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European Spine Journal : Official... Jul 2022Systematic review. (Review)
Review
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
PURPOSE
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a deformity of the trunk and chest and can cause a spectrum of pulmonary symptoms. However, no standardized measurement instrument exists. The aim of this systematic review is to identify and describe patient-reported and clinical measurement instruments used to evaluate pulmonary symptoms in patients with AIS.
METHODS
Studies published after 01.01.2000 were included in a systematic search. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and clinical measurement instruments for pulmonary symptoms were extracted as well as their measurement properties (floor-ceiling effects, validity, reliability, responsivity and interpretability). The Risk of Bias (RoB) was evaluated.
RESULTS
Out of 3146 studies, 122 were eligible for inclusion. Seven clinical measurement instruments, measuring 50 measurement parameters, were identified. Five PROMs for pulmonary symptoms were identified. Studies assessing the quality of measurement properties in the AIS population were not identified. As such, the RoB could not be determined.
CONCLUSION
No available adequate patent centric instruments were identified that measure pulmonary functioning and symptoms. Although clinical measurement instruments are regularly used, their use in routine practice does not seem feasible. The measurement properties of some identified PROMs seem promising; however, they have not been validated in an AIS population. As pulmonary symptoms in patients with AIS are still poorly understood, the development of such a construct and potentially a subsequent PROM to routinely measure pulmonary functioning and patient experience is recommended.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Kyphosis; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; Scoliosis
PubMed: 35438343
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07204-z -
Translational Journal of the American... 2022There are research-grade devices that have been validated to measure either heart rate (HR) by electrocardiography (ECG) with a Polar chest strap, or step count with...
CONTEXT
There are research-grade devices that have been validated to measure either heart rate (HR) by electrocardiography (ECG) with a Polar chest strap, or step count with ACTiGraph accelerometer. However, wearable activity trackers that measure HR and steps concurrently have been tested against research-grade accelerometers and HR monitors with conflicting results. This review examines validation studies of the Fitbit Charge 2 (FBC2) for accuracy in measuring HR and step count and evaluates the device's reliability for use by researchers and clinicians.
DESIGN
This registered review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The robvis (risk-of-bias visualization) tool was used to assess the strength of each considered article.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Eligible articles published between 2018 and 2019 were identified using PubMed, CINHAL, Embase, Cochran, and World of Science databases and hand-searches. All articles were HR and/or step count validation studies for the FBC2 in adult ambulatory populations.
STUDY SELECTION
Eight articles were examined in accordance with the eligibility criteria alignment and agreement among the authors and research librarian.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) were used to measure agreement between the tracker and criterion devices. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was used to average the individual absolute percent errors.
RESULTS
Studies that measured CCC found agreement between the FBC2 and criterion devices ranged between 26% and 92% for HR monitoring, decreasing in accuracy as exercise intensity increased. Inversely, CCC increased from 38% to 99% for step count when exercise intensity increased. HR error between MAPE was 9.21% to 68% and showed more error as exercise intensity increased. Step measurement error MAPE was 12% for healthy persons aged 24-72 years but was reported at 46% in an older population with heart failure.
CONCLUSIONS
Relative agreement with criterion and low-to-moderate MAPE were consistent in most studies reviewed and support validation of the FBC2 to accurately measure HR at low or moderate exercise intensities. However, more investigation controlling testing and measurement congruency is needed to validate step capabilities. The literature supports the validity of the FBC2 to accurately monitor HR, but for step count is inconclusive so the device may not be suitable for recommended use in all populations.
PubMed: 36711436
DOI: 10.1249/tjx.0000000000000215 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Nov 2023Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are currently the gold standard... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are currently the gold standard in the treatment of MS and their effectiveness has been assessed through randomized clinical trials (RCTs). However, there is limited evidence on the impact of DMTs on fatigue in (PwMS). We conducted a systematic review to 1) understand whether fatigue is included as an outcome in MS trials of DMTs; 2) determine the effects on fatigue of treating MS with DMTs and 3) assess the quality of MS trials including fatigue as an outcome.
