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Matt S. Stock - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Echo Intensity as an indicator of skeletal muscle quality: applications, methodology, and future directions.
European journal of applied physiology, 2020Co-Authors: Matt S. Stock, Brennan J. ThompsonAbstract:This narrative review provides an overview of the current knowledge of B-mode ultrasound-derived Echo Intensity (EI) as an indicator of skeletal muscle quality. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search the literature. Advanced search functions were used to find original studies with the terms 'Echo Intensity' and/or 'muscle quality' in the title and/or abstract. Publications that conceptually described muscle quality but did not include measurement of EI were not a focus of the review. Importantly, the foundational premise of EI remains unclear. While it is likely that EI reflects intramuscular adiposity, data suggesting that these measurements are influenced by fibrous tissue is limited to diseased muscle and animal models. EI appears to show particular promise in studying muscular aging. Studies have consistently reported an association between EI and muscle function, though not all chronic interventions have demonstrated improvements. Based on the existing literature, it is unclear if EI can be used as a marker of muscle glycogen following exercise and nutritional interventions, or if EI is influenced by hydration status. Inconsistent methodological approaches used across laboratories have made comparing EI studies challenging. Image depth, rest duration, participant positioning, probe tilt, and the decision to correct for subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness are all critical considerations when interpreting the literature and planning studies. While some areas show conflicting evidence, EI shows promise as a novel tool for studying muscle quality. Collaborative efforts focused on methodology are necessary to enhance the consistency and quality of the EI literature.
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Echo Intensity as an indicator of skeletal muscle quality: applications, methodology, and future directions
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2020Co-Authors: Matt S. Stock, Brennan J. ThompsonAbstract:Purpose This narrative review provides an overview of the current knowledge of B-mode ultrasound-derived Echo Intensity (EI) as an indicator of skeletal muscle quality. Method PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search the literature. Advanced search functions were used to find original studies with the terms ‘Echo Intensity’ and/or ‘muscle quality’ in the title and/or abstract. Publications that conceptually described muscle quality but did not include measurement of EI were not a focus of the review. Result Importantly, the foundational premise of EI remains unclear. While it is likely that EI reflects intramuscular adiposity, data suggesting that these measurements are influenced by fibrous tissue is limited to diseased muscle and animal models. EI appears to show particular promise in studying muscular aging. Studies have consistently reported an association between EI and muscle function, though not all chronic interventions have demonstrated improvements. Based on the existing literature, it is unclear if EI can be used as a marker of muscle glycogen following exercise and nutritional interventions, or if EI is influenced by hydration status. Inconsistent methodological approaches used across laboratories have made comparing EI studies challenging. Image depth, rest duration, participant positioning, probe tilt, and the decision to correct for subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness are all critical considerations when interpreting the literature and planning studies. Conclusion While some areas show conflicting evidence, EI shows promise as a novel tool for studying muscle quality. Collaborative efforts focused on methodology are necessary to enhance the consistency and quality of the EI literature.
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Muscle strength, not age, explains unique variance in Echo Intensity.
Experimental gerontology, 2020Co-Authors: Akash U. Bali, Adam M. Burton, Kylie K. Harmon, David C. Phan, Nicholas E. Mercer, Nicholas W. Lawless, Matt S. StockAbstract:Abstract Echo Intensity (EI) is being increasingly utilized by investigators as an index of skeletal muscle quality. Previous studies have reported independent associations between EI versus both age and muscle strength. Purpose We sought to determine whether EI is more strongly associated with age or strength. Methods Twenty-eight younger adults (13 men, 15 women; mean age = 22 years) and 25 older adults (10 men, 15 women; age = 71 years) participated. B-mode ultrasonography was utilized to acquire images of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris. ImageJ software was used to quantify corrected EI and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). Each participant performed 40 maximal concentric isokinetic muscle actions of the knee extensors (velocity = 180°·s−1). The mean peak torque of the best three attempts was used to quantify muscle strength. Specific torque was calculated as strength relative to CSA. Fatigability was also quantified. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests and stepwise regression. Results There were large differences between age groups for strength (p Conclusion Concentric isokinetic muscle strength is a better predictor of EI than age.
