Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
A Novel Application of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging
Published on: September 17, 2013
Reliability of Ultrasound Imaging for Lumbar Multifidus Muscle: Capturing Video vs Static Images
Fahed Mehyar1, Theresa M Spitznagle, Neena K Sharma
1University of Kansas Medical Center, Mailstop 2002, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. Tel 913-588-4566, fax 913-588-6910. nsharma@kumc.edu.
Objective:
Ultrasound imaging is a widely used method for viewing musculoskeletal tissues. However, capturing movies of lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle with ultrasound imaging (video method) is a relatively new method, and its reliability has not been fully tested. The objective of this study was to compare the intra-rater reliability of two methods of ultrasound imaging of LM muscle, the traditional method (static images) and the video method, in healthy subjects conducted by a novice rater.
Methods:
Images of LM thickness in 15 healthy subjects were captured and measured by static images and video methods. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change were calculated to determine the reliability and precision of the LM thickness measurements.
Results:
Excellent intra-rater reliability was demonstrated in measuring LM muscle thickness using both methods, with the intra-rater ICC ranging from 0.75 to 0.95.
Conclusion:
The reliability of the LM thickness measurements in video ultrasound is similar to that in the static images method in healthy subjects.