METHODS
Two independent researchers systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1993 to January 2023 for RCTs that measured fatigue as an outcome. Adherence to reporting standards was assessed with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT)-Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO), while the risk of bias (RoB) was assessed with the RoB 2 tool by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The systematic review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022383321).
RESULTS
The search strategy identified 130 RCTs of DMTs of which 7 (5%) assessed fatigue as an outcome. Of the 7 trials, only two presented statistically significant results. In addition, the reporting of fatigue among RCTs was suboptimal with a mean adherence to the CONSORT-PRO Statement of 36% across all trials. Of the 7 trials included, four were assessed as 'high' RoB..
CONCLUSIONS
Fatigue has a major impact on PwMS yet there is limited trial-based evidence on the impact of DMTs on fatigue. Assessment of fatigue as an outcome is underrepresented in trials of DMTs and the reporting of PRO trial data is suboptimal. Thus, it is imperative that MS researchers conduct RCTs that include fatigue as an outcome, to support clinicians and people with MS (PwMS) to consider the impact of the different DMTs on fatigue.
Topics: Humans; Fatigue; Multiple Sclerosis; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Reference Standards; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 37839365
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105065 -
International Journal of Health... Dec 2023Quantifying spatial access to care-the interplay of accessibility and availability-is vital for healthcare planning and understanding implications of services... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Quantifying spatial access to care-the interplay of accessibility and availability-is vital for healthcare planning and understanding implications of services (mal-)distribution. A plethora of methods aims to measure potential spatial access to healthcare services. The current study conducts a systematic review to identify and assess gravity model-type methods for spatial healthcare access measurement and to summarize the use of these measures in empirical research.
METHODS
A two-step approach was used to identify (1) methodological studies that presented a novel gravity model for measuring spatial access to healthcare and (2) empirical studies that applied one of these methods in a healthcare context. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched in the first step. Forward citation search was used in the second step.
RESULTS
We identified 43 studies presenting a methodological development and 346 empirical application cases of those methods in 309 studies. Two major conceptual developments emerged: The Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) method and the Kernel Density (KD) method. Virtually all other methodological developments evolved from the 2SFCA method, forming the 2SFCA method family. Novel methodologies within the 2SFCA family introduced developments regarding distance decay within the catchment area, variable catchment area sizes, outcome unit, provider competition, local and global distance decay, subgroup-specific access, multiple transportation modes, and time-dependent access. Methodological developments aimed to either approximate reality, fit a specific context, or correct methodology. Empirical studies almost exclusively applied methods from the 2SFCA family while other gravity model types were applied rarely. Distance decay within catchment areas was frequently implemented in application studies, however, the initial 2SFCA method remains common in empirical research. Most empirical studies used the spatial access measure for descriptive purposes. Increasingly, gravity model measures also served as potential explanatory factor for health outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Gravity models for measuring potential spatial healthcare access are almost exclusively dominated by the family of 2SFCA methods-both for methodological developments and applications in empirical research. While methodological developments incorporate increasing methodological complexity, research practice largely applies gravity models with straightforward intuition and moderate data and computational requirements.
Topics: Humans; Health Services Accessibility; Catchment Area, Health
PubMed: 38041129
DOI: 10.1186/s12942-023-00358-z -
Agriculture & Food Security 2023Measurement is critical for assessing and monitoring food security. Yet, it is difficult to comprehend which food security dimensions, components, and levels the... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Measurement is critical for assessing and monitoring food security. Yet, it is difficult to comprehend which food security dimensions, components, and levels the numerous available indicators reflect. We thus conducted a systematic literature review to analyse the scientific evidence on these indicators to comprehend the food security dimensions and components covered, intended purpose, level of analysis, data requirements, and recent developments and concepts applied in food security measurement. Data analysis of 78 articles shows that the household-level calorie adequacy indicator is the most frequently used (22%) as a sole measure of food security. The dietary diversity-based (44%) and experience-based (40%) indicators also find frequent use. The food utilisation (13%) and stability (18%) dimensions were seldom captured when measuring food security, and only three of the retrieved publications measured food security by considering all the four food security dimensions. The majority of the studies that applied calorie adequacy and dietary diversity-based indicators employed secondary data whereas most of the studies that applied experience-based indicators employed primary data, suggesting the convenience of collecting data for experience-based indicators than dietary-based indicators. We confirm that the estimation of complementary food security indicators consistently over time can help capture the different food security dimensions and components, and experience-based indicators are more suitable for rapid food security assessments. We suggest practitioners to integrate food consumption and anthropometry data in regular household living standard surveys for more comprehensive food security analysis. The results of this study can be used by food security stakeholders such as governments, practitioners and academics for briefs, teaching, as well as policy-related interventions and evaluations.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40066-023-00415-7.
