Intra- and interrater reliability and inter-method correlations of soft tissue property measurements in the pectoral region of breast cancer survivors
Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, cilt.46, sa.4, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 46 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1111/cpf.70078
- Dergi Adı: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: elastimeter, MyotonPRO, shear wave elastography, tissue composition, tissue stiffness, tissue thickness, ultrasound imaging
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: Breast cancer treatments can alter local soft-tissue structure and mechanics, contributing to upper-limb dysfunction. Ultrasound (US) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) assess tissue stiffness, while deformation-based tools (Elastimeter, MyotonPRO) provide accessible alternatives, though their reliability and agreement are unclear. This study evaluated (1) intra- and interrater reliability of US, SWE, MyotonPRO and Elastimeter for measuring tissue thickness, composition and stiffness, and (2) correlations between SWE and deformation-based tools. Methods: Thirty breast cancer survivors were assessed at four pectoralis major regions on affected and non-affected sides. Skin, fat and muscle thickness, muscle composition, and stiffness were measured using US and SWE (MACH 30), with additional stiffness measures from MyotonPRO and Elastimeter. Three assessors performed repeated sessions. Reliability was analysed using ICC(3,1), SEM, %SEM, and SRD. Correlations were assessed with Spearman's coefficients. Results: Muscle thickness and composition showed weak–moderate reliability (ICC 0.237–0.766). SWE stiffness also showed weak–moderate reliability (ICC −0.032–0.539) with large measurement error. Deformation-based tools showed similar reliability (ICC 0.246–0.737), with greatest variability for MyotonPRO. No significant correlations were found between SWE and deformation-based measures. Conclusion: US measurements of skin and fat thickness were most reliable. Deeper-tissue assessments showed substantial variability, likely due to anatomical complexity, probe stability and device limitations. Stiffness tools were not interchangeable.