Standardized Ultrasound Measurement of Subcutaneous Fat Patterning: High Reliability and Accuracy in Groups Ranging from Lean to Obese

Abstract

A recently standardized ultrasound technique for measuring subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was applied to normal-weight, overweight and obese persons. Eight measurement sites were used: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, erector spinae, distal triceps, brachioradialis, lateral thigh, front thigh and medial calf. Fat compression was avoided. Fat patterning in 38 participants (body mass index: 18.6-40.3 kgm; SAT thickness sums from eight sites: 12-245 mm) was evaluated using a software specifically designed for semi-automatic multiple thickness measurements in SAT (sound speed: 1450 m/s) that also quantifies embedded fibrous structures. With respect to ultrasound intra-observer results, the correlation coefficient ρ = 0.999 (p < 0.01), standard error of the estimate = 1.1 mm and 95% of measurements were within ±2.2 mm. For the normal-weight subgroup, the median measurement deviation was 0.43 mm (1.1% of mean thickness), and for the obese/overweight subgroup it was 0.89 mm (0.5%). The eight sites used here are suggested to represent inter-individual differences in SAT patterning. High measurement accuracy and reliability can be obtained in all groups, from lean to overweight and obese, provided that measurers are trained appropriately.

Ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness show sexual dimorphism in children of three to five years of age

“…Comparing the sums of SAT D Incl , the intra‐class correlation coefficient (0.994, p < 0.01) and 95% CI (0.983–0.998) indicated excellent intra‐observer reliability: the mean difference in D Incl was 0.79 mm and 95% of differences ranged from −0.44 to 2.03 mm. In comparison, intra‐observer results in a study in normal weight, overweight and obese adults showed that 95% of differences in D Incl ranged from −2.2 to 1.9 mm . Inter‐observer results of three observers measuring athletes showed 95% of observer differences from their mean for D Incl were within ±1.1 mm .…”

High inter-observer reliability in standardized ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous adipose tissue in children aged three to six years

“…Determining inter-observer reliability in lean individuals and physically well-trained athletes with sums of SAT thicknesses including embedded fibrous structures (D I ) ranging from D I = 10 to 50 mm, 95% of the values among experienced observers were found to be within ±1.0 mm from the mean [19]. In a group of lean to obese adults with D I ranging from 12 to 245 mm, 95% of repeated observer measurements were within ±2.2 mm from the mean [20]. In a subgroup with D I ranging from 12 to 77 mm, 95% of values were within ± 1.4 mm from the mean, and in a second subgroup with D I ranging from 53 to 245 mm, 95% of values were within ± 2.9 mm from the mean [20].…”

“…A new approach has recently been introduced which results in highly accurateand reliable measurements of uncompressed SAT in adults [15,18]. This approach captures the skin, SAT, muscle fascia and the underlying muscle tissue using a standardized ultrasound imaging and image evaluation procedure at eight clearly defined body sites [19,20]. When the appropriate speed of sound for the given tissue is used to determine the distance between borders, the measurement accuracy for determining tissue borders is approximately 0.1-0.2 mm at 12-18 MHz probe frequency [12,15,19].…”

“…When the appropriate speed of sound for the given tissue is used to determine the distance between borders, the measurement accuracy for determining tissue borders is approximately 0.1-0.2 mm at 12-18 MHz probe frequency [12,15,19]. The reliability of this technique has been tested previously in various study populations [12,[18][19][20]. Determining inter-observer reliability in lean individuals and physically well-trained athletes with sums of SAT thicknesses including embedded fibrous structures (D I ) ranging from D I = 10 to 50 mm, 95% of the values among experienced observers were found to be within ±1.0 mm from the mean [19].…”

Resposta metabólica ao trauma

“…Significa um aumento na atividade metabólica, além da resposta metabólica normal, implicando num grande aumento na demanda de energia. Filho AMD composição normal do corpo6,7 (Tabela 3). O ser humano é constituído de massa magra e massa gorda, sendo que toda a proteína corporal está contida no compartimento de massa magra.…”