PubMed: 37193360
DOI: 10.1186/s40066-023-00415-7 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2021The use of inertial measurement unit (IMU) has become popular in sports assessment. In the case of velocity-based training (VBT), there is a need to measure barbell... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The use of inertial measurement unit (IMU) has become popular in sports assessment. In the case of velocity-based training (VBT), there is a need to measure barbell velocity in each repetition. The use of IMUs may make the monitoring process easier; however, its validity and reliability should be established. Thus, this systematic review aimed to (1) identify and summarize studies that have examined the validity of wearable wireless IMUs for measuring barbell velocity and (2) identify and summarize studies that have examined the reliability of IMUs for measuring barbell velocity. A systematic review of Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 161 studies initially identified, 22 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. Among the eight different IMU models, seven can be considered valid and reliable for measuring barbell velocity. The great majority of IMUs used for measuring barbell velocity in linear trajectories are valid and reliable, and thus can be used by coaches for external load monitoring.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Muscle Strength; Reproducibility of Results; Resistance Training; Sports
PubMed: 33916801
DOI: 10.3390/s21072511 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Sep 2022Respiratory oscillometry is gaining global attention over traditional pulmonary function tests for its sensitivity in detecting small airway obstructions. However, its... (Review)
Review
Respiratory oscillometry is gaining global attention over traditional pulmonary function tests for its sensitivity in detecting small airway obstructions. However, its use in clinical settings as a diagnostic tool is limited because oscillometry lacks globally accepted reference values. In this scoping review, we systematically assessed the differences between selected oscillometric reference equations with the hypothesis that significant heterogeneity existed between them. We searched bibliographic databases, registries and references for studies that developed equations for healthy adult populations according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A widely used Caucasian model was used as the standard reference and compared against other models using Bland-Altman and Lin's concordance correlational analyses. We screened 1202 titles and abstracts, and after a full-text review of 67 studies, we included 10 in our analyses. Of these, three models had a low-to-moderate agreement with the reference model, particularly those developed from non-Caucasian populations. Although the other six models had a moderate-to-high agreement with the standard model, there were still significant sex-specific variations. This is the first systematic analysis of the heterogeneity between oscillometric reference models and warrants the validation of appropriate equations in clinical applications of oscillometry to avoid diagnostic errors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Oscillometry; Reference Values; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 35831009
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0021-2022 -
Journal of Advanced Nursing Aug 2020To identify, critically appraise, and summarize instruments that measure patients' preferences for engagement in health care. (Review)
Review
AIM
To identify, critically appraise, and summarize instruments that measure patients' preferences for engagement in health care.
DESIGN
Psychometric systematic literature review.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to March 2019.
REVIEW METHODS
Three reviewers independently evaluated the 'methodological quality' and the 'measurement properties' of the included instruments using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist and Terwee's quality criteria. Each instrument was given a Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) score. The review was registered at PROSPERO (registry number CRD42018109253).
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies evaluating 8 instruments measuring patients' preferences for engagement in health care were included. All instruments were downgraded for their 'methodological quality' or 'measurement properties', or a combination of both. Common concerns were lack of theoretical basis, absence of patient input during development, incorrect usage and reporting of validity measures and absence of a priori hypotheses to test validity.