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Variability of regional quadriceps Echo Intensity in active young men with and without subcutaneous fat correction
Applied physiology nutrition and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee nutrition et metabolisme, 2020Co-Authors: Dustin J. Oranchuk, Matt S. Stock, Andre R. Nelson, Adam G. Storey, John B. CroninAbstract:Quantifying Echo Intensity (EI), a proposed measure of muscle quality, is becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, much attention has been paid to regional differences in other ultrasonically evaluated measures of muscle morphology and architecture. However, the variability of regional (proximal, middle, distal) EI of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and lateral and anterior vastus intermedius has yet to be determined. Twenty participants (40 limbs), were evaluated on 3 occasions, separated by 7 days. Intersession variability of EI with and without subcutaneous fat correction was quantified. Furthermore, the interchangeability of corrected EI across regions was evaluated. Variability of regional quadriceps EI was substantially lower with subcutaneous fat correction (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.81-0.98, coefficient of variation (CV) = 4.5%-16.8%, typical error of measure (TEM) = 0.13-0.49) versus raw values (ICC = 0.69-0.98, CV = 7.7%-42.7%, TEM = 0.14-0.68), especially when examining the vastus intermedius (ICC = 0.81-0.95, CV = 7.1%-16.8%, TEM = 0.23-0.49 vs. ICC = 0.69-0.92, CV = 22.9%-42.7%, TEM = 0.31-0.68). With the exception of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius (p ≥ 0.143, effect size (ES) ≤ 0.18), corrected EI was greater for proximal and distal regions when compared with the midpoint (p ≤ 0.038, ES = 0.38-0.82). Researchers and practitioners should utilize subcutaneous fat thickness correction to confidently evaluate EI at all regions of the quadriceps. Regional EI cannot be used interchangeably for the vastus muscles, likely because of an increase in fibrous content towards the myotendinous junctions. Novelty Regional quadriceps Echo Intensity was reliable with and without correction for subcutaneous fat thickness. Intersession variability of regional quadriceps Echo Intensity was substantially improved following subcutaneous fat correction. Quadriceps Echo Intensity increased towards myotendinous junctions in the vastus muscles.
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Echo Intensity Versus Muscle Function Correlations in Older Adults are Influenced by Subcutaneous Fat Thickness.
Ultrasound in medicine & biology, 2018Co-Authors: Matt S. Stock, Morgan Whitson, Adam M. Burton, Nicole Dawson, Eric J. Sobolewski, Brennan J. ThompsonAbstract:Abstract Recently, an equation that allows investigators to correct Echo Intensity for subcutaneous fat was developed. We evaluated correlations between uncorrected and corrected Echo Intensity versus measures of lower-extremity function. Twenty-three older adults (11 men, 12 women; mean age = 72 y) participated. B-Mode ultrasonography was used to quantify rectus femoris Echo Intensity and subcutaneous fat thickness. Knee extensor isometric peak torque and rate of torque development at 200 ms (RTD200) were determined (joint angle = 90°). Fast gait speed was evaluated at 10- and 400-m distances. Partial correlations between normalized peak torque, RTD200 and 10- and 400-m gait speed versus uncorrected Echo Intensity were weak and insignificant. Correction for subcutaneous fat strengthened the correlations (peak torque r = −0.500, RTD200 r = −0.425, 10-m r = −0.409, 400-m r = −0.410). Correcting Echo Intensity values for subcutaneous fat strengthened the associations with lower-extremity muscle function in older adults.
Brennan J. Thompson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Echo Intensity as an indicator of skeletal muscle quality: applications, methodology, and future directions
European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2020Co-Authors: Matt S. Stock, Brennan J. ThompsonAbstract:Purpose This narrative review provides an overview of the current knowledge of B-mode ultrasound-derived Echo Intensity (EI) as an indicator of skeletal muscle quality. Method PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search the literature. Advanced search functions were used to find original studies with the terms ‘Echo Intensity’ and/or ‘muscle quality’ in the title and/or abstract. Publications that conceptually described muscle quality but did not include measurement of EI were not a focus of the review. Result Importantly, the foundational premise of EI remains unclear. While it is likely that EI reflects intramuscular adiposity, data suggesting that these measurements are influenced by fibrous tissue is limited to diseased muscle and animal models. EI appears to show particular promise in studying muscular aging. Studies have consistently reported an association between EI and muscle function, though not all chronic interventions have demonstrated improvements. Based on the existing literature, it is unclear if EI can be used as a marker of muscle glycogen following exercise and nutritional interventions, or if EI is influenced by hydration status. Inconsistent methodological approaches used across laboratories have made comparing EI studies challenging. Image depth, rest duration, participant positioning, probe tilt, and the decision to correct for subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness are all critical considerations when interpreting the literature and planning studies. Conclusion While some areas show conflicting evidence, EI shows promise as a novel tool for studying muscle quality. Collaborative efforts focused on methodology are necessary to enhance the consistency and quality of the EI literature.
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Echo Intensity as an indicator of skeletal muscle quality: applications, methodology, and future directions.
European journal of applied physiology, 2020Co-Authors: Matt S. Stock, Brennan J. ThompsonAbstract:This narrative review provides an overview of the current knowledge of B-mode ultrasound-derived Echo Intensity (EI) as an indicator of skeletal muscle quality. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search the literature. Advanced search functions were used to find original studies with the terms 'Echo Intensity' and/or 'muscle quality' in the title and/or abstract. Publications that conceptually described muscle quality but did not include measurement of EI were not a focus of the review. Importantly, the foundational premise of EI remains unclear. While it is likely that EI reflects intramuscular adiposity, data suggesting that these measurements are influenced by fibrous tissue is limited to diseased muscle and animal models. EI appears to show particular promise in studying muscular aging. Studies have consistently reported an association between EI and muscle function, though not all chronic interventions have demonstrated improvements. Based on the existing literature, it is unclear if EI can be used as a marker of muscle glycogen following exercise and nutritional interventions, or if EI is influenced by hydration status. Inconsistent methodological approaches used across laboratories have made comparing EI studies challenging. Image depth, rest duration, participant positioning, probe tilt, and the decision to correct for subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness are all critical considerations when interpreting the literature and planning studies. While some areas show conflicting evidence, EI shows promise as a novel tool for studying muscle quality. Collaborative efforts focused on methodology are necessary to enhance the consistency and quality of the EI literature.
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Echo Intensity Versus Muscle Function Correlations in Older Adults are Influenced by Subcutaneous Fat Thickness.
Ultrasound in medicine & biology, 2018Co-Authors: Matt S. Stock, Morgan Whitson, Adam M. Burton, Nicole Dawson, Eric J. Sobolewski, Brennan J. ThompsonAbstract:Abstract Recently, an equation that allows investigators to correct Echo Intensity for subcutaneous fat was developed. We evaluated correlations between uncorrected and corrected Echo Intensity versus measures of lower-extremity function. Twenty-three older adults (11 men, 12 women; mean age = 72 y) participated. B-Mode ultrasonography was used to quantify rectus femoris Echo Intensity and subcutaneous fat thickness. Knee extensor isometric peak torque and rate of torque development at 200 ms (RTD200) were determined (joint angle = 90°). Fast gait speed was evaluated at 10- and 400-m distances. Partial correlations between normalized peak torque, RTD200 and 10- and 400-m gait speed versus uncorrected Echo Intensity were weak and insignificant. Correction for subcutaneous fat strengthened the correlations (peak torque r = −0.500, RTD200 r = −0.425, 10-m r = −0.409, 400-m r = −0.410). Correcting Echo Intensity values for subcutaneous fat strengthened the associations with lower-extremity muscle function in older adults.
