A Tayfur1, J I Salles2, S C Miller2, H Screen3, D Morrissey4. 1. Sports and Exercise Medicine, QMUL, UK; Barts Health NHS trust, London, UK. 2. Sports and Exercise Medicine, QMUL, UK. 3. School of Engineering Material Sciences, QMUL, UK. 4. Sports and Exercise Medicine, QMUL, UK; Barts Health NHS trust, London, UK. Electronic address: d.morrissey@qmul.ac.uk.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The main aim was to assess feasibility by testing data collection procedures for a cohort study. Measurements validity and reliability were secondary objectives. DESIGN: Feasibility study. SETTING: Combination of remote contact, assessment in clinic and biomechanical evaluation. PARTICIPANTS: 36 jumping athletes (female:17, male:19) equally spread between those with patellar tendinopathy, other knee problems and controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurements validity, reliability and feasibility. RESULTS: There was no systematic difference between administration methods for patient reported outcome measures and miscellaneous questions (range of d = -0.32 to 0.26) without any order effect (all p > 0.05) except KOOS-PF (p = 0.02). Questionnaires' inter-session reliability was moderate to excellent (ICCs = 0.68-0.93). Pain maps were 94% matched between methods. Training load recall percentage decreased until week-3 with only 20% maintaining a training diary completing the full 6 weeks. The graded loaded challenge was clinically applicable, biomechanically valid with increasing load through progression and reliable (ICCs = 0.63-0.98). CONCLUSION: The tested questionnaires were valid and reliable for online use, therefore being suitable for clinical and research purposes. A shorter survey to reduce burden and collecting training load using shorter recall duration should improve feasibility. Biomechanical measures were valid and reliable, and a graded loaded challenge, suitable for further testing, has been defined.
OBJECTIVES: The main aim was to assess feasibility by testing data collection procedures for a cohort study. Measurements validity and reliability were secondary objectives. DESIGN: Feasibility study. SETTING: Combination of remote contact, assessment in clinic and biomechanical evaluation. PARTICIPANTS: 36 jumping athletes (female:17, male:19) equally spread between those with patellar tendinopathy, other knee problems and controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurements validity, reliability and feasibility. RESULTS: There was no systematic difference between administration methods for patient reported outcome measures and miscellaneous questions (range of d = -0.32 to 0.26) without any order effect (all p > 0.05) except KOOS-PF (p = 0.02). Questionnaires' inter-session reliability was moderate to excellent (ICCs = 0.68-0.93). Pain maps were 94% matched between methods. Training load recall percentage decreased until week-3 with only 20% maintaining a training diary completing the full 6 weeks. The graded loaded challenge was clinically applicable, biomechanically valid with increasing load through progression and reliable (ICCs = 0.63-0.98). CONCLUSION: The tested questionnaires were valid and reliable for online use, therefore being suitable for clinical and research purposes. A shorter survey to reduce burden and collecting training load using shorter recall duration should improve feasibility. Biomechanical measures were valid and reliable, and a graded loaded challenge, suitable for further testing, has been defined.