研究目的
To determine the test–retest reliability of heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) in measuring macular pigment optical density (MPOD) among preadolescent children, and to assess the effects of minimizing the number of examiners and sex differences on this reliability.
研究成果
Modified heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP) shows moderate reliability for measuring macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in preadolescent children, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.70 for the full sample and improved reliability (0.72) when limiting examiners to two. No sex differences in MPOD were found. These findings support the use of cHFP for noninvasive assessments of retinal xanthophylls in children, aiding future studies on their association with cognition and brain development. Recommendations include limiting the number of examiners and further refining the procedure to enhance reliability.
研究不足
The study only investigated test–retest reliability and did not evaluate the validity of measuring MPOD by HFP in children. Without validation data, it is unclear if the consistency is due to the technique's validity or poor comprehension of task instructions. Additionally, the sample might not reflect general carotenoid intake in children.
1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:
The study used a test–retest design to assess the reliability of customized heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP) for measuring MPOD in children. A modified version of cHFP was employed, using the method of limits and constant stimuli instead of the standard method of adjustment, to accommodate children's abilities.
2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:
Participants were 66 preadolescent children aged 7–10 years from the East-Central Illinois community, with exclusion criteria including neurological disorders, physical disabilities, psychoactive medication, and vision not normal or corrected-to-normal. Data were collected over two non-consecutive sessions.
3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
A macular densitometer (Macular Metrics Corporation, Rehoboth, MA, USA) was used for cHFP measurements.
4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
MPOD was measured using the cHFP device, with examiners manipulating the radiance of the short-wave component. Examiners were trained, and sessions were conducted with varying numbers of examiners (11 for a subgroup of 20 participants, 2 for a subgroup of 46 participants).
5：Data Analysis Methods:
Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, independent t-tests, bivariate correlations, Cronbach's alpha for reliability, and Bland-Altman plots, performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 22.0) with an alpha level of 0.05.
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