inter-rater agreement(%) and Kappa coefficient was also from 'moderate' to 'good' (% agreement: 65-85% / Kappa: 0.475-0.778) except 'humidity(dryness / dampness)' item (% agreement: 55.98% / Kappa: 0.340). In findings of subgroup analysis according to affiliation of raters, Inter-rater agreement(%) and Kappa coefficient of raters in same affiliation was higher than inter-rater agreement(%) and Kappa coefficient of raters in different affiliation except 'dryness / dampness' item. Conclusions : It is necessary to improve objectivity and reproducibility of pattern identification using nasal endoscopy for allergic rhinitis(AR) through the development of detail-oriented criteria and enhanced training of clinicians with development of standard operating procedures(SOPs).

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.11 no.11
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• pp.443-450
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the oral mucosa pressure ulcer classification system based on the photographs. The study consisted of two stages; development and evaluation. In the developmental stage, 9 photographs of 82 were selected. In the evaluation stage, a total of 49 participants were invited web-based survey by e-mail. Cohen's weighted kappa and Krippendorff's alpha were used to define the inter-rater reliability. Nine photographs consisted of two, three, three, and one in normal, stage 1, stage 2, and stomatitis, respectively. The inter-rater reliabilities of wound care nurse specialist, intensive care nurse specialist, and dentist groups were 0.75, 0.70, and 0.78, respectively. The intra-rater reliability was 0.73. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities of the oral mucosa pressure ulcer classification system showed substantially good agreement.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically analyze the reliability and validity of Korean versions of mobility and gait assessment tools for patients with stroke. Methods: Two reviewers conducted an independent literature search and systematically reviewed the literature. Literature published until June of 2017 was searched using search engines for electronic databases. The 2 reviewers reviewed the title and abstract of each article. Among the articles examined, we read the full text of those judged to be suitable for our study. We classified the selected data into research methods and results. The determination was made through mutual agreement. Results: The reviewers selected 5 articles related to the purpose of this study. The DGI was found to be moderately associated with BBS, 10MWT, and TUG in intra-rater reliability (ICC=0.92), inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.88), and concurrent validity tests. The FGA demonstrated a high level of reliability with intra-rater (ICC=0.92-0.95) and inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.91, 0.95). The intra-rater reliability of the RMI was high at ICC=0.98. Its concurrent validity showed a high association with STREAM and BI. The intra-rater reliability of the MAS was ICC=0.75-0.99. Its inter-rater reliability was very high, exceeding 0.99. The inter-rater reliability of the Tinetti-gait Scale was ICC=0.91, and its concurrent validity was moderately associated with the DGI, 10WMT, OLST, FM-L/E, and STS. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the reliability and validity of the Korean versions of the mobility and gait assessment tools were high.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to conduct inter-rater and intra-rater reliability tests in patients with low back pain (LBP) using the prone instability test (PIT) and side-lying instability test (SIT). We have analyzed the Korean version Oswestry disability index (K-ODI) correlations and radiograph finding (RF) for validity. METHODS: Individuals (n = 51) (mean age of 40.27 ± 13.28) with LBP for at least over a week were recruited, together with two participating physical therapist examiners. The measurement consisted of PIT, PST, K-ODI, and RF. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value, negative predictive value, prevalence index, agreement %, Cohen's kappa, and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) were calculated. The PIT and SIT were compared with RF for validity analysis, while PIT, SIT, K-ODI, and RF were calculated for the correlation analysis. RESULTS: The intra-rater reliability test measured for the PIT (kappa = .79, PABAK = .88) and SIT (kappa = .73, PABAK = .84), and inter-rater reliability test measured for the SIT (kappa = .80, PABAK = .88) showed good agreements. The PIT (Sn = .65, Sp = .63) and SIT validities (Sn = .68, Sp = .70) were compared with RF, showing a significant correlation in PIT and RF (r = .69), SIT and RF (r = .73), and PIT and K-ODI (r = .53). CONCLUSION: The SIT is a more comfortable position test than the PIT in patients. Both PIT and SIT have acceptable reliability and validity.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 2022

Background: The treatment approach for proximal humeral fractures is determined by various factors, including patient age, sex, dominant arm, fracture pattern, presence of osteoporosis, preexisting arthritis, rotator cuff status, and medical comorbidities. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature regarding the optimal treatment for displaced proximal humeral fractures. This study aimed to assess and quantify the decision-making process for either conservative or surgical treatment and the choice of surgical method among shoulder surgeons when treating proximal humeral fractures. Methods: Forty sets of true anteroposterior view, scapular Y projection view, and three-dimensional computed tomography of proximal humeral fractures were provided to 12 shoulder surgeons along with clinical information. Surveys regarding Neer classification, decisions between conservative and surgical treatments, and chosen methods were conducted twice with an interval of 2 months. The factors affecting the treatment plans were also assessed. Results: The inter-rater agreement was fair for Neer classification (kappa=0.395), moderate for the decision between conservative and surgical treatments (kappa=0.528), and substantial for the chosen method of surgical treatment (kappa=0.740). The percentage of agreement was 71.1% for Neer classification, 84.6% for the decision between conservative and surgical treatment, and 96.4% for the chosen method of surgical treatment. The fracture pattern was the most crucial factor in deciding between conservative and surgical treatments, followed by age and physical activity. Conclusions: The decision between conservative and surgical treatment for proximal humeral fractures showed good agreement, while the chosen method between osteosynthesis and arthroplasty showed substantial agreement among shoulder surgeons.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.67-75
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess the agreement of manual muscle testing (MMT) and test-retest reliability of a hand held dynamometer for the posterior gluteus medius muscle, with and without lumbar stabilization, using a pressure biofeedback unit for patients with low back pain. The pressure biofeedback unit was used to minimize the substitute motion of the lumbopelvic region during hip abduction in patients lying on their side. Fifteen patients with low back pain participated in this study. A tester determined the MMT grades of the posterior gluteus medius with and without the pressure biofeedback unit. Active hip abduction range of motion with an inclinometer and the strength of their posterior gluteus medius using a hand held dynamometer were measured with and without the pressure biofeedback unit in the MMT position. The agreement of the grade of muscle strength in the MMT, and intra-rater reliability of both the active hip abduction range of motion and the strength of posterior gluteus medius were analyzed using the weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. The agreement of MMT with the pressure biofeedback unit (weighted kappa=.92) was higher than the MMT (weighted kappa=.34)(p<.05). The inclinometer with pressure biofeedback unit measurement of the active hip abduction range of motion had an excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC=.90). Also, the hand held dynamometer with pressure biofeedback unit measure of strength of the posterior gluteus medius had a good intra-rater reliability (ICC=.85). Therefore, the test for muscle strength with pressure biofeedback unit will be a reliable method for the determination of the MMT grades or amount of posterior gluteus medius muscle strength and the measurement of the range of motion for hip abduction in patients with low back pain.