title: Precision of Lunar Achilles+ bone quality measurements: time dependency and multiple machine use in field studies.
abstract: Qualitative ultrasound (QUS) is a portable, safe and relatively inexpensive technique used to obtain information on bone mineral quality in adults and children. QUS measures bone stiffness index (SI) through the incorporation of speed of sound (SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA). QUS technology may prove to be extremely useful in field research where more than one machine is used over different periods of time. 13 adults (27.6+/-4.6 years old) were recruited to determine the internal stability of two Lunar Achilles+ QUS machines (Lunar1, Lunar2), as well as the repeatability in bone stiffness measures between the two machines over time. Triplicate measurements of the calcaneus were taken within the same day (n = 258) and at 1 week (n = 120), 6 months (n = 54) and 1 year (n = 18) apart to determine the time-dependent repeatability. Using paired t-tests and separate mixed effects models, there were no differences reported in SI, SOS or BUA values within one machine, or between two machines over these short- and long-term time-frames. These results indicate that QUS machines are internally consistent and different machines may be used over time to provide reliable measurements of changes in bone quality.
authors: Tufts University, Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
authors: C D
authors: CD
authors: Economos
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Sacheck
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Wacker
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Shea
authors: E N
authors: EN
authors: Naumova
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D001900:Boston; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019719:Diagnostic Equipment / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*