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The objective of the pilot study was to compare validity and reliability properties of Polar RS800CX (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland) against simultaneously recorded electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring time- and frequency-based short-term heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, in dogs during stationary standing position. Five-minute recordings with less than 5% error rates from inter-beat interval (IBI) series obtained by Polar RS800CX and ECG, in 8 adult dogs, were used for HRV analysis. Polar data were statistically compared to the ECG data to assess for systematic differences in time- and frequency-based HRV parameters. Relative and absolute reliabilities were estimated by intraclass correlation coefficient, Spearman ρ, Bland and Altman analysis, standard error of measurement, and standard error of measurements in percentage. Paired t test was used to determine the statistical significance of differences between the measurement methods. Results: There were high correlation coefficients between HRV parameters obtained from Polar RS800CX and ECG. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.98-1.00, and Spearman ρ was 0.93-0.98. There were differences between the methods in 2 HRV parameters, the standard deviation of normal-to-normal IBIs (SDNN) (P = 0.035) and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to normal IBIs (RMSSD) (P = 0.034). Standard error of measurements was between 2.8-11.6% in ECG and between 2.6-11.8% in Polar, indicating rather high measurement error in 3 of the HRV parameters in both measurement methods. Close agreements and high correlation estimates in this pilot study indicated acceptable relative reliability in Polar RS800CX measuring time- and frequency-based HRV parameters in the group of dogs studied. However, the present pilot study revealed differences between Polar RS800CX and ECG in time-based standard deviation of normal-to-normal and square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to norm, Export Date: 23 September 2015

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to study the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) based on a multicentre fall prevention intervention including exercise with or without motivational interviewing compared to standard care in community-living people 75. years and older. Method: The feasibility of a three-armed, randomised controlled trial was evaluated according to the following: process, resources, management by questionnaire, and treatment outcomes. The outcome measures were fall frequency, physical performance and falls self-efficacy evaluated after three months. Twelve physiotherapists conducted the measurements and treatments and responded to the questionnaire. The first 45 participants recruited to the ongoing RCT were included: 16 individuals in the Otago Exercise Program group (OEP), 16 individuals in the OEP combined with motivational interviewing group (MI), and 13 individuals in the control group. The study was conducted from November 2012 to December 2013. Results: The feasibility of the study process, resources and management reached the set goals in most aspects; however, the set goal regarding the MI guide and planned exercise for the participating older people was not completely reached. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the outcome measures. Conclusion: This study confirmed the acceptable feasibility for the study protocol in the ongoing RCT.