Using Bidimensional Multiscale Entropy Analysis of Ultrasound Images to Assess the Effect of Various Walking Intensities on Plantar Soft Tissues

Walking performance is usually assessed by linear analysis of walking outcome measures. However, human movements consist of both linear and nonlinear complexity components. The purpose of this study was to use bidimensional multiscale entropy analysis of ultrasound images to evaluate the effects of various walking intensities on plantar soft tissues. Twelve participants were recruited to perform six walking protocols, consisting of three speeds (slow at 1.8 mph, moderate at 3.6 mph, and fast at 5.4 mph) for two durations (10 and 20 min). A B-mode ultrasound was used to assess plantar soft tissues before and after six walking protocols. Bidimensional multiscale entropy (MSE2D) and the Complexity Index (CI) were used to quantify the changes in irregularity of the ultrasound images of the plantar soft tissues. The results showed that the CI of ultrasound images after 20 min walking increased when compared to before walking (CI4: 0.39 vs. 0.35; CI5: 0.48 vs. 0.43, p < 0.05). When comparing 20 and 10 min walking protocols at 3.6 mph, the CI was higher after 20 min walking than after 10 min walking (CI4: 0.39 vs. 0.36, p < 0.05; and CI5: 0.48 vs. 0.44, p < 0.05). This is the first study to use bidimensional multiscale entropy analysis of ultrasound images to assess plantar soft tissues after various walking intensities.

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The influence of osteopathic correction on the viscoelastic characteristics of the lower leg muscles

Russian Osteopathic Journal ◽

10.32885/2220-0975-2019-1-2-93-98 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 93-98

Author(s):

E. M. Timanin ◽

N. S. Sydneva ◽

A. A. Zakharova

Keyword(s):

Viscoelastic Properties ◽

Gastrocnemius Muscle ◽

Soft Tissues ◽

Subjective Assessment ◽

Lymphatic Drainage ◽

Intercellular Substance ◽

Leg Muscles ◽

Before And After ◽

Viscoelastic Characteristics ◽

Instrumental Methods

Introduction. To date there is a lack of studies dedicated to the objectification of the palpation data obtained by a specialist during the osteopathic examination. The issue of the evidence of the results of osteopathic correction still remains important. Search for instrumental methods allowing to register and to measure various palpation phenomena and manifestations of somatic dysfunctions is very relevant for the development of osteopathy as a science. It is also very important to find objective characteristics of these methods.Goal of research — to study viscoelastic characteristics of the soft tissues of the lower legs by palpation and instrumental methods before and after osteopathic correction.Materials and methods. 22 volunteers (12 women and 10 men) aged 18–23 years without complaints of the musculoskeletal system were examined. Osteopathic diagnostics and measurement of the viscoelastic properties of muscles were carried out by the method of vibration viscoelastometry before and after osteopathic correction.Results. Correlation analysis by Spearman showed that the subjective assessment of an osteopath positively correlated with both elasticity (r=0,43, p<0,05) and viscosity of soft issues (r=0,29, p<0,05). For the gastrocnemius muscle, this pattern was even more pronounced — for elasticity r=0,51, p<0,05, for viscosity =0,34, p<0,05. After osteopathic correction no changes in the elasticity of the soft tissues were observed. The viscosity of the tissues reduced, but in the projection of the gastrocnemius muscle, these changes were not statistically significant (p=0,12), whereas in the projection of the soleus muscle statistically significant changes (p=0,034) were observed.Conclusion. Changes in the viscoelastic properties of tissues demonstrated that the effects of osteopathic correction with the use of myofascial mobilization techniques, articulation mobilization techniques, and lymphatic drainage techniques were not obvious. The elasticity of soft tissues of the lower legs did not change, while the viscosity decreased, especially in the projection of the soleus muscles. This effect of the osteopathic correction can be associated with the effect of thixotropy — the transformation of gel-like intercellular substance into sol. Thus, the research showed that vibration viscoelastometry can be used for the objectifi cation of the condition of soft tissues and of the effects of osteopathic correction.

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