title: Measurement of anterior tibial muscle size using real-time ultrasound imaging.
abstract: Cross-sectional images of the anterior tibial muscle group were obtained using real-time ultrasound scanning in 17 normal women. From photographs taken of the images, the cross-sectional area (CSA) and two linear measurements of muscle cross-section were determined. A measurement of the shortest distance of the muscle depth was termed DS, and a measurement of the longest distance through the muscle group was termed DL. Both linear dimensions showed a positive correlation with CSA and the best correlations were obtained when the dimensions were squared or combined (DS x DL). The correlation values were: CSA vs DS2, r = 0.9; CSA vs DL2, r = 0.75 and CSA vs DS x DL, r = 0.88. An approximate value for CSA could be calculated from DS2 by the equation 2 x DS2 + 1. A shape ratio, obtained by dividing DL by DS, was consistent within the group [mean 2.1 (SD 0.2)] and characterised the muscle geometrically. The CSA of repeated scans was assessed for repeatability between-days and between-scans by analysis of variance and the coefficient of variation (CV) calculated. Areas were repeatable between-days (CV 6.5%) and between-scans (CV 3.6%). Linear dimensions of the anterior tibial muscle group reflected CSA and their potential for assessing changes in muscle size with atrophy and hypertrophy have yet to be established.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Martinson
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Stokes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014463:Ultrasonography