Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Manual Versus Specific Device Transcostal Measurements for Breathing Diaphragm Thickness by Ultrasonography in Lumbopelvic Pain Athletes

The use of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) to evaluate diaphragm thickness during breathing in athletes who suffer from non-specific lumbopelvic pain presents some measurement errors. purpose this study was intra- and inter-sessions, inter-rater reliabilities, concurrent validity measurements using transcostal RUSI with a novel thoracic orthotic device that used fix the US probe versus those obtained manual fixation. A total 37 were recruited. Intra- (same examiner) (two examiners) day) inter-session (alternate days) reliabilities analyzed. All after fixation positioning order correctly correlate both methods. Both left right hemi-diaphragm performed by at maximum inspiration, expiration, difference between two parameters relaxed breathing. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), standard errors (SEM), minimum detectable changes (MCD), systematic errors, correlations (r) assessed. Orthotic showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.852–0.996, SEM 0.0002–0.054, MDC 0.002–0.072), most did not show significant (p > 0.05). Despite ranging good 0.714–0.997, 0.003–0.023, 0.008–0.064 cm), several < 0.05) found. Most methods moderate (r 0.486–0.718; p Bland–Altman plots indicated adequate agreement according limits. proposed may allow provide valid reliable diaphragmatic thus reducing avoiding It be advisable measure facilitate visual biofeedback respect re-education normal pain.