Influence of muscle depth and thickness on ultrasound echo intensity of the vastus lateralis

2020 ◽  
pp. 028418512095840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa N Varanoske ◽  
Nicholas A Coker ◽  
Bri-Ana DI Johnson ◽  
Tal Belity ◽  
Adam J Wells
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Echo Intensity ◽  
Ultrasound Waves ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Subcutaneous Adipose

Background Ultrasonography is used to evaluate muscle quality (i.e. echo intensity [EI]), but an attenuation of ultrasound waves occurs in deeper tissues, potentially affecting these measures. Purpose To determine whether muscle thickness (MT) affects EI and if EI varies between the superficial and deep portions of the muscle. Materials and Methods MT, EI, subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SAT), tissue depth (DISDEEP), and EI of the overall (EIFULL) as well as deep (EIDEEP) and superficial (EISUPF) portions of the vastus lateralis (VL) were assessed in 33 resistance-trained males using ultrasonography. The difference (EIDIFF) between EISUPF and EIDEEP was calculated. Mean differences between EIFULL, EISUPF, and EIDEEP were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Relationships between measures of muscle depth/ thickness and EI were examined using Pearson’s r. Results EISUPF was greater than EIDEEP ( P < 0.001) and EIFULL ( P < 0.001). MT was negatively correlated with EIFULL ( P < 0.001) and positively correlated with EIDIFF ( P < 0.001). SAT was not correlated with any EI measure, but DISDEEP was positively correlated with EIDIFF ( P < 0.001). Conclusion EI of the VL is heterogeneous, as the deeper portion produces lower values than the superficial portion. Thicker muscles present lower EI but have greater discrepancies in EI between the superficial and deep portions. Although SAT was not correlated with EI, DISDEEP was related to EIDIFF, demonstrating that the combination of MT and SAT should be considered when evaluating muscle quality. Future research is necessary to determine if changes in EI following resistance training are driven by increases in MT.

scholarly journals Effects of Rest Position on Morphology of the Vastus Lateralis and Its Relationship with Lower-Body Strength and Power

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa N. Varanoske ◽  
Nicholas A. Coker ◽  
Bri-Ana D.I. Johnson ◽  
Tal Belity ◽  
Gerald T. Mangine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Echo Intensity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Subcutaneous Adipose

Ultrasonography of the lower body typically encompasses supine rest due to fluid shifts affecting tissue size and composition. However, vastus lateralis (VL) examination is completed in the lateral recumbent position, and this positional change may influence morphology and its ability to predict function. This study aimed to examine the effect of position on VL morphology and its relationship with lower-body performance. Cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), echo intensity (UnCorEI), subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (SFT), and echo intensity corrected for SFT (CorEI) were assessed in 31 resistance-trained males (23.0 ± 2.1 yrs; 1.79 ± 0.08 m; 87.4 ± 11.7 kg) immediately after transitioning from standing to supine (IP), after 15 min of standing (ST), and after 15 min of rest in three recumbent positions: supine (SUP), dominant lateral recumbent (DLR), non-dominant lateral recumbent (NDLR). Participants also completed unilateral vertical jumps, isometric/isokinetic tests, and a one-repetition maximum leg press. CSA, MT, PA, and SFT were greater in ST compared to NDLR, DLR, and SUP (p < 0.05). CSA, UnCorEI, and CorEI were different between recumbent positions; however no differences were observed for MT, PA, and SFT. Different magnitudes of relationships were observed between muscle morphological characteristics measured after rest in different positions and performance variables. Muscle morphology in IP generally appears to be the best predictor of performance for most variables, although utilizing the NDLR and DLR positions may provide comparable results, whereas morphology measured in ST and SUP provide weaker relationships with physical performance. IP also requires less time and fewer requirements on the technician and subject, thus researchers should consider this positioning for VL examination.

