Comparison of muscle sizes and moment arms of two rotator cuff muscles measured by Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Ultrasound Imaging and Muscle Function

“…and, by the 1990s, investigative teams were using USI to measure the size and other architectural characteristics of various muscles, including the pelvic floor muscles, 3 masseter, 58 and lumbar multifidus. 22,23 As a decrease in muscle size has been linked to various pathologies and impairments, 16,19 the use of the technology has continued to expand to include investigation of muscles such as the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, 35 rectus femoris, 13 biceps brachii, 2 transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO), 20 rectus abdominis, 8 cervical multifidus, 45 trapezius, 56 rectus femoris, sartorius, and iliopsoas. 53 Other aspects of muscle morphology and function that have been explored with USI include composition, 44,61,66 changes in internal architecture (pennation angles), 48,80 force generation, 13 and muscle activity (ie, electrical activity recorded by electromyography [EMG]).…”

“…However, as USI is less expensive and more readily available, many investigators have compared measures taken by the 2 modalities for a number of different muscles to determine the validity of USI for this purpose. 2,35,45,53,56,58 A variety of parameters, ranging from measures of thickness, width, length, and CSA at various anatomical locations, have been considered. Although correlation statistics have reported a range of 0.22 to 0.90, all of the studies reviewed have reported good agreement (greater than 0.80) for at least 1 of the measurement sites investigated and concluded that USI is an accurate method for measuring the muscle parameter of interest.…”

Changes in Lateral Abdominal Muscle Thickness During the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver in Those With Lumbopelvic Pain

“…13,27,33 USI has been recently used to measure muscular geometry and indirectly infer the extent of muscle activation via changes in muscle thickness. 7,20,29,40 Specifically, USI has shown promise as a tool to study the TrA and IO muscles by assessing changes in muscle thickness during specific tasks.…”

The Use of Ultrasound Imaging of the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver in Subjects With Low Back Pain

“…1,2,4,13,31,33,34,44 In particular, ultrasound images are associated with the measurements obtained from more traditional techniques (ie, MRI, manual muscle testing, EMG). [8][9][10]14,18,23,30,36 Furthermore, direct assessment of changes in muscle geometry minimizes the measurement error associated with EMG, primarily elimination of the potential for cross-talk from surrounding musculature. 39 These perceived advantages of ultrasound have fostered its use as a biofeedback tool in clinical practice.…”