Abstract
BackgroundThe strength and size of core muscles, including the abdominal muscles, are crucial to proper function in most activities. Therefore, it is important to reliably assess these characteristics. Our primary objective was to determine if the length, thickness and cross-sectional area of the transversus abdominis (TrA) can be visualized independently from the internal and external abdominal oblique muscles using extended field of view ultrasound imaging at rest and with contraction and to establish its intra- and inter-tester reliability.MethodsTwenty-six individuals were recruited to participate in the study (20 F, 6 M), average age 24.0 years (SD 9.4), height 170.7 cm (SD 8.6) and weight 63.9 kg (SD 9.0). From this total number of participants, two groups of 16 randomly selected participants were assessed to determine intra- and inter-tester reliability respectively. Extended field of view ultrasound images were obtained at three vertebral levels during rest and contraction in the side lying position for both the right and left sides of the trunk.ResultsExcellent intra-tester and inter-tester reliability was seen (ICC range of 0.972 to 0.984). The overall average percent standard error of the measurement for all measurements and locations was approximately 4%. The overall average minimal difference for the thickness measurement for the resting and contraction conditions combined were as follows: intratester 0.056 (0.014) cm and intertester 0.054 (0.017) cm, for area intratester 0.287 (0.086) cm2 and intertester 0.289 (0.101) cm2 and for length intratester 0.519 (0.097) cm and intertester 0.507 (0.085) cm.ConclusionsExtended field of view ultrasound imaging is an effective method of reliably capturing clear images of the TrA during rest and contraction. It provides an efficient mechanism for the analysis of muscle morphology by being able to measure the cross-sectional area, thickness, and length on one image. This methodology is recommended for studies investigating TrA function and training.
Highlights
Diagnostic imaging, called medical imaging, uses technologies to produce images of internal structures that cannot be seen or diagnosed otherwise
What is the intra- and inter-tester reliability? Can extended field-of-view ultrasound imaging (EFOV) reliably measure changes that the muscle undergoes with contraction, namely changes in length, thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA)? our objectives were to determine if the length, thickness and CSA of the transversus abdominis (TrA) can be visualized independently from the internal and external oblique muscles using EFOV at rest and with contraction and to establish its intra- and inter-tester reliability, percent standard measure of the measurement and minimal detectable difference
The MDs were generally smaller for the rest conditions (thickness 0.044 (0.008) cm; area 0.276 (0.054) cm2; length 0.556 (0.115) cm, compared to the contracted conditions (thickness 0.069 (0.006) cm; area 0.297 (0.114) cm2, except for the length measurement (0.483 (0.065) cm)
Summary
Diagnostic imaging, called medical imaging, uses technologies to produce images of internal structures that cannot be seen or diagnosed otherwise. The Gold standard for visualizing and assessing muscle size is via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or computerized tomography (CT). Appropriate activation of the TrA is critical to proper function and for providing essential spinal stability [2]. It has been implicated in low back pain [3]. Our primary objective was to determine if the length, thickness and cross-sectional area of the transversus abdominis (TrA) can be visualized independently from the internal and external abdominal oblique muscles using extended field of view ultrasound imaging at rest and with contraction and to establish its intra- and inter-tester reliability
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