Reliability of Real‐time Ultrasound Imaging for the Assessment of Trunk Stabilizer Muscles: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Rehabilitative ultrasound (US) imaging is one of the popular methods for investigating muscle morphologic characteristics and dimensions in recent years. The reliability of this method has been investigated in different studies. As studies have been performed with different designs and quality, reported values of rehabilitative US have a wide range. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature conducted on the reliability of rehabilitative US imaging for the assessment of deep abdominal and lumbar trunk muscle dimensions. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence, Ovid, and CINAHL databases were searched to identify original research articles conducted on the reliability of rehabilitative US imaging published from June 2007 to August 2017. The articles were qualitatively assessed; reliability data were extracted; and the methodological quality was evaluated by 2 independent reviewers. Of the 26 included studies, 16 were considered of high methodological quality. Except for 2 studies, all high-quality studies reported intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intra-rater reliability of 0.70 or greater. Also, ICCs reported for inter-rater reliability in high-quality studies were generally greater than 0.70. Among low-quality studies, reported ICCs ranged from 0.26 to 0.99 and 0.68 to 0.97 for intra- and inter-rater reliability, respectively. Also, the reported standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for rehabilitative US were generally in an acceptable range. Generally, the results of the reviewed studies indicate that rehabilitative US imaging has good levels of both inter- and intra-rater reliability.

Ultrasonographic Comparison of Deep Lumbopelvic Muscles Activity in Plank Movements on Stable and Unstable Surface

“…In this study, the muscle thickness changes were measured with a Madison X8 ultrasound machine (made in Korea) with a linear probe (with a frequency of 7.5-10.5 MHz). The reliability of this method was previously reported [16]. Before performing the exercises, the location of selected muscles was specified by a radiologist at resting position on the dominant side (preferable leg for hitting the ball for at least two times of three attempts).…”

“…Using ultrasonography allows the investigation of the deep tissues and internal organs, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursas, and joints. In this method, the cross-sectional area and linear dimensions of muscles are measurable and have many applications in musculoskeletal evaluation [16].…”

Comparison of trunk muscle thickness according to the type of feedback during spinal stabilization exercise in standing posture

“…Ultrasound is a highly reliable equipment used to assess whether the muscles are contracting well [14]. Also, it is non-invasive, easy to apply, economical, and can visualize the contraction of the core muscles to provide an immediate visual feedback effect [15].…”

Comparison of Lateral Abdominal Musculature Activation during Expiration with an Expiratory Flow Control Device Versus the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver in Healthy Women: A Cross-Sectional Observational Pilot Study

“…2.0 (Prim Fisioterapia y Rehabilitación, Madrid, Spain) ( Figure 1)-is an evolution of this first model [16], and was developed to redirect pressure, and based on abdominal-perineal synergy and the expiratory function of the TrA, an adjustable increase in expiratory flow may be generated [17]. Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), commonly used for the study of muscle morphology and characteristics, has been shown as a technique which presents good reliability with regard to trunk stabilizers [18]. The validity of ultrasound measurements of this musculature has been compared with measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), obtaining an intercorrelation coefficient (ICC) between 0.78 and 0.95 [3].…”

“…In this study, RUSI was used to compare lateral abdominal musculature thickness using ADIM versus a forced expiration through the EFCD with the purpose of evaluate the effects on the core muscles of a directed and regulated expiration by an EFCD device with respect to the ADIM. Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI), commonly used for the study of muscle morphology and characteristics, has been shown as a technique which presents good reliability with regard to trunk stabilizers [18]. The validity of ultrasound measurements of this musculature has been compared with measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), obtaining an intercorrelation coefficient (ICC) between 0.78 and 0.95 [3].…”