title: Measurement of abdominal muscle thickness using M-mode ultrasound imaging during functional activities.
abstract: Ultrasound imaging has been previously utilized in the measurement of muscle thickness and cross-sectional area in research studies, and advocated as a clinical biofeedback tool in the rehabilitation of transversus abdominis function following episodes of low back pain. This paper describes how the thickness of the abdominal muscles can be quantified with a new measurement technique using M-mode ultrasound. The technique uses a custom-made transducer holder that facilitates measurement of muscle thickness changes during functional activity. Limitations of the technique and potential future applications are discussed. The M-mode ultrasound technique may provide an effective method for the non-invasive measurement of abdominal muscle thickness during functional activities.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Research Centre for Health Professions, University of Brighton, Aldro Building 49 Darley Road, Eastbourne BN20 7UR, UK. s.bunce@bton.ac.uk
authors.forename: Steve M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Bunce
authors.forename: Alan D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Hough
authors.forename: Ann P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography