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David M, Devantéry K, Nauche B, Chagnon M, Keezer M, Gaudreault N, Bureau NJ, Cloutier G. Ultrasound elastography of back muscle biomechanical properties: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current methods. Insights Imaging 2024; 15:206. [PMID: 39143409 PMCID: PMC11324641 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01785-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report the current elastography methods used to quantify back muscles' biomechanical characteristics in patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSKd) and inform on their reliability, validity, and responsiveness. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane library and grey literature were consulted. Predefined criteria allowed for study selection and data extraction. The quality of evidence was rated using the COSMIN tool. Data were meta-analyzed in terms of pooled intraclass correlation coefficient (pICC) for reliability and pooled standardized mean difference (pSMD) for validity and responsiveness. Heterogeneity was assessed. RESULTS Seventy-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis (total number of participants N = 3178). Three elastography methods were identified: strain imaging (SI; number of cohorts M = 26), shear wave imaging (SWI; M = 50), and vibration sonoelastography (VSE; M = 3). Strain imaging and SWI studies reported good reliability measurement properties (pICC > 0.70) and a medium pSMD (0.58 for SI and 0.60 for SWI; p ≤ 0.020) in discriminating MSKd from controls' condition (validity). Strain imaging studies reported a medium pSMD (0.64; p = 0.005) in detecting within-group changes over time, whereas SWI pSMD was very high (1.24; p = 0.005). Only SWI reported significant but small pSMD (0.30; p = 0.003) in detecting between-group changes over time. The small number of VSE studies could not be meta-analyzed. Heterogeneity was high (I-squared > 90%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Elastography presents good reliability results and a medium pSMD in discriminating MSKd from control conditions. Responsiveness data suggest detectable changes within groups over time using SI and SWI, calling for long-term longitudinal studies. Assessing changes between groups over time using elastography still needs to be proven. Highly significant heterogeneity limits meta-analytic results. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT While still in its early-stage exploration phase, musculoskeletal ultrasound elastography may reliably quantify back muscles' biomechanics in asymptomatic individuals, moderately discriminate back musculoskeletal disorders and detect biomechanical changes over time in these conditions, calling for long-term longitudinal studies. KEY POINTS Ultrasound elastography is reviewed for back pain and related musculoskeletal disorder assessments. Growing literature supports good reproducibility, some validity and responsiveness. Back muscle elastography considers assumptions calling for standardized protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes David
- Laboratory of Biorheology and Medical Ultrasonics, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, H2L 2W5, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | | | - Miguel Chagnon
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H2C 3J7, Canada
| | - Mark Keezer
- University of Montreal Hospital, Montreal, QC, H3X 0C1, Canada
- Department of Neurology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H2C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Nathalie J Bureau
- University of Montreal Hospital, Montreal, QC, H3X 0C1, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Radio-Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Guy Cloutier
- Laboratory of Biorheology and Medical Ultrasonics, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, H2L 2W5, Canada.
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
- Department of Radiology, Radio-Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Varol U, Valera-Calero JA, Ortega-Santiago R, López-Redondo M, Navarro-Santana MJ, Plaza-Manzano G, Belón-Pérez P. Cervical Multifidus Stiffness Assessment in Individuals with and without Unilateral Chronic Neck Pain: An Inter-Examiner Reliability Study. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:500. [PMID: 38790366 PMCID: PMC11118170 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the inter-examiner reliability of shear wave elastography (SWE) for measuring cervical multifidus (CM) muscle stiffness in asymptomatic controls and patients with chronic neck pain. A longitudinal observational study was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a procedure. SWE images, following a detailed procedure previously tested, were acquired by two examiners (one novice and one experienced) to calculate the shear wave speed (SWS) and Young's modulus. The painful side was examined for the experimental cases while the side examined in the control group was selected randomly. Data analyses calculated the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), absolute errors between examiners, standard errors of measurement, and minimal detectable changes. A total of 125 participants were analyzed (n = 54 controls and n = 71 cases). The Young's modulus and SWS measurements obtained by both examiners were comparable within the asymptomatic group (both, p > 0.05) and the chronic neck pain group (both, p > 0.05). Nonetheless, a notable distinction was observed in the absolute error between examiners for shear wave speed measurements among patients with neck pain, where a significant difference was registered (p = 0.045), pointing to a sensitivity in measurement consistency affected by the presence of chronic neck pain. ICCs demonstrated moderate-to-good reliability across both groups, with ICC values for asymptomatic individuals reported as >0.8. Among the chronic neck pain patients, ICC values were slightly lower (>0.780). The study revealed moderate-to-good consistency, highlighting the practicality and generalizability of SWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Varol