Unique Characteristics of Quadriceps Muscle Morphology and Function in Older Tennis Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Akito Yoshiko ◽  
Moroe Beppu ◽  
Naoki Chosa ◽  
Kohei Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Peak Torque ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Echo Intensity ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Vastus Intermedius

We investigated the quadriceps muscle size and quantitative characteristics in older tennis players. Thirty-eight senior tennis players (70.8 ± 5.3 years) and 38 controls (71.6 ± 5.1 years) were included. To measure the muscle size and quality, we measured muscle thickness in the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius, and muscle echo intensity in the RF and vastus lateralis using B-mode transverse ultrasound, respectively. We measured knee extension peak torque for muscle function. Muscle thickness in the RF, vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius were significantly larger in tennis players than in controls. Tennis players had a lower echo intensity in RF and a higher knee extension peak torque compared to controls. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis implied that echo intensity and muscle thickness were predictors of knee extension peak torque. Higher muscle quality contributes to a higher knee extension peak torque in tennis players. Playing tennis may prevent age-related muscle atrophy and maintain muscle quality in older individuals.

Relationship of Quadriceps Muscle Thickness with Motor Paralysis and Muscle Echo Intensity in Post-Stroke Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 56-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisashi Maeda ◽  
Ken Imada ◽  
Koji Ishida ◽  
Hiroshi Akima
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Quality Loss ◽  
Echo Intensity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Paretic Limb ◽  
Motor Paralysis ◽  
Relationship Of

Introduction: Quadriceps muscle atrophy and quality loss, defined as an increased ratio of intramuscular fat and/or connective tissue, are often observed especially in the paretic limb of post-stroke patients. This study was performed to examine the relationship of quadriceps muscle thickness (MT) with muscle echo intensity (EI) and the severity of motor paralysis after stroke. Methods: Thirty-six hemiparetic subacute post-stroke patients were enrolled. We examined the MT (index of muscle quantity) and the EI (index of muscle quality) at the anterior mid-thigh in both limbs. We also assessed the Brunnstrom stage (BR stage), subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness, time since stroke, age, body weight, sex, number of medications, and nutritional and inflammation status. Results: The MT in the paretic limb was explained by the BR stage (β = –0.26, p < 0.01), body weight (β = 0.68, p < 0.01), and serum albumin (β = 0.34, p < 0.01), with an adjusted R2 of 0.81. The MT in the non-paretic limb was explained by the muscle EI (β = –0.55, p < 0.01) and age (β = –0.40, p < 0.01), with an adjusted R2 of 0.69. The muscle EI was explained by the MT in the paretic limb (β = –0.34, p < 0.01) and non-paretic limb (β = –0.69, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results suggest that motor paralysis, aging, and malnutrition contribute to quadriceps atrophy in post-stroke patients. Moreover, a potential countermeasure to diminish muscle quality loss is maintenance of muscle quantity.

scholarly journals Carbohydrate-Induced Insulin Signaling Activates Focal Adhesion Kinase: A Nutrient and Mechanotransduction Crossroads

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan T. Wilburn ◽  
Steven B. Machek ◽  
Thomas D. Cardaci ◽  
Darryn S. Willoughby
Keyword(s):  
Focal Adhesion Kinase ◽  
Focal Adhesion ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Carbohydrate Ingestion ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Repeated Measures Design

Research has suggested that nutrient, exercise, and metabolism-related proteins interact to regulate mammalian target of rapamycin complex one (mTOR) post-exercise and their interactions needs clarification. In a double-blind, cross-over, repeated measures design, ten participants completed four sets to failure at 70% of 1-repitition maximum (1-RM) with 45 s rest on angled leg press with or without pre-exercise maltodextrin (2 g/kg) after a 3 h fast. Vastus lateralis biopsies were collected at baseline before supplementation and 1 h post-exercise to analyze Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p70S6K), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. FAK and IRS-1 activity were only elevated 1 h post-exercise with carbohydrate ingestion (p < 0.05). PI3K and p70S6K activation were both elevated after exercise in both conditions (p < 0.05). However, AMPK activity did not change from baseline in both conditions (p > 0.05). We conclude that FAK does not induce mTOR activation through PI3K crosstalk in response to exercise alone. In addition, FAK may not be regulated by AMPK catalytic activity, but this needs further research. Interestingly, carbohydrate-induced insulin signaling appears to activate FAK at the level of IRS-1 but did not enhance mTOR activity 1 h post-exercise greater than the placebo condition. Future research should investigate these interactions under different conditions and within different time frames to clearly understand the interactions between these signaling molecules.

scholarly journals PO-140 Physiological and Molecular Adaptations to Concurrent Training in Combination with High Protein Availability

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Baubak Shamim ◽  
Brooke Devlin ◽  
Ryan Timmins ◽  
Connor Lee Dow ◽  
Vernon Coffey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
High Protein ◽  
Concurrent Training

Objective Attenuated muscle strength, hypertrophy and power adaptations with combined resistance and endurance (‘concurrent’) training may result from blunted cell signalling. Protein intake potentiates anabolic signalling pathways to facilitate adaptation. We hypothesized that 12 wk concurrent training with a high protein diet would elicit similar adaptations to a) strength, hypertrophy and power compared to resistance training alone, and b) aerobic capacity compared to endurance training. Methods Thirty-two recreationally active males (age 25±5y; BMI 24±3kg•m-2; mean±SD) performed 12 wk of either resistance (RES; n=10) or endurance (END; n=10) training (3x•w-1), or concurrent training (CET; n=12; 6x•w-1) with a high-protein (2g•kg-1•d-1) diet. Strength (1RM), aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and anaerobic power (Wingate) were assessed PRE and POST. Vastus lateralis biopsies (immunoblotting) and thickness (ultrasound) were assessed PRE, after week 4 (WK4) and 8 (WK8), and POST. Changes were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Results Muscle thickness increased PRE to POST by 18% in CET, 14% in RES and 10% in END (P<0.001) and was greater in CET and RES compared to END (P<0.05). Leg press 1RM increased PRE to POST by 24% in CET and 33% in RES (P<0.01) but was not different between CET and RES. VO2peak (L•min-1) increased PRE to POST by 7% in CET and 12% in END (P<0.05) but was not different between CET and END. Wingate peak power (N•kg-1) increased PRE to POST by 10% in RES (P<0.01) and was greater compared to CET and END (P<0.05). Total mTORC1 increased PRE to POST in CET (P<0.001) and was greater in CET compared to RES and END (P<0.01) and RES compared to END (P<0.05). Conclusions Despite a high protein intake, concurrent training selectively attenuates developments to anaerobic power compared to resistance training. High protein availability may be effective for curtailing interferences to strength and hypertrophy with concurrent training.

Relationships of Muscle Echo Intensity with Walking Ability and Physical Activity in the Very Old Population

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuke Osawa ◽  
Yasumichi Arai ◽  
Yuko Oguma ◽  
Takumi Hirata ◽  
Yukiko Abe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Echo Intensity ◽  
Triaxial Accelerometer ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Functional Morbidity

This study investigated the relationships between muscle echo intensity (EI), physical activity (PA), and functional mobility in 108 Japanese (88–92 years). We measured EI and muscle thickness (MT) at the midpoint of the anterior superior iliac spine and patella using B-mode ultrasound. Light and moderate-to-vigorous PA (LPA and MVPA) were assessed with a triaxial accelerometer. The timed up and go (TUG) test was used to measure for functional mobility. EI, but not MT, was significantly associated with both TUG scores (β = 0.17, p = .047) and MVPA (β = –0.31, p = .01) when adjusted by potential confounders. However, association between EI and TUG disappeared after adjusted for MVPA. Meanwhile, MVPA was significantly associated with TUG scores independent of EI (β = –0.35, p < .001). Although EI of anterior thigh muscles might be a weaker predictor of functional morbidity than MVPA, it is a noninvasive and practical approach for assessing muscle quality in the very old.

scholarly journals Differences in Sensation Level between the Widex SoundTracker and Two Real-Ear Analyzers

