ABSTRACT
Introduction：There are few detailed evaluations of upper extremity function in Japan, especially for cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). The capabilities of upper extremity test (CUE-T) evaluates upper extremity function, is specialized for CSCI, and is internationally used；however, there are few reports from Japan. This study verified the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CUE-T in Japan.Methods：We determined the interrater reliability, internal consistency, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's α coefficient for acute and chronic CSCI. The correlation coefficient with other evaluations was calculated and validated. Furthermore, the evaluation was performed twice at regular intervals, and the correlation between the change in CUE-T and other evaluations and the sensitivity to change using the standardized response mean (SRM) were verified.Results：The weighted kappa coefficient was 0.61-1.00, intraclass correlation coefficient was ≥0.9, and Cronbach's α coefficient were ≥0.9. The CUE-T and other evaluation methods showed moderate to strong correlations. In addition, the amount of change between CUE-T and the other evaluations were significantly correlated, and the SRM was ≥0.8.Discussion：In Japan, the CUE-T has been suggested to have good reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability as an evaluation of upper extremity function in patients with CSCI. We will continue to verify the interpretability of the CUE-T and consider its dissemination in Japan.
ABSTRACT
Introduction：There are few detailed evaluations of upper extremity function in Japan, especially for cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). The capabilities of upper extremity test (CUE-T) evaluates upper extremity function, is specialized for CSCI, and is internationally used；however, there are few reports from Japan. This study verified the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CUE-T in Japan.Methods：We determined the interrater reliability, internal consistency, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's α coefficient for acute and chronic CSCI. The correlation coefficient with other evaluations was calculated and validated. Furthermore, the evaluation was performed twice at regular intervals, and the correlation between the change in CUE-T and other evaluations and the sensitivity to change using the standardized response mean (SRM) were verified.Results：The weighted kappa coefficient was 0.61-1.00, intraclass correlation coefficient was ≥0.9, and Cronbach's α coefficient were ≥0.9. The CUE-T and other evaluation methods showed moderate to strong correlations. In addition, the amount of change between CUE-T and the other evaluations were significantly correlated, and the SRM was ≥0.8.Discussion：In Japan, the CUE-T has been suggested to have good reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability as an evaluation of upper extremity function in patients with CSCI. We will continue to verify the interpretability of the CUE-T and consider its dissemination in Japan.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: In this study, we performed a longitudinal examination of the occurrence of homeboundness among community-dwelling elderly individuals and changes in associated factors, including the sense of coherence (SOC).Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted targeting community-dwelling elderly individuals to evaluate homebound status, a basic checklist (CL), and SOC. Among these individuals, frail elderly people who maintained a non-homebound state were extracted and a follow-up survey was carried out one year later. Those who maintained the non-homebound state one year later were classified into the maintenance group and those who became socially withdrawn were classified into the transition group. Factors predicting the homebound state one year later were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, the changes in CL and SOC between the transition and maintenance groups were compared.Results: In the transition group, motor function, cognitive function, and sense of manageability on the initial survey were significantly lower than those in the maintenance group. Significant correlations were noted in the homebound transition group with lack of money management (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.19-7.82) and a declined sense of manageability (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99). Depression and the sense of manageability had also significantly deteriorated one year later compared with those in the maintenance group.Conclusion: This study suggests that individuals who transition to a state of homeboundness have a slightly lower SOC than those who maintain their non-homebound status.