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (G.P.-M.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Ortega-Santiago
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
| | - Mónica López-Redondo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos José Navarro-Santana
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (G.P.-M.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (G.P.-M.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Belón-Pérez
- Department of Physical Therapy, Real Madrid C.F., 28055 Madrid, Spain;
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Haueise A, Le Sant G, Eisele-Metzger A, Dieterich AV. Is musculoskeletal pain associated with increased muscle stiffness? Evidence map and critical appraisal of muscle measurements using shear wave elastography. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2024; 44:187-204. [PMID: 38155545 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Approximately 21% of the world's population suffers from musculoskeletal conditions, often associated with sensations of stiff muscles. Targeted therapy requires knowing whether typically involved muscles are objectively stiffer compared to asymptomatic individuals. Muscle stiffness is quantified using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). Publications on SWE-based comparisons of muscle stiffness between individuals with and without musculoskeletal pain are increasing rapidly. This work reviewed and mapped the existing evidence regarding objectively measured muscle stiffness in musculoskeletal pain conditions and surveyed current methods of applying SWE to measure muscle stiffness. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and CINAHL using the keywords "muscle stiffness", "shear wave elastography", "pain", "asymptomatic controls" and synonyms. The search was supplemented by a hand search using Google Scholar. Included articles were critically appraised with the AXIS tool, supplemented by items related to SWE methods. Results were visually mapped and narratively described. RESULTS Thirty of 137 identified articles were included. High-quality evidence was missing. The results comprise studies reporting lower stiffness in symptomatic participants, no differences between groups and higher stiffness in symptomatic individuals. Results differed between pain conditions and muscles, and also between studies that examined the same muscle(s) and pathology. The methods of the application of SWE were inconsistent and the reporting was often incomplete. CONCLUSIONS Existing evidence regarding the objective stiffness of muscles in musculoskeletal pain conditions is conflicting. Methodological differences may explain most of the inconsistencies between findings. Methodological standards for SWE measurements of muscles are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Haueise
- Faculty of Health, Security, Society, Furtwangen University, Furtwangen, Germany
| | - Guillaume Le Sant
- CHU Nantes, Movement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
- School of Physiotherapy, IFM3R, St-Sebastien/Loire, France
| | - Angelika Eisele-Metzger
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Angela V Dieterich
- Faculty of Health, Security, Society, Furtwangen University, Furtwangen, Germany
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Valera-Calero JA, Sánchez-Jiménez E, Plaza-Manzano G, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Sánchez-Jorge S, José Navarro-Santana M. Shear wave elastography for assessing the anterior scalene elasticity in patients with neck pain. Phys Med 2024; 121:103356. [PMID: 38603998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2024.103356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Shear-wave elastography (SWE) provides quantitative and absolute metrics for analyzing the elasticity of soft tissues. Despite the anterior scalene muscle (AS) is a key structure in patients with neck pain and nerve compressive syndromes, the majority of SWE studies only included asymptomatic subjects. This study aimed to analyze the Young's modulus and shear wave speed test-retest reliability in a sample of patients with neck pain symptoms to characterize the AS stiffness. METHODS A diagnostic accuracy study acquiring a set of ultrasound images at C7 level in 42 patients with mechanical neck pain by one experienced examiner. After blinding the participants' identity, trial and side, the Young's modulus and shear wave velocity were measured by an independent experienced rater in randomized order. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable changes (MDC) and coefficient of variation (CV%) were calculated. RESULTS The sample reported moderate pain intensity (5.9/10 points) and disability (17.38/100 points). AS stiffness metrics assessed showed no significant differences between males and females, left and right side nor painful and non-painful side. (all, p > 0.05). Intra-examiner reliability was excellent for calculating the Young's modulus for shear wave speed (ICC > 0.90). CONCLUSION The results support the use of this procedure for assessing the AS stiffness in populations with mechanical neck pain as excellent reliability estimates were obtained. However, future research should analyze case-control differences and the association between SWE metrics with clinical severity indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain.
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Jorge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain.
| | - Marcos José Navarro-Santana
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Varol U, Valera-Calero JA, Sánchez-Jiménez E, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Ortega-Santiago R, Kobylarz MD, Navarro-Santana MJ. Levator Scapulae Stiffness Measurement Reliability in Individuals with and without Chronic Neck Pain by Experienced and Novel Examiners. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:277. [PMID: 38203140 PMCID: PMC10781297 DOI: 10.3390/s24010277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The levator scapulae muscle is a key structure in the etiopathology of neck and shoulder musculoskeletal pain. Although previous studies used shear-wave elastography (SWE) for characterizing this muscle elasticity, limited evidence assessed the inter-examiner reliability of this procedure. This study aimed to analyze the inter-examiner reliability for calculating Young's modulus and shear wave speed in a cohort of participants with and without chronic neck pain. A diagnostic accuracy study was conducted, acquiring a set of SWE images at the C5 level in participants with and without neck pain (n = 34 and 33, respectively) by two examiners (one experienced and one novel). After blinding the participants' identity, examiner involved, and side, the stiffness indicators were calculated by an independent rater in a randomized order. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement, minimal detectable changes, and coefficient of variation were calculated. Both cohorts had comparable sociodemographic characteristics (p > 0.05). No significant levator scapulae elasticity differences were found between genders, sides, or cohorts (all, p > 0.05). Inter-examiner reliability for calculating Young's modulus and shear wave speed was moderate-to-good for assessing asymptomatic individuals (ICC = 0.714 and 0.779, respectively), while poor-to-moderate in patients with neck pain (ICC = 0.461 and 0.546, respectively). The results obtained in this study support the use of this procedure for assessing asymptomatic individuals. However, reliability estimates were unacceptable to support its use for assessing elasticity in patients with chronic neck pain. Future studies might consider that the shear wave speed is more sensitive to detect real changes in comparison with Young's modulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Varol
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 29222 Alcorcón, Spain; (U.V.); (M.D.K.)
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Ricardo Ortega-Santiago
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Mateusz D. Kobylarz
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 29222 Alcorcón, Spain; (U.V.); (M.D.K.)
- Akademia Terapii Manualnej i Igłoterapii Suchej (ATMIS), 34-400 Nowy Targ, Poland
| | - Marcos José Navarro-Santana
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Navarro-Ledesma S, Aguilar-García M, González-Muñoz A, Casas-Barragán A, Tapia-Haro RM. Association between elasticity of tissue and pain pressure threshold in the tender points present in subjects with fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22003. [PMID: 38086996 PMCID: PMC10716166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49550-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multicomponent illness and despite its worldwide prevalence, a complete understanding of its aetiology and pathogenesis remains unclear. The goal of the study is to analyze the level of association between elastic properties of tissue measured by strain elastography (SEL) and pain pressure threshold (PPT) in the characteristic painful points described in patients suffering from FM. This was a cross-sectional, observational study. A sample comprised of 42 subjects with FM was recruited from a private care centre. The occiput, low cervical, trapezius, supraspinatus, paraspinous, lateral pectoral, second rib, lateral epicondyle, medial epicondyle, gluteus, greater trochanter, knee, and anterior tibial PPTs were bilaterally assessed using a standard pressure algometer and elastic properties of tissue were evaluated by SEL. Linear regression analysis showed significant associations between SEL and dominant trapezius PPT (β = 0.487, 95% CI [0.045, 0.930], p = 0.032) after adjustments for the age, body mass index, and menopause status (higher SEL and higher pain sensitivity). No significant associations between SEL and the other PPTs variables were found in women diagnosed with FM. The PPT of the dominant trapezius is associated with SEL measurements in subjects suffering from FM. More studies are required to fully explain the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Navarro-Ledesma
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, Melilla, Spain
| | - María Aguilar-García
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, Melilla, Spain
- Biomedicine PhD Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. de la Ilustración, 60, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana González-Muñoz
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Melilla, University of Granada, Melilla, Spain
- Clinical Medicine and Public Health PhD Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. de la Ilustración, 60, 18071, Granada, Spain
- Clinica Ana Gonzalez, Malaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Casas-Barragán
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
- Faculty of Health Sciencies, University of Granada (UGR), Ave. de la Ilustración, 60, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Rosa María Tapia-Haro
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciencies, University of Granada (UGR), Ave. de la Ilustración, 60, 18016, Granada, Spain