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (08) ◽  
pp. 660-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristi Oeding ◽  
Michael Valente
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Sensation Level ◽  
Software Application ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Background: SoundTracker is an algorithm in Widex's Compass fitting software that could potentially be used to estimate a patient's aided sensation level (SL). SoundTracker's accuracy of estimating a patient's SL has never been verified in comparison to SL measured with commercially available real-ear analyzers. Purpose: Determine whether statistically significant differences are present between the estimated SL of the Widex SoundTracker software application and the measured SL of the Audioscan Verifit and Frye 6500 real-ear analyzers at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Research Design: This study used a randomized repeated measures design to determine differences in SL between SoundTracker and the Verifit and 6500. Study Sample: Ten subjects (N = 20 ears) were recruited who were experienced users of behind-the-ear hearing aids with conventional vented earmolds and had bilateral sensorineural hearing loss that was >30 dB HL below 1000 Hz and ≤70 dB HL to 4000 Hz. Data Collection and Analysis: Real-ear in-situ thresholds (dB sound pressure level [SPL]) and real-ear aided responses (REAR; dB SPL) were measured at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz to determine differences in SL between SoundTracker, Verifit, and 6500. A three-factor repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to determine differences between method (real-ear analyzers and SoundTracker), analyzer (Verifit and 6500), and frequency (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz). Results: Mean differences in measured SL for the Verifit and 6500 were ≤2 dB when compared to the estimated SL using SoundTracker. A statistically significant difference in SL was present between the Verifit and SoundTracker at 2000 Hz (p < 0.01), but no significant differences were present at 500, 1000, and 4000 Hz. A statistically significant difference in SL was present between the 6500 and SoundTracker at 4000 Hz (p < 0.01), but no significant differences were present at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Mean differences in measured SL between the real-ear analyzers (difference of SoundTracker SL minus Verifit SL compared to the difference of SoundTracker SL minus 6500 SL) were ≤2 dB with a statistically significant difference present at 2000 Hz (p < 0.01), but no statistically significant differences were present at 500, 1000, or 4000 Hz. Conclusions: Nearly 85% of the differences between the estimated SoundTracker SL and the measured SLs of the Verifit and 6500 were ≤2 dB. Despite some limitations of this study, SoundTracker could be useful as a counseling tool to illustrate to patients which sounds are audible or inaudible when unaided and aided.

scholarly journals Resistance Training does not Induce Uniform Adaptations to Quadriceps Muscles

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald T. Mangine ◽  
Michael J. Redd ◽  
Adam M. Gonzalez ◽  
Jeremy R. Townsend ◽  
Adam J Wells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Muscle Size ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resistance Training Program

AbstractResistance training may differentially affect morphological adaptations along the length of uni-articular and bi-articular muscles. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in muscle morphology along the length of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) in response to resistance training. Following a 2-wk preparatory phase, 15 resistance-trained men (24.0 ± 3.0 y, 90.0 ± 13.8 kg, 174.9 ± 20.7 cm) completed pre-training (PRE) assessments of muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), cross-sectional area (CSA), and echo-intensity in the RF and VL at 30, 50, and 70% of each muscle’s length; fascicle length (FL) was estimated from respective measurements of MT and PA within each muscle and region. Participants then began a high intensity, low volume (4 × 3 − 5 repetitions, 3min rest) lower-body resistance training program, and repeated all PRE-assessments after 8 weeks (2 d · wk−1) of training (POST). Although three-way (muscle [RF, VL] × region [30, 50, 70%] × time [PRE, POST]) repeated measures analysis of variance did not reveal significant interactions for any assessment of morphology, significant simple (muscle × time) effects were observed for CSA (p = 0.002) and FL (p = 0.016). Specifically, average CSA changes favored the VL (2.96 ± 0.69 cm2, pp < 0.001) over the RF (0.59 ± 0.20 cm2, p = 0.011), while significant decreases in average FL were noted for the RF (–1.03 ± 0.30 cm, p = 0.004) but not the VL (–0.05 ± 0.36 cm, p = 0.901). No other significant differences were observed. The findings of this study demonstrate the occurrence of non-homogenous adaptations in RF and VL muscle size and architecture following 8 weeks of high-intensity resistance training in resistance-trained men. However, training does not appear to influence region-specific adaptations in either muscle.

