The Feasibility of Dynamic Musculoskeletal Function Analysis of the Vastus Lateralis in Endurance Runners Using Continuous, Hands-Free Ultrasound

Abstract

Dynamic imaging of the skeletal muscles used to be strenuous and often impossible to perform manually. Accordingly, long-term dynamic musculoskeletal imaging has not been performed. The feasibility of long-term dynamic musculoskeletal functional analysis using hands-free ultrasound will be demonstrated in ten healthy endurance runners. After every kilometer, the vastus lateralis muscle was imaged whilst running using a fixated probe connected to a smart phone. The image quality was quantified by estimation of the probe-skin contact preservation and the field-of-view stability. Moreover, the pennation angles and muscle thicknesses were computed automatically. Long-term dynamic acquisition was successful in nine out of ten runners. Probe-skin contact loss ranged between 0 and 57% of the gait cycle. The biggest change in field-of-view occurred during the first kilometer with an average decline in complex-wavelet structural similarity index of 0.21, followed by an onward total decrease of 0.09, on average. The mean pennation angle and thickness were approximately constant, with the average fluctuation being 0.94 degrees and 0.11 cm, respectively. The feasibility of long-term musculoskeletal function analysis has been demonstrated, with probe-skin contact loss the main limiting factor. Dynamic, hands-free ultrasound might enable research for a more profound insight in the prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.

Novel Technologies Used in the Assessment of Patellofemoral Pain: A Scoping Review

“…Although this is not in itself a novel technology, some its novel features can be taken into consideration in the future to understand the soft tissue properties in PFP through elastographic, architectural, and echo-intensity feature assessments of muscles [82][83][84]. In addition, with the introduction of portable systems and transducer fixation devices, dynamic skeletal muscle evaluation has become possible during different motor tasks [85].…”

Bioadhesive ultrasound for long-term continuous imaging of diverse organs

“…Wearable ultrasound devices have the potential for continuous imaging of internal organs. Conventional wearable ultrasound imaging usually relies on mounting bulky ultrasound probes on the skin by either robotic systems ( 14 , 15 ) or mechanical fixtures such as straps and tapes ( 16 – 18 ), which hamper patients’ mobility and wearing convenience and comfort. In addition, conventional wearable ultrasound imaging is only applicable to limited body parts such as muscles because of the thick ultrasound probe and the high pressure exerted by the probe ( 16 ).…”