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Chen YJ, Lin HY, Chu CA, Wu WT, Chen LR, Özçakar L, Chang KV. Assessing thickness and stiffness of superficial/deep masticatory muscles in orofacial pain: an ultrasound and shear wave elastography study. Ann Med 2023; 55:2261116. [PMID: 37791609 PMCID: PMC10552583 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2261116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sonoelastography has been increasingly used for non-invasive evaluation of the mechanical features of human tissues. The interplay between orofacial pain and regional muscle activity appears clinically paramount, although only few imaging studies have investigated this association. Using shear wave sonoelastography (SWS), this study ascertained whether orofacial pain induced alterations in the stiffness of superficial and deep masticatory muscles. METHODS All participants were systematically evaluated for oral/facial-related conditions, including the area and intensity of pain. SWS was applied to measure the stiffness of the bilateral masseter, temporalis, and lateral pterygoid muscles. The association between orofacial pain and muscle stiffness/thickness was investigated using a generalized estimating equation for adjusting the influence of age, sex, laterality, and body mass index on muscle thickness/stiffness. RESULTS A total of 98 participants were included in the present study: 48 asymptomatic controls, 13 patients with unilateral pain, and 37 patients with bilateral orofacial pain. The reliability, quantified by the intraclass correlation coefficient for muscle stiffness measurement, ranged from 0.745 to 0.893. Orofacial pain at the individual muscle level was significantly associated with masseter muscle stiffness. A trend of increased stiffness (p = 0.06) was also observed in relation to the painful side of the temporalis muscle. No significant correlation was identified between the numeric rating scales for pain and stiffness measurements. CONCLUSIONS SWS provides reliable stiffness measurements for the superficial and deep masticatory muscles. The ipsilateral masseter and temporalis muscles might be stiffer than those on the side without orofacial pain. Future studies using the present sonoelasotography protocol can be designed to investigate the stiffness changes in the target muscles after interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunn-Jy Chen
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yi Lin
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-An Chu
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Community and Geriatric Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lan-Rong Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Community and Geriatric Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Levent Özçakar
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ke-Vin Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Community and Geriatric Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Wang-Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Hao CJ, Kang XY, Kang CS, Li TT, Huo JZ, Xu Q, Xiao WL, Zhao ZX, Ji XH, Zhang QB. Upper trapezius muscle elasticity in cervical myofascial pain syndrome measured using real-time ultrasound shear-wave elastography. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2023; 13:5168-5181. [PMID: 37581083 PMCID: PMC10423376 DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common cause of neck pain, which is a global public health problem. Because MPS does not present morphological changes within lesioned muscles, there are no imaging diagnostic criteria for this condition. In this study, we evaluate elasticity changes in upper trapezius muscles most frequently involved in cervical MPS using real-time ultrasound shear-wave elastography, and we examine their potential diagnostic value. Methods We consecutively enrolled 109 right posterior neck pain patients for this prospective study. Of these, 51 were diagnosed with MPS and 58 with non-MPS in the right side of their neck. Among MPS patients, 19 fell into the 1-3 range (mild pain) for pain scores on the visual analog scale (VAS), 25 fell into the 4-6 range (moderate pain), and 7 into the 7-10 range (severe pain). MPS was diagnosed by two independent clinicians using the diagnostic criteria proposed by Simons et al. Using real-time ultrasound shear-wave elastography, we measured right trapezius mean shear-wave velocity (SWVmean). The midpoint of the line between the foramen magnum and the end of the right acromion served as measuring point. Regions of interest were scaled to span 0-8.0 m/s. Results Trapezius SWVmean was significantly higher in MPS patients compared with non-MPS patients (P<0.001). Stratified analysis of MPS patients according to pain severity revealed similar trapezius SWVmean between mild pain and non-MPS patients (P=0.324), however SWVmean was higher in moderate and severe pain MPS patients compared with non-MPS patients (P<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) value for upper trapezius SWVmean in MPS patients was 0.791 (95% CI: 0.703-0.863). Corresponding sensitivity and specificity values were 86.27% (95% CI: 73.7-94.3%) and 62.07% (95% CI: 48.4-74.5%). Stratified analysis of MPS patients by pain severity produced the following AUC values for trapezius SWVmean in MPS patients with mild, moderate, and severe pain: 0.578 (95% CI: 0.460-0.690), 0.899 (95% CI: 0.814-0.955), and 0.983 (95% CI: 0.914-0.999), respectively. Conclusions Elasticity changes and increased stiffness in the trapezius occur in cervical MPS patients with moderate and severe pain. The SWVmean parameter reflecting trapezius muscle elasticity may be valuable for successful screening of cervical MPS, especially in patients with moderate and severe pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Juan Hao
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Kang
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chun-Song Kang
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Huo
- Department of Orthopedics, Central Hospital in Taiyuan, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Business Division, Hologic (Shanghai) Medical Supplies Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Li Xiao
