Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging of the levator scapula muscle at rest and during contraction: Technical description and reliability

Relationship between scapular elevation exercises with different alignments and activity of the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles

“…Muscle thickness measurements were conducted using a digital ultrasound system HI VISION Preirus (Hitachi Medical Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) with a linear probe 18-5. The trapezius and levator scapulae muscles were measured on both sides at the midpoint of the line connecting the C1–C4 midpoints and the superior angle of the scapula, where the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles can be depicted, according to previous studies 14 , 15 ) . The skin was marked at the midpoint, and the center of the probe was positioned precisely on the marked spot.…”

“…Examiner A, who possessed expertise in using diagnostic ultrasound system, performed the probe manipulation, which relies on the operator’s skill 16 ) . The measurement task involved a scapula raising exercise, as outlined in a previous study 14 ) . During this exercise, a 1 kg weight was wrapped around the upper arm, and the scapula was elevated by 3 cm.…”

Scapular Dynamic Muscular Stiffness Assessed through Myotonometry: A Narrative Review

“…In its turn, the assessment of muscular stiffness of levator scapulae and pectoralis minor, that was already done with shear wave elastography [ 22 , 64 , 72 , 108 , 109 ], may not have been done with myotonometry given that these muscles are deeper positioned [ 19 , 110 ]. However, considering that a reference to the assessment of levator scapulae has been used to collect surface electromyography [ 90 , 104 , 105 ] and that it thickness ranges from 4.15 mm at rest to 6.38 mm while contracting [ 101 , 111 ], this muscle seem to fulfill the requirements for myotonometry assessment ( Table 5 and Figure 5 ). However, future studies are required to confirm this possibility.…”