Intra and Inter-Rater Measurement Reliability of Tibialis Anterior Muscle (TA) Thickness using the Ultrasonography Spring Gauge Technique
10.18857/jkpt.2021.33.4.187
- Author:
Byeong-Hun HWANG
1
;
Tae-Jin JANG
;
In-Cheol JEON
Author Information
1. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Life and Health Science, Hoseo University, Smart Healthcare Convergence Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
2021;33(4):187-192
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The purpose of the current study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of muscle thickness measurement of the TA using ultrasonography (US) conducted at different inward pressures of approximately 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg, and no pressure control.
Methods:Twenty healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Two different examiners measured the thicknesses of the dominant TA of each subject randomly to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability. The measurement values were analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and coefficient of variance.
Results:All intra-rater reliability ICC values showed high reliability above 0.9. Inter-rater reliability ICC values showed high reliability above 0.9 with 0.5 and 1.0 kg of inward pressure. In contrast, Inter-rater reliability ICC values showed poor reliability (0.23) with no pressure control of inward pressure.
Conclusion:The findings showed that maintaining consistent inward pressure is essential for reliable results when the muscle thickness of the TA is measured by different examiners in a clinical setting.