Muscle ultrasound education program for undergraduate physiotherapy students: reliability and knowledge

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle ultrasound (MUS) is a procedure used by healthcare professionals to assess muscle tissue morphology. Objective: Evaluate intra- and interrater reliability in measurement and knowledge level about MUS after a custom-made educational program for undergraduate physiotherapy students. Methods: Intra- and interrater reliability study with physiotherapy students with no prior MUS experience (novices - NS) who participated in a 6.5-hour training with an experienced sonographer (ES). Reliability was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient intra- and interrater for muscle thickness (MT) of quadriceps (transverse - TRF and longitudinal - LRF rectus femoris and vastus lateralis - VL) of the right thigh of volunteers. One-way ANOVA test compared mean MT differences between evaluators. General knowledge was assessed by questionnaire pre- and post-training. Data presented as mean and 95%CI, analyzed in SPSS v.21.0. Results: Excellent intrarater reliability for TRF: 0.97 (0.91-0.99), LRF: 0.95 (0.84-0.99), and VL: 0.91 (0.39-0.98) and interrater reliability: TRF: 0.98 (0.96-0.99); LRF: 0.97 (0.94-0.98); VL: 0.96 (0.93-0.98) either. No differences between evaluators for TRF (p = 0.99), LRF (p = 0.76), and VL MT (p = 0.74). Knowledge scores increased by 13.5 points from pre- to post-training. Conclusion: NS demonstrated excellent intra- and interrater reliability in MT assessment after brief MUS training. The theoretical-practical educational program significantly improved knowledge, suggesting its utility in training future physiotherapists.