Estimation of diaphragm depth based on waist circumference in the Thai population.

Introduction/aims: There is a potential risk of causing a pneumothorax during needle electromyography of the diaphragm. The diaphragm depth can be estimated from body mass index (BMI), but this may not be practical in bedbound patients. The objectives of this study were to formulate correlation equations to estimate diaphragm depth based on waist circumference (WC) and determine their validity.

Investigating psychometric properties of the arm activity measure - Thai version (ArmA-TH) sub-scales using the Rasch model.

Background: This study investigated the ArmA-TH sub-scale measurement properties based on item response theory using the Rasch model.

Methods: Patients with upper limb hemiplegia resulting from cerebrovascular and other brain disorders were asked to complete the ArmA-TH questionnaire. Rasch analysis was performed to test how well the ArmA-TH passive and active function sub-scales fit the Rasch model by investigating unidimensionality, response category functioning, reliability of person and item, and differential item functioning (DIF) for age, sex, and education.

Preliminary evaluation of the reliability, validity and feasibility of the arm activity measure - Thai version (ArmA-TH) in cerebrovascular patients with upper limb hemiplegia.

Background: Upper limb hemiplegia following cerebrovascular diseases can result in significant functional limitation. To assess such functional disturbance requires a comprehensive, valid and reliable tool. The Arm Activity Measure (ArmA) is a comprehensive, valid and reliable self-report questionnaire to assess real-life function for upper limb hemiplegia.

Construct validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Thai version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH-TH) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Objective: This study evaluated additional psychometric properties of the Thai version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH-TH) which included, test-retest reliability, construct validity, internal consistency of in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. As for determining construct validity, the Thai EuroQOL questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) was also administered in order to examine convergent and divergent validity.

Results: Fifty patients completed both questionnaires.