EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF VASTUS MEDIALIS THICKNESS MEASUREMENT USING B-MODE ULTRASOUND: 
A ONE-WEEK INTERVAL STUDY

Maciej Biały; Patryk Marczykowski; Bartosz Wilczyński; Jenny McConnell

doi:10.5114/hpc.2025.154552

eISSN: 2354-0265
ISSN: 2353-6942

Health Problems of Civilization Physical activity: diseases and issues recognized by the WHO

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abstract:

Original paper

EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF VASTUS MEDIALIS THICKNESS MEASUREMENT USING B-MODE ULTRASOUND: A ONE-WEEK INTERVAL STUDY

Maciej Biały

^{1, 2}

,

Patryk Marczykowski

³

,

Bartosz Wilczyński

⁴

,

Jenny McConnell

^{5, 6}

Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
Functional Diagnostics Laboratory, Sport-Klinika, Scanmed Sport, Żory, Poland
Iga Garbowska Osteopathy Clinic, Katowice, Poland
Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
McConnell Physiotherapy Group, Mosman, Australia
Centre for Health Exercise and Sports Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

Health Prob Civil.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/hpc.2025.154552

Online publish date: 2025/09/24

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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.

keywords:

EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF VASTUS MEDIALIS THICKNESS MEASUREMENT USING B-MODE ULTRASOUND: A ONE-WEEK INTERVAL STUDY

Maciej Biały 1, 2 , Patryk Marczykowski 3 , Bartosz Wilczyński 4 , Jenny McConnell 5, 6

muscle thickness, knee rehabilitation, vastus medialis, reliability, ultrasound

Maciej Biały

^{1, 2}

,

Patryk Marczykowski

³

,

Bartosz Wilczyński

⁴

,

Jenny McConnell

^{5, 6}