Reliability and validity of ultrasound measurements of muscle fascicle length and pennation in humans: A systematic review
- Publication Type:
- Journal Article
- Citation:
- Journal of Applied Physiology, 2013, 114 (6), pp. 761 - 769
- Issue Date:
- 2013-03-15
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| Filename | Description | Size | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kwah JAP (2013) SR of reliability and validity of US.pdf | Published Version | 272.89 kB |
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Ultrasound imaging is widely used to measure architectural features of human skeletal muscles in vivo. We systematically reviewed studies of the reliability and validity of two-dimensional ultrasound measurement of muscle fascicle lengths or pennation angles in human skeletal muscles. A comprehensive search was conducted in June 2011. Thirty-six reliability studies and six validity studies met the inclusion criteria. Data from these studies indicate that ultrasound measurements of muscle fascicle lengths are reliable across a broad range of experimental conditions [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and r values were always > 0.6, and coefficient of variation values were always < 10%]. The reliability of measurements of pennation angles is broadly similar (ICC and r values were always > 0.5 and coefficient of variation values were always < 14%). Data on validity are less extensive and probably less robust, but suggest that measurement of fascicle lengths and pennation angles are accurate (ICC > 0.7) under certain conditions, such as when large limb muscles are imaged in a relaxed state and the limb or joint remains stationary. Future studies on validity should consider ways to test for the validity of twodimensional ultrasound imaging in contracted or moving muscles and the best method of probe alignment. Copyright © 2013 the American Physiological Society.
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