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhe-Xia Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xing-Hua Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Quan-Bin Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Valera-Calero JA, Gómez-Sánchez S, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Plaza-Manzano G, Sánchez-Jorge S, Navarro-Santana MJ. A Procedure for Measuring Anterior Scalene Morphology and Quality with Ultrasound Imaging: An Intra- and Inter-rater Reliability Study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023; 49:1817-1823. [PMID: 37188569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ultrasound (US) imaging is an essential tool for clinicians because of its cost-effectiveness and accessibility for assessing multiple muscle metrics including muscle quality, size and shape. Although previous studies highlighted the importance of the anterior scalene muscle (AS) in patients with neck pain, studies analyzing the reliability of US measurements for this muscle are lacking. This study aimed to develop a protocol for assessing AS muscle shape and quality measured with US and investigating its intra- and inter-examiner reliability. METHODS Through use of a linear transducer, B-mode images of the anterolateral neck region at the C7 level were acquired in 28 healthy volunteers by two examiners (one experienced and one novel). Cross-sectional area, perimeter, shape descriptors and mean echo-intensity were measured twice by each examiner in randomized order. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard errors of measurement and minimal detectable changes were calculated. RESULTS Results indicated no muscle side-to-side asymmetries (p > 0.05). Gender differences were found for muscle size (p < 0.01), but muscle shape and brightness were comparable (p > 0.05). Intra-examiner reliability was good to excellent for all metrics for the experienced and (ICC >0.846) and novel (ICC >780) examiners. Although inter-examiner reliability was good for most of the metrics (ICC >0.709), the estimates for assessing solidity and circularity were unacceptable (ICC <0.70). CONCLUSION This study found that the described ultrasound procedure for locating and measuring anterior scalene muscle morphology and quality is highly reliable in asymptomatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Grupo In Physio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain; Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Grupo In Physio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Jorge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Marcos José Navarro-Santana
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Grupo In Physio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
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Varol U, Valera-Calero JA, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Buffet-García J, Plaza-Manzano G, Navarro-Santana MJ. Body Composition and Demographic Features Do Not Affect the Diagnostic Accuracy of Shear Wave Elastography. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:904. [PMID: 37627789 PMCID: PMC10451656 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10080904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is an imaging method that can be used to estimate shear wave speed and the Young's modulus based on the measured shear wave speed under certain conditions. Up to date, no research has analyzed whether body composition factors contribute to ultrasound attenuation, refraction, reflection, and, consequently, SWE measurement errors. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the association between demographic and body composition features with SWE errors for assessing the anterior scalene stiffness (which is a key structure in patients with neck pain and nerve compressive syndromes). Demographic (sex, age, height, weight, and body mass index), body composition (water volume, fat mass, and lean mass), and anterior scalene muscle stiffness (Young's modulus and shear wave speed) data were collected from a sample of asymptomatic subjects. After calculating the absolute SWE differences between trials and the reliability estimates, a correlation matrix was generated to quantify the association among all the variables. A total of 34 asymptomatic subjects (24 males) were included in the analyses. Test-retest reliability was excellent for assessing the Young's modulus and shear wave velocity (ICC = 0.912 and 0.923, respectively). No significant associations were found between age, height, weight, body mass index, body fat, lean mass, or water volume with SWE errors (p > 0.05). However, the Young's modulus error was associated with the stiffness properties (p < 0.01), whereas shear wave speed was associated with none of them (all, p > 0.05). A detailed procedure can reliably assess the AS muscle stiffness. None of the sociodemographic or body composition features assessed were correlated with SWE errors. However, baseline stiffness seems to be associated with Young's modulus error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Varol
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (G.P.-M.); (M.J.N.-S.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Jorge Buffet-García
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain;
| | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (G.P.-M.); (M.J.N.-S.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos José Navarro-Santana
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (G.P.-M.); (M.J.N.-S.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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11