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Vastus lateralis and rectus femoris Echo Intensity fail to reflect knee extensor specific tension in middle-school boys.
Physiological measurement, 2017Co-Authors: Jacob A Mota, Matt S. Stock, Brennan J. ThompsonAbstract:The potential dissociation between muscle strength and size has led to interest in the ability to assess muscle quality across the lifespan. OBJECTIVES We examined the association between Echo Intensity and specific tension in middle-school boys. APPROACH Twenty-five boys participated in this study. Sixteen (mean ± SD age = 12 ± 1 years) engaged in a 16-week after-school strength and conditioning program. Nine boys (12 ± 1 years) served as controls. The program involved two 90 min sessions per week of lower-body speed, power, and resistance training. Before and after the intervention, ultrasound imaging was used to quantify vastus lateralis and rectus femoris Echo Intensity. MAIN RESULTS Specific tension was calculated as voluntary isometric peak torque divided by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived thigh lean mass (Nm kg-1). The pretest Echo Intensity and specific tension data were not significantly correlated (r = 0.040, p = 0.850). Training resulted in a small mean increase in specific tension (change = 1.93 Nm kg-1; d = 0.42). The Echo Intensity values were not affected by training or maturation (training change = -1.13 arbitrary units (A.U.); control = 0.00 A.U.). Both variables showed no interaction and no group or time main effects. The Echo Intensity and specific tension change scores were not correlated for all subjects (r = -0.080, p = 0.705) or groups (training r = -0.095, p = 0.727; control r = -0.004, p = 0.992). SIGNIFICANCE In middle-school boys, a relationship between Echo Intensity and the ratio of muscle strength relative to lean mass does not exist.
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Echo Intensity and muscle thickness as predictors Of athleticism and isometric strength in middle-school boys.
Muscle & nerve, 2017Co-Authors: Matt S. Stock, Jacob A Mota, Jennah M. Hernandez, Brennan J. ThompsonAbstract:INTRODUCTION We examined correlations among Echo Intensity and muscle thickness versus measures of athleticism and isometric strength in healthy children. METHODS B-mode ultrasonography was used to examine the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) in 28 boys (mean age = 12 years). Tests of athleticism included jump height and peak velocity, sprint speed, and agility. Peak torque and the rate of torque development (RTD) at 100 and 200 ms from torque onset were assessed. RESULTS Several significant correlations existed after controlling for age and mass. RF thickness showed the strongest correlations with the dependent variables. Both RTD time intervals, but not peak torque, correlated with VL thickness. Peak torque was greatly influenced by age and mass. Echo Intensity and muscle thickness correlated highly with agility performance. CONCLUSIONS VL and RF Echo Intensity and muscle thickness may help predict athleticism, and to a lesser extent, RTD, in boys. Muscle Nerve 55: 685-692, 2017.
Noriaki Ichihashi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Age-related changes in muscle thickness and Echo Intensity of trunk muscles in healthy women: comparison of 20-60s age groups.
European journal of applied physiology, 2020Co-Authors: Megumi Ota, Tome Ikezoe, Takehiro Kato, Hiroshige Tateuchi, Noriaki IchihashiAbstract:The objective of this study was to investigate the age-related changes in muscle thickness and muscle Echo Intensity of trunk in subjects including wide range of age groups. The subjects were 112 healthy women (age range 20–60s). The rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, erector spinae, and lumbar multifidus muscles were examined. To confirm the differences among the age groups, the linear mixed effect models were performed. There were significant decreases in muscle thickness of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles in the 50s and 60s age groups compared to those in the 20s age group, and a significant decrease in muscle thickness of the erector spinae muscle in the 60s age group compared to those in the 20s age group. However, there was no significant difference among the age groups in muscle thickness of other trunk muscles. There were significant increases in Echo Intensity of the abdominal muscles in other age groups compared to those in the 20s age group, and significant increases in Echo Intensity of the back muscles in the age groups over 40 compared to those in the 20s group. Our study revealed that muscle quality may be more affected by age than muscle quantity and the effects of aging differ among muscles.
