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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-02-2018 | Original Article

Reliability of a semi-automated algorithm for the vastus lateralis muscle architecture measurement based on ultrasound images

Authors: Robert Marzilger, Kirsten Legerlotz, Chrystalla Panteli, Sebastian Bohm, Adamantios Arampatzis

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The assessment of muscle architecture with B-mode ultrasound is an established method in muscle physiology and mechanics. There are several manual, semi-automated and automated approaches available for muscle architecture analysis from ultrasound images or videos. However, most approaches have limitations such as workload, subjectivity, drift or they are applicable to short muscle fascicles only. Addressing these issues, an algorithm was developed to analyse architectural parameters of the vastus lateralis muscle (VL).

Methods

In 17 healthy young men and women, ultrasound images were taken five times on two different days during passive knee joint flexion. From the images, fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PAN) and muscle thickness (MTH) were calculated for both test days using the algorithm. Interday differences were determined using a two-way ANOVA. Interday and intraday reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and root mean square (RMS) differences.

Results

FL, MTH and PAN did not differ between day one and two. The within day ICCs were above 0.94 for all tested parameters. The average interday ICCs were 0.86 for the FL, 0.96 for MTH and 0.60 for PAN. The average RMS differences between both days were 5.0%, 8.5% and 12.0% for MTH, FL and PAN, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm provides high measurement reliability. However, the interday reliability might be influenced by small differences in probe position between days.

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Title: Reliability of a semi-automated algorithm for the vastus lateralis muscle architecture measurement based on ultrasound images
Authors: Robert Marzilger
Kirsten Legerlotz
Chrystalla Panteli
Sebastian Bohm
Adamantios Arampatzis
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3769-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Reliability of a semi-automated algorithm for the vastus lateralis muscle architecture measurement based on ultrasound images

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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