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Varol U, Navarro-Santana MJ, Gómez-Sánchez S, Plaza-Manzano G, Sánchez-Jiménez E, Valera-Calero JA. Inter-Examiner Disagreement for Assessing Cervical Multifidus Ultrasound Metrics Is Associated with Body Composition Features. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23031213. [PMID: 36772252 PMCID: PMC9921918 DOI: 10.3390/s23031213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging (US) is a biosensing technique that is widely used in several healthcare disciplines (including physiotherapy) for assessing multiple muscle metrics, such as muscle morphology and quality. Since all biosensors need to be tested in order to demonstrate their reliability, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, identifying factors that affect their diagnostic accuracy is essential. Since previous studies analyzed the impact of sociodemographic but not body composition characteristics in US errors, this study aimed to assess whether body composition metrics are associated with ultrasound measurement errors. B-mode images of the lumbar multifidus muscle at the L5 level were acquired and analyzed in 47 healthy volunteers by two examiners (one experienced and one novice). The cross-sectional area, muscle perimeter, and mean echo intensity were calculated bilaterally. A correlation analysis and a multivariate linear regression model were used for assessing the inter-examiner differences with respect to body composition metrics. The results demonstrated good-to-excellent reliability estimates for the cross-sectional area, muscle perimeter, aspect ratio, roundness, circularity, and mean brightness metrics (all ICC > 0.85). However, solidity showed unacceptable reliability (ICC < 0.7). Age, height, total lean mass, trunk lean mass, and water volume were associated with inter-examiner disagreement on mean echo intensity. Cross-sectional area, perimeter, and roundness measurement errors were associated with lean mass and water volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Varol
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 29222 Alcorcón, Spain
| | | | - Sonia Gómez-Sánchez
- Faculty of Health, Universidad Católica de Ávila, C/Canteros, s/n, 05005 Ávila, Spain
| | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Sánchez-Jiménez
- Faculty of Health, Universidad Católica de Ávila, C/Canteros, s/n, 05005 Ávila, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Correlation between Body Composition and Inter-Examiner Errors for Assessing Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Size, Shape and Quality Metrics with Ultrasound Imaging. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020133. [PMID: 36829627 PMCID: PMC9952113 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging (US) is widely used in several healthcare disciplines (including physiotherapy) for assessing multiple muscle metrics such as muscle morphology and quality. Since measuring instruments are required to demonstrate their reliability, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity prior to their use in clinical and research settings, identifying factors affecting their diagnostic accuracy is essential. Since previous studies analyzed the impact of sociodemographic but not body composition characteristics in US errors, this study aimed to assess whether body composition metrics are correlated with ultrasound measurement errors. B-mode images of the lumbar multifidus muscle at the fifth lumbar vertebral level (L5) were acquired and analyzed in 49 healthy volunteers by two examiners (one experienced and one novel). Cross-sectional area, muscle perimeter and mean echo intensity were calculated bilaterally. A multivariate correlation matrix was calculated for assessing the inter-examiner differences with body composition metrics. Results demonstrated excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC > 0.9) for assessing the muscle cross-sectional area and perimeter, and good reliability for assessing the muscle shape and mean echo intensity (ICC > 0.7). Inter-examiner errors for estimating muscle size were correlated with participants' age (p value, p < 0.01), weight (p < 0.05), total and trunk lean mass (both, p < 0.01) and water volume (p < 0.05). Greater shape descriptors and mean brightness disagreements were correlated with older ages (p < 0.05) and total lean mass (p < 0.05). No correlations between age and body composition metrics were found (p > 0.05). This study found US to be a reliable tool for assessing muscle size, shape and mean brightness. Although aging showed no correlations with body composition changes in this sample, it was the main factor correlated with US measurement errors.
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13
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Hao CJ, Xiao WL, Zhang QB, Tan XM. Viscoelasticity in trapezius myofascial pain syndrome: quantitative assessment using Real-Time Shear-Wave Elastography. Ann Med 2023; 55:2252442. [PMID: 37676997 PMCID: PMC10486288 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2252442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the differences in the viscoelastic properties between normal trapezius muscles and those in patients with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) using real-time shear-wave elastography (SWE). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 31 patients with trapezius MPS and 31 volunteers. Sixty-one trapezius muscles (41 and 20 on the affected and non-affected side, respectively) of patients with MPS and 62 normal trapezius muscles in volunteers were assessed. Conventional ultrasonic parameters, including skeletal muscle thickness, resistance index (RI), and mean shear wave velocity (SWVmean) of trapezius muscles, were obtained in the seated position with the shoulders and neck relaxed. The daily neck leaning time (unit:hours) of all participants was obtained using a questionnaire. RESULTS Ultrasound showed no statistically significant differences in thickness or RI of the trapezius muscles of the affected and non-affected sides in MPS patients versus normal trapezius muscles (p = 0.976 and 0.106, respectively). In contrast, the SWVmean of trapezius muscles in patients with MPS was significantly higher than that of normal trapezius muscles in both the affected and non-affected sides (4.41 ± 1.02 m/s vs. 3.35 ± 0.79 m/s, p < 0.001; 4.05 ± 0.63 m/s vs. 3.35 ± 0.79 m/s, p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the SWVmean of the trapezius muscles on the affected and non-affected sides in patients with MPS (4.41 ± 1.02 m/s vs. 4.05 ± 0.63 m/s, p = 0.225). Correlation analysis showed that daily neck forward time was positively correlated with the SWVmean of the trapezius muscles on the affected and non-affected sides in patients with MPS (r = 0.635, p < 0.001; r = 0.576, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION SWE can quantitatively evaluate stiffness of trapezius muscles in patients with trapezius MPS. The stiffness of both affected and non-affected trapezius muscles increased in patients with trapezius MPS, and the degree of increase positively correlated with the time of cervical forward leaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Juan Hao
