RESEARCH PAPER
EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF VASTUS MEDIALIS THICKNESS MEASUREMENT USING B-MODE ULTRASOUND:
A ONE-WEEK INTERVAL STUDY
1
Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
2
Functional Diagnostics Laboratory, Sport-Klinika, Scanmed Sport, Żory, Poland
3
Iga Garbowska Osteopathy Clinic, Katowice, Poland
4
Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
5
McConnell Physiotherapy Group, Mosman, Australia
6
Centre for Health Exercise and Sports Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Submission date: 2025-08-14
Final revision date: 2025-09-17
Acceptance date: 2025-09-19
Publication date: 2025-09-24
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
The vastus medialis (VM) muscle is essential for patellofemoral joint stability, and its dysfunction is linked to multiple knee disorders. Ultrasound (US) offers a practical method for VM assessment. The reliability of longitudinal-plane thickness measurements by novice examiners remains unclear.
Material and methods:
18 healthy adults (mean age 23.5±1.25 years) underwent three VM thickness measurement sessions: two on the same day and one after one week. Measurements at rest (R) and during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were obtained using a standardized protocol. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD) were calculated to assess intra-rater reliability.
Results:
Single-session measurements achieved excellent reliability (ICC≥0.93) for both R and MVIC, with greater precision from averaging multiple registrations. One-week interval measurements showed moderate-to-good reliability (ICC 0.52-0.87), improving with repeated measurements. Mean VM thickness increased from 27.1±3.9 mm (R) to 32.4±4.6 mm (MVIC).
Conclusions:
Longitudinal US measurement of VM thickness is highly reliable within a single session, especially when multiple images are averaged. Consistent landmarks, standardized procedures, and examiner training can enhance long-term measurement reliability in clinical and research settings.
The vastus medialis (VM) muscle is essential for patellofemoral joint stability, and its dysfunction is linked to multiple knee disorders. Ultrasound (US) offers a practical method for VM assessment. The reliability of longitudinal-plane thickness measurements by novice examiners remains unclear.
Material and methods:
18 healthy adults (mean age 23.5±1.25 years) underwent three VM thickness measurement sessions: two on the same day and one after one week. Measurements at rest (R) and during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were obtained using a standardized protocol. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD) were calculated to assess intra-rater reliability.
Results:
Single-session measurements achieved excellent reliability (ICC≥0.93) for both R and MVIC, with greater precision from averaging multiple registrations. One-week interval measurements showed moderate-to-good reliability (ICC 0.52-0.87), improving with repeated measurements. Mean VM thickness increased from 27.1±3.9 mm (R) to 32.4±4.6 mm (MVIC).
Conclusions:
Longitudinal US measurement of VM thickness is highly reliable within a single session, especially when multiple images are averaged. Consistent landmarks, standardized procedures, and examiner training can enhance long-term measurement reliability in clinical and research settings.
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| eISSN: | 2354-0265 |
| ISSN: | 2353-6942 |
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