Reliability of Ultrasound Imaging using Manual and Transducer Support in Measurement of the Transverse Abdominis Muscle in Dynamic Posture

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra and inter rater reliability of static and dynamic postures in the transverse abdominal muscles (TrA) using manual testing and velcro strap of the transducer in B mode ultrasonography (US). Methods Twenty three healthy participants were evaluated using two different measurement methods by two raters within one day and on three different days. They were implemented with abdominal drawing in maneuver (ADIM) with lying, ball sitting, and hand on knee positions using manual testing or Velcro strap of the transducer. Results There were statistically significant differences in TrA between ADIM with lying and hand on knee positions (p<0.05). Intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) values of the transducer with Velcro strap for inter rater and intra rater reliability were higher on ADIM with lying (0.94 and 0.96), ball sitting (0.87 and 0.88), and hand on knee (0.86 and 0.91) positions compared to manual testing. Conclusion Our results suggest that hand on knee exercise affects TrA contraction and has higher reliability using the transducer with a velcro strap.