Day JM, Merriman H. Upper extremity soft tissue stiffness measured with shear wave elastography: A between-day reliability study.
Shoulder Elbow 2024;
16:159-168. [PMID:
38655409 PMCID:
PMC11034466 DOI:
10.1177/17585732231179115]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background
Imbalances in soft tissue stiffness (STS) of the pectoralis and common wrist extensors (CWEs) can adversely alter upper extremity function. Shear wave elastography (SWE) has the capacity to provide precise, repeatable, objective data on STS. The purpose of this study was to determine the between-day intrarater reliability for the pectoralis and CWE tendon stiffness as measured by SWE.
Methods
STS measured by the shear wave modulus (kilopascals (kPa)) was captured bilaterally on the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and CWE tendon using 2D SWE ultrasound imaging (GE Logiq S8, 9 L transducer) on two separate days. Within examiner intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (3, 3)) with 95% confidence intervals, standard error of the measure, and minimal detectable changes were calculated.
Results
The investigators recruited 10 healthy participants (mean age = 23.50 ± 1.43). Between day intrarater reliability values were obtained for the dominant pectoralis major ICC = 0.70 (-0.15, -0.93), nondominant pectoralis major ICC = 0.63 (-0.30, -0.91), dominant pectoralis minor ICC = 0 .72(-0.04, -0.93), nondominant pectoralis minor ICC = 0.75(0.08, -0.94), dominant CWE tendon ICC = 0.75(-0.08, -0.94), and nondominant CWE tendon ICC = 0.75(-0.12, -0.94).
Discussion
Our data demonstrate acceptable reliability but future studies should include methods that control for variables known to effect STS.
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