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Abstract: Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to sensory loss, balance disturbances, and an increased risk of ulcers and amputations. Early screening is crucial, and devices for measuring vibration perception threshold (VPT) play an important role in the timely detection and management of this condition. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of VPT measurement devices in individuals with DM. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in four databases, including studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of VPT measurement devices in patients with type 1 or type 2 DM, with VPT compared against reference standards for DPN, including nerve conduction studies (NCS) and clinical diagnosis. Cross-sectional and case–control studies were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability (QAREL) tool and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies. Results: Eighteen studies were analyzed. Most studies demonstrated moderate sensitivity and specificity and an acceptable level of reliability, with results varying according to technical and methodological factors. Conclusions: VPT measurement devices appear to be useful screening tools for detecting DPN; however, their diagnostic accuracy and reliability are not uniform and largely depend on technical and methodological factors. Standardized threshold values and measurement procedures, along with further research comparing the effectiveness of different protocols, are needed to improve clinical utility.
Keywords: vibration perception threshold, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, screening test, quantitative sensory testing, diagnostic validity
Published in RUP: 14.01.2026; Views: 1036; Downloads: 8
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Keywords: vadba celega telesa, mišična moč, zanesljivost, veljavnost, whole-body exercise, muscle power, reliability, validity
Published in RUP: 15.10.2015; Views: 12555; Downloads: 242
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Abstract: This paper addresses several issues related to validity in qualitative research and, more specifically, explores the ways in which validity has been discussed and applied in research with qualitative interviews. The central question is to what extent, if at all, traditional positivist validity criteria are applicable, but also relevant, for evaluation of research with qualitative interviewing. The qualitative interview has been chosen as the focal point of this paper because of its peculiarity in terms of the relationship between the interviewer and the interviewee or, in other words, the ways in which during an interview meaning and narrative are constructed through discourse between the participants. The importance of the relationship (with its characteristics) between research participants (interviewer and interviewee) for the outcome of a qualitative interview cannot be overemphasized and is as such of particular interest for the assessment of its validity. I introduce and summarize the main approaches to the study and establishment of validity and scrutinize their significance for the example of qualitative interviewing and research in particular. This paper shows the importance of considering research context (in this instance interview) for any assessment of validity, if validity at all ought to assume the same role in qualitative and quantitative research. As alternatives to the positivist notion of validity concepts such as reflexivity, transparency and credibility throughout the research process are introduced and advocated.
Keywords: veljavnost, intervjuji, kvalitativno raziskovanje, kriteriji kakovosti, validity, qualitative research, interviews, quality criteria
Published in RUP: 10.07.2015; Views: 5766; Downloads: 14
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