Ultrasound assessment of the inferior glenohumeral capsule in normal shoulders-a study of measurement variables and reliability.

Objectives: To establish the reliability of a standardised ultrasound protocol to measure normal inferior glenohumeral capsule (IGHC) thickness and to investigate the effects of age, sex, hand dominance and angles of abduction on the thickness.

Methods: IGHC images were obtained at 60, 90 and 180 abduction angles of 151 asymptomatic shoulders in supine position. Following the proposed guidelines, three sonographers blindly measured the IGHC thicknesses for intra- and interrater reliability assessments.

Continuous non-invasive estimates of cerebral blood flow using electrocardiography signals: a feasibility study.

Unlabelled: This paper describes a potential method to detect changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) using electrocardiography (ECG) signals, measured across scalp electrodes with reference to the same signal across the chest-a metric we term the Electrocardiography Brain Perfusion index (EBPi). We investigated the feasibility of EBPi to monitor CBF changes in response to specific tasks. Twenty healthy volunteers wore a head-mounted device to monitor EBPi and electroencephalography (EEG) during tasks known to alter CBF.

Ultrasound Features for the Diagnosis of Adhesive Capsulitis/Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review.

While ultrasound has become a preferred tool for musculoskeletal imaging, differing ultrasound findings that have been reported in patients with adhesive capsulitis can create confusion and misconceptions. This systematic review was aimed at summarizing all the ultrasound features currently described in the literature and providing a critical analysis of the sources to allow the readers to make a well-informed decision on the reliability of these features in the diagnosis of this condition. Databases were searched for original studies up to August 2021.

A snapshot of venous ultrasound examinations in Australia and New Zealand: Implications for diagnosis and management of chronic venous disease interventions.

Objective: Chronic venous disease is a common vascular condition, affecting up to 60% of the population worldwide. In Australia and New Zealand, chronic venous insufficiency ultrasound examinations are primarily performed by sonographers. This research aimed to explore how ultrasound examinations are being performed, providing insights into current practices and recommendations for quality improvement.

Brief report: Passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius in multiple sclerosis and ankle contracture.

Background: Ankle contracture is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) but the mechanisms of contracture are not clear. This study aimed to identify the mechanisms of contracture in MS by comparing passive muscle length and stiffness at known tension, separated into contributions by muscle fascicles and tendons, between people with MS who had contracture and healthy people.

Methods: Passive length-tension curves of the gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit were derived from passive ankle torque and angle using a published biomechanical method.

Relationship between echocardiogram and physical parameters in experienced resistance trainers: a pilot study.

Background: A paucity of research exists concerning physiological factors influencing heart structure and function in strength athletes. This pilot study investigated whether body composition and muscle performance are associated with indices of cardiac structure and function in experienced resistance trainers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study designed was employed to address the study aim.

Effect of Training Phase on Physical and Physiological Parameters of Male Powerlifters.

Longitudinal research on training and dietary practices of natural powerlifters is limited. This study investigated the effect of phases of training on physical and physiological parameters in male natural powerlifters. Nine participants completed testing at two time points: (i) preparatory phase (~3 months prior to a major competition) and (ii) competition phase (1-2 weeks from a major competition).

Reliability and correlates of cross-sectional area of abductor hallucis and the medial belly of the flexor hallucis brevis measured by ultrasound.

Background: Weakness of the intrinsic foot muscles is thought to produce deformity, disability and pain. Assessing intrinsic foot muscles in isolation is a challenge; however ultrasound might provide a solution. The aims of this study were to assess the reproducibility of assessing the size of abductor halluces (AbH) and the medial belly of flexor hallucis brevis (FHBM) muscles, and identify their relationship with toe strength, foot morphology and balance.

The development and validation of a custom built device for assessing frontal knee joint laxity.

Introduction: This study reports the development and validation of a quantitative technique of assessing frontal knee joint laxity through a custom built device named KLICP. The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) the intra- and inter-rater reliability and (ii) the validity of the device when compared to real time ultrasound.

Methods: Twenty-five participants had their frontal knee joint laxity assessed by the KLICP, by manual varus/valgus tests and by ultrasound.

Reliability and Diagnostic Thresholds for Ultrasound Measurements of Dermal Thickness in Breast Lymphedema.

Background: Lymphedema of the breast, secondary to treatment for breast cancer, is difficult to assess due to the shape of the breast and the nature of the tissue. Ultrasound measurement of dermal thickness has been previously used to assess breast swelling; however, the reliability of the measurements, or what should be considered an abnormal thickness, is currently known.

Methods And Results: Thirty-eight women with breast edema were recruited and underwent assessment using ultrasound.

Effects of a Modified German Volume Training Program on Muscular Hypertrophy and Strength.