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wen-Li Xiao
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Quan-Bin Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Tan
- Device management and maintenance center, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Taiyuan, China
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Do Psychological Factors Influence the Elastic Properties of Soft Tissue in Subjects with Fibromyalgia? A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123077. [PMID: 36551833 PMCID: PMC9775315 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, there is evidence related to the impact that psychological factors have on symptoms, specifically vegetative ones, and on the autonomic nervous system in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). However, there are no studies to correlate the level of association between psychological factors and the elastic properties of tissue in the FM population. Elastic properties of soft tissue reflect age- and disease-related changes in the mechanical functions of soft tissue, and mechanical failure has a profound impact on morbidity and mortality. The study has a cross-sectional observational design with 42 participants recruited from a private clinic and rehabilitation service. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale and Self-Efficacy Scale were used to assess psychological factors. The elastic properties of the tissue in the characteristic painful points, which patients suffering from FM described, were assessed by strain elastography. A low and significant level of association was found between pain catastrophising scale (PCS) and the non-dominant lateral epicondyle (r = -0.318; p = 0.045). Kinesiophobia was found to be related to the dominant lateral epicondyle (r = 0.403; p = 0.010), the non-dominant knee (r = -0.34; p = 0.027) and the dominant forearm (r = 0.360; p = 0.010). Self-Efficacy showed a low level of association with the non-dominant supraspinatus (r = -0.338; p = 0.033) and the non-dominant medial epicondyle (r = -0.326; p = 0.040). Psychological factors and the elastic properties of tissue seem to be associated in patients suffering from FM. The most profound association between psychological factors and non-dominant parts of the body could be related to neglect and non-use of those parts of the body.
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15
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Valera-Calero JA, Navarro-Santana MJ, Plaza-Manzano G, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Ortega-Santiago R. Identifying Demographic, Clinical, Muscular and Histological Factors Associated with Ultrasound Cervical Multifidus Measurement Errors in a Chronic Neck Pain Population. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22218344. [PMID: 36366042 PMCID: PMC9653930 DOI: 10.3390/s22218344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging (US) is a widely used imaging tool in physiotherapy for assessing muscle morphology and quality, among other purposes, such as ensuring the patients’ safety during invasive procedures or providing visual feedback during motor control exercises. Identifying factors associated with measurement errors is essential to target avoid bias in high-risk of bias populations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether demographic, clinical, muscular and histological factors are associated with ultrasound measurement errors in patients with idiopathic chronic neck pain. B-mode images were acquired and analyzed in 126 patients with chronic neck pain by two experienced examiners. Cross-sectional area, muscle perimeter, mean echo intensity and percentage of fatty infiltration were analyzed. The interexaminer agreement was assessed by calculating the absolute error, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable changes (MDC). A Pearson’s correlation matrix including all variables was calculated to conduct a multivariate linear stepwise regression model for estimating the explained variance for each measurement error. Results demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.965) for assessing the cross-sectional area, and good reliability for assessing the muscle perimeter, mean echo intensity and intramuscular infiltrates estimation (ICC = 0.898, 0.882 and 0.758, respectively). Although clinical variables were not associated with measurement errors (p > 0.05), multiple correlations were found between demographic and cervical multifidus characteristics with measurement errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- VALTRADOFI Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
- Cátedra Institucional en Docencia, Clínica e Investigación en Fisioterapia: Terapia Manual, Punción Seca y Ejercicio Terapéutico, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Ricardo Ortega-Santiago
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
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Changes in Circadian Variations in Blood Pressure, Pain Pressure Threshold and the Elasticity of Tissue after a Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Treatment in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Tripled-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112678. [PMID: 36359198 PMCID: PMC9687325 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study analysed circadian variation changes in blood pressure (BP), the pain pressure threshold (PPT) and the elasticity of tissue in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) after a whole-body photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment. This was a tripled-blinded randomized clinical trial including forty participants with FM. Participants using validated self-measurement BP devices attained readings that were used to calculate the circadian variation. Additionally, a standard pressure algometer of 1cm2 was used to assess 13 tender points by exerting a pressure of up to 4 kg, and strain elastography assessed the elasticity of tissue. Circadian variations in BP showed significant differences after the PBM intervention (p = 0.036). When comparing PPT between groups, statistically significant differences were found in the occiput (p = 0.039), low cervical (p = 0.035), trapezius (p = 0.037), second rib (p < 0.001) and medial epicondyle points (p = 0.006). Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in both the trapezius and the forearm at the distal dorsal third SEL values (p ≤ 0.001) when comparing groups. Whole-body PBM produces changes in circadian blood pressure, the pain pressure threshold and the elasticity of tissue after a treatment program was carried out. However, more studies are needed to corroborate our findings as well as to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
