The Effect of Unit, Depth and Probe Load on the Reliability of Muscle Shear Wave Elastography - Variables affecting reliability of SWE

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Theodore

Purpose: There is currently no standardized method for muscle shear wave elastography (SWE). This study investigated how unit of measurement, acquisition depth, and probe load influence SWE reliability. Methods: Four muscle groups were scanned in twenty healthy participants. SWE readings were collected in shear wave velocity (m/s) and Young’s modulus (kPa), across varying depths and probe loads, and reliability was assessed using intraclass correlations (ICC). Results and conclusions: Reliability varied by muscle group, unit, depth, and probe condition.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Background on SWE

Rationale for Reliability Assessment

[eprints@whiterose.ac.uk](eprints@whiterose.ac.uk)[ ](eprints@whiterose.ac.uk)[https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk](https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk) Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York Deposited via The University of Leeds. White Rose Research Online URL for this paper: [https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/120222/](https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/120222/) [Version: Accepted Version](Version: Accepted Version) Article: Alfuraih, AM, O'Connor, P, Hensor, E et al. (2018) The effect of unit, depth, and probe load on the reliability of muscle shear wave elastography: Variables affecting reliability of SWE. Journal of Clinical Ultrasound, 46 (2) . pp. 108-115. ISSN: 1097-0096 [https://doi.org/10.1002/jcu.22534](https://doi.org/10.1002/jcu.22534) © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Alfuraih AM, O'Connor P, Hensor E, et al.. The effect of unit, depth, and probe load on the reliability of muscle shear wave elastography: Variables affecting reliability of SWE. J Clin Ultrasound. 2018;46:108–115 . , which has been published in final form at [https://doi.org/10.1002/jcu.22534. This article may be](https://doi.org/10.1002/jcu.22534. This article may be) used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. Reuse Items deposited in White Rose Research Online are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved unless indicated otherwise. They may be downloaded and/or printed for private study, or other acts as permitted by national copyright laws. The publisher or other rights holders may allow further reproduction and re-use of the full text version. This is indicated by the licence information on the White Rose Research Online record for the item. Takedown If you consider content in White Rose Research Online to be in breach of UK law, please notify us by emailing [eprints@whiterose.ac.uk](eprints@whiterose.ac.uk) including the URL of the record and the reason for the withdrawal request. The Effect of Unit, Depth and Probe Load on the Reliability of Muscle Shear Wave Elastography Variables affecting reliability of SWE Authors: Abdulrahman M. Alfuraih 1,2,3 BSc, MSc. Phil O’Connor3 MBBS, MRCP, FRCR, FFSEM(UK) . Elizabeth Hensor2,3 BSc, PhD. Ai Lyn Tan2,3 MB, BCh, MD, MRCP. Paul Emery2,3 MA, MD, FRCP, FMedSci. Richard J. Wakefield2,3 BM, MD, FRCP. Affiliations: 1Radiology and Medical Imaging Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Kharj, Saudi Arabia. 2Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Chapel Allerton Hospital, University of Leeds, United Kingdom. 3NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom. Corresponding author. Dr. R. J. Wakefield. Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2nd Floor, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Chapeltown Road. Leeds. LS7 4SA. UK. +44 113 392 4849 [Email:](Email: R.J.Wakefield@leeds.ac.uk)[ ](Email: R.J.Wakefield@leeds.ac.uk)[R.J.Wakefield@leeds.ac.uk](Email: R.J.Wakefield@leeds.ac.uk) Acknowledgments The research is supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, UK. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. Abstract Purpose: There is currently no standardized method for muscle shear wave elastography (SWE) . The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of unit of measurement, depth and probe load on the reliability of muscle SWE. Methods: The vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, biceps brachii and abductor digiti minimi muscles were scanned on twenty healthy participants. The SWE readings were measured in shear wave velocity (m/s) and Young’s modulus (kPa) . Three acquisitions of

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study on muscle shear wave elastography reliability?

The study aimed to determine how measurement unit, acquisition depth, and probe load affect the reliability of muscle SWE readings.

How were SWE reliability measurements assessed in the study?

SWE was measured across different muscles and technical settings, and reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlations (ICC).

Which conditions showed the best reliability according to the conclusions?

Readings acquired in shear wave velocity (m/s) at depths less than 4 cm using minimal probe load without a standoff gel provided the best reliability.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Theodore