Biomedical subjects

Clifford Qualls

Publications and source records attributed to Clifford Qualls.

40 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Test-retest reliability of the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test Revised (MVPT-R) in children with and without learning disabilities.

The Motor-Free Visual Perceptual Test Revised (MVPT-R) is an updated edition of the original test with the addition of four items and normative data for 9-11-year-old children. Test-retest reliability studies on the MVPT-R are not reported. The purpose of this paper is to report the test-retest reliability of the MVPT-R in children with and without learning disabilities. The MVPT-R was administered to 38 children with identified learning disabilities and 37 control children (aged 7-10 years) on two separate occasions within a 2.5 week window of time. Inter-rater reliability agreement between examiners was 99%. Intra-class correlations for perceptual quotient scores ranged from .63-.79 and perceptual age scores ranged from .69-.86. Pearson product moment correlations for perceptual quotient scores ranged from .70-.80 and perceptual age scores ranged from .77-.87. Results suggest moderate test-retest reliability for the MVPT-R with more stability in visual perceptual scores for children with learning disabilities. This information will be helpful for therapists using the MVPT-R as a descriptive measure for children.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Measuring dexterity in children using the Nine-hole Peg Test.

The purpose of this study was to measure dexterity in children aged 4-19 years using the Nine-hole Peg Test. Four hundred and six children were tested with their dominant hand and then their nondominant hand. A commercial version of the Nine-hole Peg Test was used. An analysis of variance showed a main effect for age, gender, and hand dominance. Speed of dexterity improved with age. In all age groups, females performed faster than males. Participants performed faster with the dominant hand than the nondominant hand. The normative data collected provide information for comparing scores to children with different diagnostic categories to screen for fine motor difficulties.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of static and dynamic wrist splints using electromyography in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

This study compared strength, dexterity, and the muscle activation of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when different splints were worn. Five persons with RA were observed in four splint conditions (none, static, hinged, spiral) during grip, pinch, and dexterity tests by recording muscle activity of eight muscles in the upper extremity using electromyography (EMG). Statistically significant differences were found in clinical tests when hinged (p<0.001) and spiral splints (p=0.02) were worn. Grip strength decreased when hinged splints were worn, whereas two-point pinch increased and dexterity improved on the Nine-Hole Peg Test with the spiral splint. Although no significant EMG differences were found during different splint conditions, wrist muscles were recruited more for grip, and shoulder muscles were used most during pinch and dexterity tests. Individuals with RA who wore splints had decreased grip when wearing hinged splints, but improved pinch and dexterity were found when the spiral splint was worn. Increased use of proximal shoulder muscles was observed during pinch and dexterity tests with and without splints.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of orlistat for weight loss in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of orlistat to enhance weight loss in obese adolescents. METHODS: The study was a 6-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effects of orlistat (120 mg orally 3 times a day) and placebo on reduction of body mass index (BMI). Forty adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age with a mean BMI of 40 kg/m2 entered the protocol between December 2002 and February 2003. Study subjects stayed overnight in the General Clinical Research Center, during which dietary records were reviewed and lifestyle recommendations were given. The study participants received either orlistat (120 mg orally 3 times a day) or placebo and were assessed monthly for 6 months. At 0, 3, and 6 months, fasting laboratory tests were performed. The primary end point was the change in BMI from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in weight, lean body mass, and results of blood chemistry studies. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was noted between the 2 study groups for decrease in BMI from baseline to 6 months (P = 0.39). The decrease in BMI within the orlistat group (-1.3 +/- 1.6 kg/m2; P = 0.04) and within the placebo group (-0.8 +/- 3.0 kg/m2; P = 0.02), however, was statistically significant. Laboratory measurements did not differ between the 2 groups. In comparison with the placebo group, the orlistat group had increased adverse events, primarily gastrointestinal symptoms and findings. CONCLUSION: In this study of obese adolescents, orlistat did not significantly reduce BMI in comparison with placebo at 6 months.

Adolescent↗