Speaker: Dr. Michael Rotondi, York University. 
                 School of Kinesiology & Health Science

Title: What’s Michael Working on in the Kinesiology Department?

Abstract: Dr. Rotondi will highlight the role of biostatisticians in the research team and discuss his work on three current research projects.
        The first project involves interobserver agreement (reliability) studies and derivation of appropriate sample size estimation techniques. This approach is applied in collaboration with researchers at the University of Western Ontario in the evaluation of the use of the Mackenzie System of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for the classification of shoulder pain. 
          The second topic highlights the methodological challenges of Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) and the Change-The-Cycle (CTC) initiative.  RDS is a probability-based sampling technique used to recruit participants through peer networks.   This approach is particularly useful for sampling hard to reach or hidden populations. The CTC project is a multi-faceted intervention designed to reduce the initiation of injection drug use (i.e. giving a non-injector their first injection).  Statistical challenges related to missing data in this study are highlighted, as well as preliminary study results. 
         The presentation will conclude with a summary of Dr. Rotondi’s role as Lead Biostatistician in a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an iPhone App to assist teens in monitoring their blood sugar levels. 

Suggested Readings: TBA