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Effects of low-load, higher-repetition versus high-load, lower-repetition resistance training not performed to failure on muscle strength, mass, and Echo Intensity in healthy young men: a time-course study.
Journal of strength and conditioning research, 2020Co-Authors: Tome Ikezoe, Takuya Kobayashi, Masatoshi Nakamura, Noriaki IchihashiAbstract:The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of low-load, higher-repetition training (LLHR) with those of high-load, lower-repetition training (HLLR) on muscle strength, mass, and Echo Intensity in healthy young men. Fifteen healthy men (age, 23.1 ± 2.6 years) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: LLHR or HLLR group. Resistance training on knee extensor muscles was performed 3 days per week for 8 weeks. One-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, maximum isometric strength, muscle thickness and muscle Echo Intensity on ultrasonography of the rectus femoris muscle were assessed every 2 weeks. Analysis of variance showed no significant group × time interaction, and only a significant main effect of time was observed for all variables. The 8-week resistance training increased 1RM, maximum isometric muscle strength, and muscle thickness by 36.2%-40.9%, 24.0%-25.5%, and 11.3%-20.4%, respectively, whereas it decreased Echo Intensity by 8.05%-16.3%. Significant improvements in muscle strength, thickness, and Echo Intensity were observed at weeks 2, 4, and 8, respectively. The lack of difference in time-course changes between LLHR and HLLR programs suggests that low-load training can exert similar effects on muscle mass and characteristics as high-load training by increasing the number of repetitions, even when not performed to failure.
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Association of physical activity with age-related changes in muscle Echo Intensity in older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study
Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda Md. : 1985), 2018Co-Authors: Yoshihiro Fukumoto, Tome Ikezoe, Seigo Minami, Yosuke Yamada, Misaka Kimura, Yuya Watanabe, Masashi Taniguchi, Shinichiro Sawano, Tsuyoshi Asai, Noriaki IchihashiAbstract:Our results suggest that greater physical activity (PA) may mitigate future changes in muscle thickness and Echo Intensity (EI). A decrease in EI over 4 yr was observed in older adults with greater...
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effects of low load higher repetition versus high load lower repetition resistance training not performed to failure on muscle strength mass and Echo Intensity in healthy young men a time course study
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2017Co-Authors: Tome Ikezoe, Takuya Kobayashi, Masatoshi Nakamura, Noriaki IchihashiAbstract:AbstractThe aim of the present study was to compare the effects of low-load, higher-repetition training (LLHR) with those of high-load, lower-repetition training (HLLR) on muscle strength, mass, and Echo Intensity in healthy young men. Fifteen healthy men (age, 23.1 ± 2.6 years) were randomly assign
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Association of sagittal spinal alignment with thickness and Echo Intensity of lumbar back muscles in middle-aged and elderly women.
Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 2015Co-Authors: Mitsuhiro Masaki, Tome Ikezoe, Yoshihiro Fukumoto, Seigo Minami, Rui Tsukagoshi, Kaoru Sakuma, Satoko Ibuki, Yosuke Yamada, Misaka Kimura, Noriaki IchihashiAbstract:Abstract Objective Quantitative changes, such as a decrease in muscle mass, and qualitative changes, such as an increase in the amount of intramuscular non-contractile tissue, occur with aging. However, it is unclear whether quantitative or qualitative changes in back muscles are associated with spinal alignment in the standing position. We investigated the association of sagittal spinal alignment with muscle thickness as an index of the mass of lumbar back muscles and muscle Echo Intensity as an index of the amount of non-contractile tissue within these muscles. Methods Study participants comprised 36 middle-aged and elderly women. Thickness and Echo Intensity of erector spinae, psoas major, and lumbar multifidus muscles were measured using an ultrasound imaging device. Standing sagittal spinal alignment, determined from thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles, and the sacral anterior inclination angle was measured using the Spinal Mouse. Results Stepwise regression analysis performed using muscle thickness, Echo Intensity, and age as independent variables showed that erector spinae muscle thickness was a significant determinant of the thoracic kyphosis angle. Psoas major muscle thickness and Echo Intensity of the lumbar multifidus muscle were significant determinants of the sacral anterior inclination angle. Conclusion Our results suggest that an increase in thoracic kyphosis is associated with a decrease in the mass of the erector spinae muscle, and that a decrease in pelvic anterior inclination is associated with a decrease in the mass of the psoas major muscle and an increase in the amount of non-contractile tissue within the lumbar multifidus muscle.
