# Criterion-related validity of self-screening using the KOJI AWARENESS™ test for range of motion and strength in healthy participants

## TL;DR

This study tested how well the KOJI AWARENESS™ test reflects joint motion, strength, and balance in healthy people.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the validity of the KOJI AWARENESS™ test sub-components in relation to physical performance metrics.

## Key findings

- KOJI AWARENESS™ scores showed validity for most joint and muscle assessments.
- No significant associations were found for neck, hip, and trunk-specific movements.
- Future research should include older and middle-aged populations.

## Abstract

This study aimed to establish the validity of the KOJI AWARENESS™ sub-components by determining whether there is a connection between the sub-component scores and joint range of motion, muscle strength, and balance.

Fifty healthy adults (17 females and 33 males) participated in the study, completing the KOJI AWARENESS™ assessments and measurements of joint range of motion, muscle strength, and balance. The range of motion of the upper and lower extremities and trunk was measured using either a goniometer or an inclinometer. A handheld dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength. Balance ability was assessed using a modified balance error scoring system. Using the Mann–Whitney U test or the Jonckheere–Terpstra test, we compared KOJI AWARENESS™ scores with the corresponding body segments at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.

Our results indicated associations between external references and many items; however, no associations were found for flexion, extension, and rotation of neck mobility, extension and external rotation of hip mobility, and mid-section stability strength in KOJI AWARENESS™.

Overall, the KOJI AWARENESS™ sub-component scores demonstrated good validity, except for the items related to neck and hip flexibility and trunk muscle strength. Future analyses should include a wider range of age groups, such as middle-aged and older adults.