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Forty-six fifth-and-sixth-grade students with hearing impairments participated in either a 14-period rhythmicity treatment program or a control program. Evaluation concluded that rhythm perception/production could be reliably measured and that the quality of rhythmic tapping performance was a function of the modality of stimulus presentation. (Author/JDD)

In prior research, we used 4 stability platform tests as a measurement of core stability and found that scores on the third and fourth days of testing were essentially the same for each of the 4 tests. Lafayette Instrument Co. subsequently made us a prototype stability platform to enhance this research. The purpose of the present research was to determine the effect of changes in (1) equipment and (2) number of test administrations on test reliability. We also increased the number of test administrations on each day from 5 to 10 but only used the quadruped arm raise test. The subjects were 25 university students; each was tested on 10 trials of 30-seconds duration on 4 different days to enable us to study the learning effect. All 10 trials for the first day, as well as the first trial on the 3 subsequent days of testing, were used as practice trials. Trials 2 to 6 on testing days 2 to 4 were chosen for the data analysis. With 5 trials, the maximum score attainable was 150 seconds.; the means were 125 for day 2 and 132 for both days 3 and 4. Internal consistency intraclass reliability coefficients based on a 1-way analysis of variance model and a criterion score, which was the sum or mean of trials 2 to 6 for days 2 to 4, were 0.89, 0.95, and 0.92, respectively. Stability reliabilities were 0.76 and 0.92 for day 2 versus day 3 and day 3 versus day 4, respectively. Although we had hoped to show that only 2 days of testing would be required in future research, because of learning effect, 3 will be needed.

In this study, a 4-item battery of core stability (CS) tests modeled on core stabilization activities used in training and rehabilitation research was developed, and a measurement schedule was established to maximize internal consistency and stability reliabilities. Specifically, we found that 4 test administrations on each of 4 days produced intraclass correlation coefficients that in most instances exceeded 0.90 and stability reliability coefficients on the third and fourth days of testing that exceeded 0.90 for 2 of the tests and 0.80 for the other 2. Thus, it is recommended that in future research, examiners administer the battery for at least 3 days and consider the data collected on day 3 as the best estimate of participant CS. Key Words. low back pain, neural spine, axial skeleton control, quantifying trunk coordination, maintaining spine balance

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between (a) nonambulatory status of 19 children with spastic quadriplegia at age 4 years with current ambulatory status and (b) nonambulatory status among these children at age 7 years and ultimate development of independent ambulation, using the physical therapy records. All continued to be nonambulatory at 7 years and are currently. The results suggest (a) a relationship between nonambulatory status at age 4 years and ultimate ambulatory status for children with spastic quadriplegia and (b) remote prospects for the development of independent ambulation in such children who are non-ambulatory at age 7 years.

The Southern California Perceptual Motor Tests were examined due to questions about test validity and because they were being used in the development of Individualized Education Programs. A factor analysis was made based on the subjects' performances on individual test items. Findings are discussed. (Author/DF)

This definition of flexibility and muscular strength also explores their roles in overall physical fitness and focuses on how increased flexibility and muscular strength can help decrease or eliminate lower back pain. (CB)

The regulations prescribed by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare regarding human subjects research are examined including their effects on research procedures. (MM)

Abstracts of articles in other journals are presented, including "The objectives-based motor-skill assessment instrument: Validation of instructional sensitivity," by D. A. Ulrich and B. D. Ulrich, in "Perceptual and Motor Skills," "The impact of aerobic fitness on the body image of older women," by D. C. Riddick and R. S. Freiting," in "Activities, Adaptation, and Aging," and "Providing integrated play environments for disabled children: A design of attitude problem?" by P. Wilkinson.

Presents measurement techniques for the range-of-motion at the hip joint and the spine. Description of techniques; Difficulties in interpreting tightness of hip flexors or extensors; Results of measurements.

Discusses the problems associated with portraying ideal flexibility. Claim flexibility joint specific; Description of problems; Listing of generic factors related to topic.

Presents a symposium to synthesize research relevant to range-of-movement. Contribution made by flexibility to total fitness; Uses and variations of ROM.

Presents an abstract on the effects of ankle joint position on the sit and reach test. Traditional ankle joint position; Tension on the sciatic nerve; Administration of flexibility tests.