Ray Vanderby - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Influence of tendon tears on ultrasound Echo Intensity in response to loading.
Journal of biomechanics, 2014Co-Authors: Kayt E. Frisch, David Marcu, Geoffrey S. Baer, Darryl G. Thelen, Ray VanderbyAbstract:Acoustoelastic (AE) ultrasound image analysis is a promising non-invasive approach that uses load-dependent Echo Intensity changes to characterize stiffness of tendinous tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether AE can detect localized changes in tendon stiffness due to partial and full-thickness tendon tears. Ovine infraspinatus tendons with different levels of damage (Intact, 33%, 66% and full thickness cuts initiated on the articular and bursal sides) were cyclically loaded in a mechanical testing system while cine ultrasound images were recorded. The load-induced changes in Echo Intensity on the bursal and articular side of the tendon were determined. Consistent with AE theory, the undamaged tendons exhibited an increase in Echo Intensity with tendon loading, reflecting the strain-stiffening behavior of the tissue. In the intact condition, the articular region demonstrated a significantly greater increase in Echo Intensity during loading than the bursal region. Cuts initiated on the bursal side resulted in a progressive decrease in Echo Intensity of the adjacent tissue, likely reflecting the reduced load transmission through that region. However, image Intensity information was less sensitive for identifying load transmission changes that result from partial thickness cuts initiated on the articular side. We conclude that AE approaches may be useful to quantitatively assess load-dependent changes in tendon stiffness, and that disruption of AE behavior may be indicative of substantial tendon damage.
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Strain-induced damage reduces Echo Intensity changes in tendon during loading
Journal of biomechanics, 2012Co-Authors: Sarah Duenwald-kuehl, Roderic S. Lakes, Ray VanderbyAbstract:Tendon functionality is related to its mechanical properties. Tendon damage leads to a reduction in mechanical strength and altered biomechanical behavior, and therefore leads to compromised ability to carry out normal functions such as joint movement and stabilization. Damage can also accumulate in the tissue and lead to failure. A noninvasive method with which to measure such damage potentially could quantify structural compromise from tendon injury and track improvement over time. In this study, tendon mechanics are measured before and after damage is induced by “overstretch” (strain exceeding the elastic limit of the tissue) using a traditional mechanical test system while ultrasonic Echo Intensity (average gray scale brightness in a B-mode image) is recorded using clinical ultrasound. The diffuse damage caused by overstretch lowered the stress at a given strain in the tissue and decreased viscoelastic response. Overstretch also lowered Echo Intensity changes during stress relaxation and cyclic testing. As the input strain during overstretch increased, stress levels and Echo Intensity changes decreased. Also, viscoelastic parameters and time-dependent Echo Intensity changes were reduced.