Amirthalingam, T, Mavros, Y, Wilson, GC, Clarke, JL, Mitchell, L, and Hackett, DA. Effects of a modified German volume training program on muscular hypertrophy and strength. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3109-3119, 2017-German Volume Training (GVT), or the 10 sets method, has been used for decades by weightlifters to increase muscle mass.

Chondroitin sulphate glycosaminoglycans contribute to widespread inferior biomechanics in tendon after focal injury.

Both mechanical and structural properties of tendon change after injury however the causal relationship between these properties is presently unclear. This study aimed to determine the extent of biomechanical change in post-injury tendon pathology and whether the sulphated glycosaminoglycans (glycosaminoglycans) present are a causal factor in these changes. Equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDF tendons) were surgically-injured in vivo (n=6 injured, n=6 control).

Frontomaxillary facial angle measurement in trisomy 21 and euploid fetuses: two- and three-dimensional assessment during routine first trimester screening.

Objective: To assess 2D and 3D frontomaxillary facial angle (FMFA) measurements in euploid and trisomy 21 fetuses.

Materials And Methods: Over a 2-year period, women with singleton pregnancies attending a private prenatal screening and diagnosis practice in Sydney, Australia, were invited to participate in this study where 2D images and 3D volumes of the fetal face were collected during routine first trimester screening. In pregnancies where trisomy 21 was confirmed, FMFA measurements were performed in 2D and 3D and compared with those from a euploid cohort.

Development of a method for measuring femoral torsion using real-time ultrasound.

Excessive femoral torsion has been associated with various musculoskeletal and neurological problems. To explore this relationship, it is essential to be able to measure femoral torsion in the clinic accurately. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are thought to provide the most accurate measurements but CT involves significant radiation exposure and MRI is expensive.

Left ventricular systolic function in HER2/neu negative breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline chemotherapy: a comparative analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial strain imaging over 12 months.

Aim: Anthracycline agents are undermined by their cardiotoxicity. As life expectancy following treatment is greatly improved, techniques that ensure early detection and timely management of cardiotoxicity are essential. The aim of the present study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic function with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and two-dimensional myocardial strain up to 12 months after anthracycline chemotherapy, specifically in HER2/neu negative breast cancer patients.

Frontomaxillary facial angle measurement at 11-14 weeks: assessment of interobserver and intraobserver agreement in 2D and 3D imaging.

Introduction: The primary aim of this study was to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility of the first-trimester frontomaxillary facial angle (FMFA) measurement using both 2D and 3D ultrasound. Assessment of the relationship between crown-to-rump length (CRL) and FMFA measurement was also reviewed.

Materials And Methods: Two experienced operators imaged the same 30 patients over a 1-month period collecting both 2D static images and 3D volumes during nuchal translucency assessment at 11-14 weeks' gestation.

Gastrocnemius muscle contracture after spinal cord injury: a longitudinal study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine changes in passive length and stiffness of the gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit in people after spinal cord injury.

Design: In a prospective longitudinal study, eight wheelchair-dependent participants with severe paralysis were assessed 3 and 12 mos after spinal cord injury. Passive torque-angle data were obtained as the ankle was slowly rotated through range at six knee angles.

Mechanisms of increased passive compliance of hamstring muscle-tendon units after spinal cord injury.

Background: People with spinal cord injury sometimes develop abnormally compliant hamstring muscle-tendon units. This study investigated whether the increased muscle-tendon compliance is due to a change in the passive properties of the muscle fascicles or tendons, or to muscle tears.

Methods: Semimembranosus muscle fascicle lengths were measured from ultrasound images obtained from 15 spinal cord injured subjects and 20 control subjects while the hip was passively flexed with the knee extended.

Passive mechanical properties of the gastrocnemius after spinal cord injury.

Introduction: In this study we compared passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscle-tendon units, muscle fascicles, and tendons in control subjects and people with ankle contractures after spinal cord injury.

Methods: Passive gastrocnemius length-tension curves were derived from passive ankle torque-angle data obtained from 20 spinal cord injured subjects with ankle contractures and 30 control subjects. Ultrasound images of muscle fascicles were used to partition length-tension curves into fascicular and tendinous components.

Altered left ventricular longitudinal diastolic function correlates with reduced systolic function immediately after anthracycline chemotherapy.

Aims: The benefits from anthracycline chemotherapy are undermined by potentially life-threatening cardiotoxicity. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most commonly used method for monitoring cardiotoxicity, and centres on the measurement of left ventricular systolic function. The aim of this study was to utilize two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) at baseline and immediately after anthracycline chemotherapy to investigate whether patients with significant changes in systolic function after anthracycline therapy would also develop alterations in diastolic parameters.

Passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscles of people with ankle contracture after stroke.

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of contracture after stroke by comparing passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscle-tendon units, muscle fascicles, and tendons in people with ankle contracture after stroke with control participants.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Laboratory in a research institution.