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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Ultrasound | Original Article

A clinically applicable tool for rapidly estimating muscle volume using ultrasound images

Authors: Daniel T. Rothwell, Daniel T. P. Fong, Sarah A. Stapley, David J. Williams

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 11-12/2019

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to identify a safe, rapid, and accessible method of estimating muscle volume of key lower limb muscle groups to reduce the time-demand of acquiring this measurement and potentially facilitate its application as a clinical monitoring tool.

Methods

Unilateral MRI images were acquired from the 12th thoracic vertebrae to the base of the foot in 18 recreationally active males. Panoramic B-mode ultrasound images were acquired from the same leg at the mid-hip, 25%, 50%, and 75% of thigh length, and 25% of shank length. Body mass, height, limb lengths, and circumferences at the sites corresponding to the ultrasound images were acquired. A single investigator manually analysed all images. Regression analyses were conducted to identify models for estimating volume of the hip extensor, knee extensor and flexor, and ankle plantarflexor muscle groups.

Results

Models were developed for estimating hip extensor (SEE = 8.92%, R² = 0.690), knee extensor (SEE = 5.24%, R² = 0.707) and flexor (SEE = 7.89%, R² = 0.357), and ankle plantarflexor (SEE = 10.78%, R² = 0.387) muscle group volumes. The hip and knee extensor models showed good potential for generalisation. Systematic error was observed for the knee flexor and ankle plantarflexor models.

Conclusions

Hip extensor, knee extensor and flexor, and ankle plantarflexor muscle group volumes can be estimated using B-mode ultrasound images and anthropometric measurements. The error shown for each of the models was sufficient to identify previously reported differences in muscle volume due to training or injury, supporting their clinical application.

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Title: A clinically applicable tool for rapidly estimating muscle volume using ultrasound images
Authors: Daniel T. Rothwell
Daniel T. P. Fong
Sarah A. Stapley
David J. Williams
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 11-12/2019
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04242-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A clinically applicable tool for rapidly estimating muscle volume using ultrasound images

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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