Application of the novel estimation method by shear wave elastography using vibrator to human skeletal muscle

In recent years, non-invasive measurement of tissue stiffness using ultrasound elastography has attracted considerable attention, particularly for evaluating muscle stiffness in rehabilitation, sports, and orthopedics. However, elastography-capable ultrasound systems are expensive and their clinical use is limited. This study proposes a novel estimation method for vibration-based shear wave elastography of human skeletal muscle and evaluates its reproducibility and reliability. Coefficient of variation (CV) and correlation coefficients were used to assess reproducibility and reliability by measuring shear wave velocities in konjac and agar phantom gels and human skeletal muscle. In phantom gels, intra-day, day-to-day, and inter-operator reliabilities were good. In skeletal muscle, intra-day and day-to-day reliabilities were good. The findings confirm adequate reproducibility and reliability of the proposed method, suggesting it may be a useful tool for evaluating muscle stiffness.