scholarly journals The impact of skeletal muscle disuse on distinct echo intensity bands: A retrospective analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262553
Author(s):  
Zachary S. Logeson ◽  
Rob J. MacLennan ◽  
Gerard-Kyle B. Abad ◽  
Johnathon M. Methven ◽  
Molly R. Gradl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Left Knee ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Echo Intensity ◽  
Additional Insight ◽  
Muscle Disuse ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Echo intensity (EI) is a novel tool for assessing muscle quality. EI has traditionally been reported as the mean of the pixel histogram, with 0 and 255 arbitrary units (A.U.) representing excellent and poor muscle quality, respectively. Recent work conducted in youth and younger and older adults suggested that analyzing specific EI bands, rather than the mean, may provide unique insights into the effectiveness of exercise and rehabilitation interventions. As our previous work showed deterioration of muscle quality after knee joint immobilization, we sought to investigate whether the increase in EI following disuse was limited to specific EI bands. Thirteen females (age = 21 yrs) underwent two weeks of left knee immobilization and ambulated via crutches. B-mode ultrasonography was utilized to obtain images of the immobilized vastus lateralis. The percentage of the total number of pixels within bands of 0–50, 51–100, 101–150, 151–200, and 201–255 A.U. was examined before and after immobilization. We also sought to determine if further subdividing the histogram into 25 A.U. bands (i.e., 0–25, 26–50, etc.) would be a more sensitive methodological approach. Immobilization resulted in a decrease in the percentage of pixels within the 0–50 A.U. band (-3.11 ± 3.98%), but an increase in the 101–150 A.U. (2.94 ± 2.64%) and 151–200 A.U. (0.93 ± 1.42%) bands. Analyses of variance on the change scores indicated that these differences were large and significant (%EI0-50 vs. %EI101-150: p < .001, d = 1.243); %EI0-50 vs. %EI151-200: p = .043, d = 0.831). The effect size for the %EI51-100 versus %EI101-150 comparison was medium/large (d = 0.762), but not statistically significant (p = .085). Further analysis of the 25 A.U. bands indicated that the percentage of pixels within the 25–50 A.U. band decreased (-2.97 ± 3.64%), whereas the 101–125 (1.62 ± 1.47%) and 126–150 A.U. (1.18 ± 1.07%) bands increased. Comparison of the 50 A.U. and 25 A.U. band methods found that 25 A.U. bands offer little additional insight. Though studies are needed to ascertain the factors that may influence specific bands, changes in EI during muscle disuse are not homogeneous across the pixel histogram. We encourage investigators to think critically about the robustness of data obtained from EI histograms, rather than simply reporting the EImean value, in muscle quality research.

scholarly journals Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the process of obtaining cross-sectional area and echo intensity measurements of muscles from ultrasound images

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (84) ◽  
pp. e7-e11
Author(s):  
Eric J. Sobolewski ◽  
◽  
Leah D. Wein ◽  
Jacquelyn M. Crow ◽  
Kaitlyn M. Carpenter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Cross Sectional Area ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Ultrasound Images ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Echo Intensity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rater Reliability

Introduction: The use of ultrasound images for analyzing muscle quality and size is continuing to grow in the literature. However, many of these manuscripts fail to properly describe their measurement techniques and steps involved in analyzing ultrasound images. Aim of this study: To evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the steps involved when analyzing ultrasound images to measure cross-sectional area and echo intensity. Material and methods: Twenty ultrasound images of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis images were blinded and replicated, and then analyzed by experienced raters. The raters then were asked to analyze the images using open-source software for scaling measurements, subcutaneous fat thickness, cross-sectional area, and echo intensity. Matched image values for each measurement where compared for intra- and inter-rater reliability. Results: Intra-rater reliability ranged from fair (ICC3,1 = 0.32) to high (0.98), with echo intensity values being the least reliable (>0.55), and scaling and depth measurements being the most reliable (<0.85). Inter-rater reliability ranged from good (0.77) to high (0.97). Conclusion: Ultrasound- derived measures of cross-sectional area and echo intensity can be measured reliably, with echo intensity being the most difficult to replicate. However, reliability measures are unique to the rater and study and, therefore, should be clearly reported in every paper.

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