Susumu Watanabe - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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muscle thickness and Echo Intensity measurements of the rectus femoris muscle of healthy subjects intra and interrater reliability of transducer tilt during ultrasound
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2017Co-Authors: Hiroshi Ishida, Keita Suzuki, Tadanobu Suehiro, Susumu WatanabeAbstract:Abstract This study aimed to assess the intra and interrater reliability of transducer tilt during the ultrasound (US) measurements of the muscle thickness and the Echo Intensity of the rectus femoris muscle (RF). Fourteen healthy male subjects (20.8 ± 0.8 years) participated in this study. The transducer tilt was measured using a digital angle gauge (°) during US. Two experimenters took two images to measure the muscle thickness (mm) and the Echo Intensity (a.u.: arbitrary unit). The intra and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were also calculated. These measurements were immediately repeated. The ICC for the intrarater reliability for the transducer tilt, muscle thickness, and Echo Intensity were 0.96 (SEM: 0.9°, MDC: 2.6°), 0.99 (SEM: 0.4 mm, MDC: 0.1 mm), and 0.97 (SEM: 0.6 a.u., MDC: 1.7 a.u.), respectively. The ICC for the interrater reliability for the transducer tilt, muscle thickness, and Echo Intensity were 0.40 (SEM: 4.0°, MDC: 11.1°), 0.96 (SEM: 0.7 mm, MDC: 2.0 mm), and 0.95 (SEM: 0.9 a.u., MDC: 2.4 a.u.), respectively. The intrarater reliability of the transducer tilt was reliable, but the interrater reliability was questionable. Meanwhile, both the intra- and interrater reliability of the muscle thickness and the Echo Intensity were reliable.
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influence of the ultrasound transducer tilt on muscle thickness and Echo Intensity of the rectus femoris muscle of healthy subjects
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 2017Co-Authors: Hiroshi Ishida, Tsuyoshi Yoneda, Keita Suzuki, Tadanobu Suehiro, Susumu WatanabeAbstract:: [Purpose] This study aimed to assess the influence of ultrasound (US) transducer tilt on muscle thickness and Echo Intensity of the rectus femoris muscle (RF) in healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] Fourteen healthy male subjects (20.8 ± 0.8 years) participated in this study. Transducer tilt was measured during US, with a digital angle gauge. Muscle thickness and Echo Intensity were measured in 4 transducer tilt conditions: reference angle; +3°; +6°; and +9° cranial from the reference angle. [Results] All differences in transducer tilt relative to the reference condition were larger than the minimal detectable change (MDC) of the reference condition. All differences in muscle thickness relative to the reference condition were not larger than the MDC of the reference condition. All differences in the Echo Intensity relative to the reference condition, except between the reference and the +3° condition, were larger than the MDC of the reference condition. [Conclusion] Our results indicated that an examiner should maintain a precise transducer tilt during repeated US measurements to quantify the minimal change in the Echo Intensity of the RF.
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influence of inward pressure of the transducer on thickness and Echo Intensity of the rectus femoris muscle during ultrasonography
Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health, 2016Co-Authors: Hiroshi Ishida, Tadanobu Suehiro, Susumu WatanabeAbstract:Background: Muscle ultrasonography (US) can be used to evaluate muscle quantity and quality aected by a neuromuscular dis- ease and aging. The evaluation of muscle thickness and Echo Intensity using US are useful ways of estimating muscle mass and composition. During US, diligent attention to steadying the position, orientation, and inward pressure of a transducer is required; however, little is known about the quantitative influence of dierent inward pressures of the transducer on muscle thickness and Echo Intensity during US. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the changes in muscle thickness and Echo Intensity induced by dierent inward pressures of the transducer during US. Materials and Methods: Fifteen healthy male volunteers (mean SD, 20.7 0.7 years old) participated in the study. Thickness and Echo Intensity of the right rectus femoris muscle (RF) was measured by US in the following three conditions: inward pressures of 0.5 N, 1.0 N, and 2.0 N. A repeated-measures ANOVA was utilized to determine the influence of inward pressure on the thickness and Echo Intensity of the RF. Results: Muscle thickness was significantly decreased during increased inward pressures of the transducer among the three con- ditions (P < 0.001). On the other hand, Echo Intensity from the 0.5-N to 1.0-N condition was significantly decreased (P = 0.002), and from the 1.0-N to 2.0-N condition, it was significantly increased (P = 0.019). Conclusions: Our results indicate that changes in muscle thickness and Echo Intensity are induced by dierent inward pressures of the transducer during US. When using a technique that involves a handheld transducer, the examiner should attempt to maintain consistent inward pressure of the transducer during US, to quantify the minimal change of the RF mass and composition.
