Measurement realibility of cardiovascular reactivity change scores: A comparison of intermittent and continuous methods of assessment

William Gerin, Carl Pieper, Thomas G. Pickering

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cardiovascular reactivity testing is a widely used measure of risk for hypertension and coronary heart disease. Evidence for the reliability of the measures, however, is weak. If the measures (usually change scores) are unreliable, the usefulness of testing is limited, since relationships with other measures, such as disease outcomes, may be obscured. This study examines the reliability of blood pressure change, using both a traditional method of assessment (Colin ABPM) which provides intermittent readings, and a non-invasive method that samples the complete distribution of pressures (Ohmeda Finapres). While the reliability for the Colin was found to be good for absolute level of individual measurements, it was extremely poor for change scores. The Finapres, however, yielded high reliabilities for change scores as well as absolute levels, due to the large number of readings taken during baseline and stressor conditions. Implications for reactivity testing methodology are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)493-501
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of psychosomatic research
Volume37
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1993

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Measurement realibility of cardiovascular reactivity change scores: A comparison of intermittent and continuous methods of assessment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this