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Valera-Calero JA, Sánchez-Jorge S, Buffet-García J, Varol U, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Álvarez-González J. Changes in stiffness at active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius after dry needling in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2022:9645284221104831. [PMID: 35765779 DOI: 10.1177/09645284221104831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Since, to our knowledge, the effects of dry needling (DN) on active myofascial trigger point (MTrP) stiffness have not been analyzed previously with shear wave elastography (SWE), our aim was to compare the effects of a single session of DN and sham DN applied to the most active MTrP located in the upper trapezius muscle on clinical outcomes. METHODS A randomized, double-blinded sham-controlled trial was conducted; 60 patients were randomized into an experimental (DN) or sham (sham DN) group. Baseline data including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. SWE and pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) at the MTrP and a control point located 3 cm laterally were the main outcomes assessed before and 10 min after the interventions. RESULTS Patients receiving DN interventions experienced greater increases in the control point PPTs immediately after receiving the intervention compared with sham DN (p < 0.05), but no differences were found for the MTrP (p > 0.05). Post-intervention PPT improvements were found at both locations for both groups (p < 0.01). No significant changes for either MTrP or control locations were found for SWE outcomes in either group (all ps > 0.05). No significant within-group SWE differences were found in the DN or sham DN groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION A single session of DN or sham DN applied to active MTrPs located in the upper trapezius muscle produced no detectable changes in stiffness at the MTrP or control locations. Real DN induced an immediate analgesic response at both MTrP and control locations, while sham DN induced an immediate MTrP response. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04832074 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain.,VALTRADOFI Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Umut Varol
- VALTRADOFI Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Zhang Y, Zhang K, Jia H, Xia B, Zang C, Liu Y, Qian L, Dong J. IVIM-DWI and MRI-based radiomics in cervical cancer: Prediction of concurrent chemoradiotherapy sensitivity in combination with clinical prognostic factors. Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 91:37-44. [PMID: 35568271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the feasibility and value of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics combined with clinical prognostic factors (CPF) in predicting concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) sensitivity of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). METHODS A retrospective analysis of 163 patients (assigned to training or test groups) who underwent conventional MRI and IVIM-DWI before CCRT were divided into sensitive and resistant groups according to their efficacy at 6 months after CCRT. Per-treatment IVIM-DWI parameters (ADC, D, D⁎ and f value), 3D texture features (from axial T2WI) and CPF were measured, analyzed and screened. The prediction model and its nomogram were developed by combining screened parameters and then validated internally and externally. RESULTS Clinical stage, f value, D value, InverseVariance, SizeZoneNonUniformity, and Minimum were selected to construct prediction model. All parameters except D value showed independent diagnostic value in multivariate Logistic regression analysis and composed prediction model, with AUCs of 0.987 and 0.984 for training and test groups, respectively. The calibration curve (Brier score of 0.042, C-index of 0.987), decision curve and clinical impact curve further demonstrated the reliability and clinical value of prediction model. CONCLUSION IVIM-DWI, MRI-based radiomics and CPF showed high clinical value in predicting CCRT sensitivity for LACC with better predictive performance when combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Haodong Jia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Department of Radiology, West Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, 107 Huanhu East Road, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Bairong Xia
- Department of Radiology, West Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, 107 Huanhu East Road, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, West Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, 107 Huanhu East Road, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Chunbao Zang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, 107 Huanhu East Road, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Yunqin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, 107 Huanhu East Road, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Liting Qian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, West Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, 107 Huanhu East Road, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China.
| | - Jiangning Dong
- Department of Radiology, West Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, 107 Huanhu East Road, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China.
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