title: Reliability and validity of an ultrasound-based imaging method for measuring interspinous process distance in the lumbar spine using two different index points.
abstract: [Purpose] This study assessed the reliability and validity of an ultrasound-based imaging method for measuring the interspinous process distance in the lumbar spine using two different index points. [Subjects and Methods] Ten healthy males were recruited. Five physical therapy students participated in this study as examiners. The L2-L3 interspinous distance was measured from the caudal end of the L2 spinous process to the cranial end of the L3 spinous process (E-E measurement) and from the top of the L2 spinous process to the top of the L3 spinous process (T-T measurement). Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the relative reliability. Validity was assessed using a model resembling the living human body. [Results] The reliability study showed no difference in intra-rater reliability between the two measurements. However, the E-E measurement showed higher inter-rater reliability than the T-T measurement (Intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.914 vs. 0.725). Moreover, the E-E measurement method had good validity (Intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.999 and 95% confidence interval for minimal detectable change: 0.29 mm). [Conclusion] These results demonstrate the high reliability and validity of ultrasound-based imaging in the quantitative assessment of lumbar interspinous process distance. Of the two methods, the E-E measurement method is recommended.
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Ryotokuji University, Japan ; Department of Physical Therapy, Kasai Clinic of Orthopedic and Internal Medicine, Japan ; Graduate Course of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, Japan.
authors: Ryosuke
authors: R
authors: Tozawa
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Ryotokuji University, Japan.
authors: Munenori
authors: M
authors: Katoh
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Ryotokuji University, Japan.
authors: Hidefumi
authors: H
authors: Aramaki
authors: Graduate Course of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, Japan.
authors: Tsuneo
authors: T
authors: Kumamoto
authors: Graduate Course of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, Japan.
authors: Osamu
authors: O
authors: Fujinawa
keywords: Interspinous process distance; Reliability; Ultrasound imaging