Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Dr. Donald H Paterson

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the internal consistency and stability reliability of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the popliteal artery and to investigate the effect of occlusion pressure on the FMD response. METHODS: A series of FMD tests were performed on ten healthy young adult males to assess reliability. Ultrasound-derived artery diameter of the popliteal was measured and FMD was calculated as the percent change in diameter from baseline. RESULTS: FMD measurements for intra- and interday comparisons demonstrated poor reliability (Repeatability 5.62 and 4.82%, Intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.36 and 0.25, respectively). Repeatability values were as large as the FMD measures themselves for both intra- and interday reliability. CONCLUSION: Popliteal artery FMD has poor reliability for internal consistency and stability reliability. Interpretation of individual or group changes using this technique should be interpreted with caution.

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