Using a waist size of 86.5 cm instead of standard cutoffs makes different doctors agree much more on who has metabolic syndrome in men with spinal cord injuries (Kappa 0.95 vs 0.47).
Scientific Claim
In men with chronic spinal cord injury, the use of a waist circumference cutoff of 86.5 cm is associated with substantially improved interrater reliability for metabolic syndrome definitions across NCEP ATP III, AHA, and IDF criteria, with Cohen's Kappa values increasing from 0.47 to 0.95.
Original Statement
“The Kappa (κ) values improved substantially after using SCI specific criteria (0.95 ± 0.05) compared to the general population criteria (0.47 ± 0.28) for three definitions of MetS.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is observational and demonstrates associations, so using 'associated with' is appropriate. No causation is claimed.