CFO Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3

Question 1

In an orthotic outcomes study, a control group receiving a sham orthosis is used primarily to control for:

Accepted Answer

Placebo effect and non-specific treatment effects

Answer

A sham orthosis controls for placebo effects and patient expectations that may independently improve outcomes.

Question 2

Sensitivity of a clinical diagnostic test is defined as the ability to:

Accepted Answer

Correctly identify individuals with the condition (true positives)

Answer

Sensitivity = true positives / (true positives + false negatives), reflecting how well the test detects those who have the condition.

Question 3

Which statistical measure describes the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two continuous variables in orthotic research?

Accepted Answer

Pearson correlation coefficient

Answer

The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) quantifies the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two continuous variables.

Question 4

A prospective cohort study in orthotics follows participants:

Accepted Answer

Forward in time from exposure to outcome

Answer

Prospective cohort studies enroll participants based on exposure status and follow them forward in time to observe outcomes.

Question 5

The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) is most appropriately used in orthotic research to assess:

Accepted Answer

Test-retest or interrater reliability of continuous measurements

Answer

ICC evaluates the consistency or reproducibility of continuous measurements across raters or repeated assessments.

(CFO) Certified Fitter Orthotics Practice Test