CONCLUSIONS
There were no identified instruments that demonstrated adequate evidence for all measurement properties. The Patient Preferences for Patient Participation Scale (4Ps) and 10-item Decisional Engagement Scale (DES-10) had the highest overall GRADE scores; however, each had some underlying developmental or methodological issues.
IMPACT
Assessing how patients prefer to engage in their care is a critical first step to truly individualize engagement interventions to meet patient expectations. Systematic reviews of measures of patient experience with engagement in health care have been undertaken but none are available on measures of patient preferences for engagement. The results highlight the need to further develop and test instruments that measure patients' preferences for engagement in health care within a framework for consumerism. Involving the consumer in the instrument development process will ensure that engagement strategies used by healthcare providers are relevant and individualized to consumer preferences.
PubMed: 32350898
DOI: 10.1111/jan.14402 -
International Journal For Equity in... Nov 2021Many programs are undertaken to facilitate the empowerment of vulnerable populations across the world. However, an overview of appropriate empowerment measurements to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Many programs are undertaken to facilitate the empowerment of vulnerable populations across the world. However, an overview of appropriate empowerment measurements to evaluate such initiatives remains incomplete to date. This systematic review aims to describe and summarise psychometric properties, feasibility and clinical utility of the available tools for measuring empowerment in psychosocially vulnerable populations.
METHODS
A systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was completed. A descriptive approach was used for data analysis. Papers were eligible if they explored the development, validation, cross-cultural translation or the utility of an empowerment measurement tool in the context of psychosocially vulnerable populations.
RESULTS
Twenty-six included articles described twenty-six separate studies in which 16 empowerment measurement tools were developed, validated/translated, or used. There was heterogeneity in empowerment constructs, samples targeted, and psychometric properties measured. The measurement of reliability of the included instruments was satisfactory in most cases. However, the validity, responsiveness, interpretability, feasibility and clinical utility of the identified measurement tools were often not adequately described or measured.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review provides a useful snapshot of the strengths as well as limitations of existing health related empowerment measurement tools used with psychosocially vulnerable populations in terms of their measurement properties, and constructs captured. It highlights significant gaps in empowerment tool measurement, development and evaluation processes. In particular, the results suggest that in addition to systematic assessments of psychometric properties, the inclusion of feasibility and clinical utility as outcome measures are important to assess relevance to clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34789249
DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01585-1 -
Environment International Jun 2022Systematic evidence maps are increasingly used to develop chemical risk assessments. These maps can provide an overview of available studies and relevant study... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Systematic evidence maps are increasingly used to develop chemical risk assessments. These maps can provide an overview of available studies and relevant study information to be used for various research objectives and applications. Environmental epidemiological studies that examine the impact of chemical exposures on various 'omic profiles in human populations provide relevant mechanistic information and can be used for benchmark dose modeling to derive potential human health reference values.
OBJECTIVES
To create a systematic evidence map of environmental epidemiological studies examining environmental contaminant exposures with 'omics in order to characterize the extent of available studies for future research needs.
METHODS
Systematic review methods were used to search and screen the literature and included the use of machine learning methods to facilitate screening studies. The Populations, Exposures, Comparators and Outcomes (PECO) criteria were developed to identify and screen relevant studies. Studies that met the PECO criteria after full-text review were summarized with information such as study population, study design, sample size, exposure measurement, and 'omics analysis.
RESULTS
Over 10,000 studies were identified from scientific databases. Screening processes were used to identify 84 studies considered PECO-relevant after full-text review. Various contaminants (e.g. phthalate, benzene, arsenic, etc.) were investigated in epidemiological studies that used one or more of the four 'omics of interest: epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics . The epidemiological study designs that were used to explore single or integrated 'omic research questions with contaminant exposures were cohort studies, controlled trials, cross-sectional, and case-control studies. An interactive web-based systematic evidence map was created to display more study-related information.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic evidence map is a novel tool to visually characterize the available environmental epidemiological studies investigating contaminants and biological effects using 'omics technology and serves as a resource for investigators and allows for a range of applications in chemical research and risk assessment needs.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Environmental Exposure; Epidemiologic Studies; Humans; Reference Values; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 35551006
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107243