جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « اولتراسونوگرافی » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most frequent chronic liver disease affecting individuals of all age groups and is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study aimed to determine the frequency of NAFLD in adult patients with T2DM and some associated risk factors.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with T2DM at Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2020. All participants underwent abdominal ultrasonography to diagnose NAFLD and measure its grade. All the relevant clinical and biochemical characteristics were measured.

A total of 186 diabetic patients, including 75 women (40.32%) and 111 men (59.68%), with a mean age of 46.85±10.50 years, participated in this study. Ultrasound results revealed that all patients with T2DM (100%) had NAFLD, with 51 (27.42%) having fatty liver grade 1, 105 (56.45%) having grade 2, and 30 (16.13%) having grade 3. The severity of fatty liver in ultrasonography was directly and significantly correlated with smoking (P<0.001), weight (P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001), glycemic control (P=0.032), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) level (P=0.001).

Our results indicated that NAFLD was highly prevalent among patients with T2DM in our study population, and all patients exhibited varying grades of NAFLD. This finding demonstrates the importance of screening T2DM patients for NAFLD and the management of related risk factors in routine clinical settings.

Diastasis recti is often caused by pregnancy in women and may cause complications such as low back pain, lumbopelvic pain, and pelvic floor disorders. Determining the most accurate method to measure diastasis recti is important to estimate the rate of recovery in response to treatment and the need for surgery. Thus, ths study aimed to review the evidence regarding methods of diastasis recti assessment.

First, databases such as Web of Science, Pro-Quest, Em-base, PubMed, Google Scholar, AMED, and Scopus were searched using related keywords by June 2020. Then, articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and the quality of the studies was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. Required information from each article was extracted and the table of characteristics and findings of the articles was recorded.

Amongst the 18 included articles, the reliability, and validity of the finger width method, caliper and ultrasonography were studied (one, one, and nine studies, respectively). Additionally, the comparison of the validity of ultrasonography and surgical compass, ultrasonography and the finger width, ultrasonography and caliper, CT scan and ruler, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and ruler, was performed in one, one, two, one, two, and one studies, respectively. Most of the evidence was in the field of ultrasonography and the ICC of this method and caliper was above 0.9. In addition, ICC for agreement between ultrasonography and caliper above umbilicus was more than 0.7 and below umbilicus was less than 0.5. The agreement between raters for the finger width method was moderate (62.5%). There is not enough evidence about other methods.

Ultrasonography and caliper are lightly reliable and valid. In addition, these methods are safe and non-invasive. Due to real-time dynamic examination with ultrasonography and the limitation of using the caliper method, ultrasonography seems to be the best method for assessing diastasis recti. However, future studies seem to be necessary due to the heterogeneity of previous studies.

Tendinopathy is defined as an overuse injury that is histologically associated with tenocyte proliferation, collagen fiber degradation, and increased non-collagen matrix, fluid accumulation between fibers, capillary proliferation, and calcification. Early diagnosis of tendinopathy is important in order to prevent severe tendon damage or even rupture. Tendinopathies, especially of the shoulder tendons, are common in hemodialysis patients due to loss of tendon elasticity and weakening of the structures, uremic toxins, accumulation of β2-microglubolin and malnutrition.  Tendon rupture is a complication of several disorders including chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, obesity and trauma. Bone changes and soft tissue calcification, spontaneous tendon rupture are some of the factors that can increase tendon thickness in chronic kidney disease patients. The tendons most affected are the quadriceps tendon, the patella tendon, and the Achilles tendon. There has also been a rare case of abdominal muscle tendon in a hemodialysis patient. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is an important factor in tendon rupture. In all patients with elevated Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, the risk of spontaneous tendon rupture increases, and there is also an increase in this risk in patients treated with quinolones and steroids. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scan are the main diagnostic methods for assessing joint and surrounding joint pathology worldwide, diagnostic ultrasound has become increasingly used to assess musculoskeletal structure. Ultrasonography (US) is used to evaluate the superficial tendons and ligaments that attach to the joint. The device can detect the presence and features of joint fibrosis, bursae or joint cysts, and can also detect abnormal structures in the joints. Ultrasonography is an effective, inexpensive imaging modality in the evaluation of tendons and is an affordable way to diagnose tendon lesions, especially in dialysis patients. Ultrasonography has been shown to be a successful imaging modality for diagnosis of tendinopathies of shoulder. Early diagnosis of tendinopathies and conservative treatment are essential to prevent severe tendon damage or even rupture. Changes in tissue elasticity can be detected by USE before being detected on B-mode ultrasonography. Elastography methods use changes in soft tissue elasticity as a result of specific pathological or physiological processes. For example, many solid tumors are mechanically different from the surrounding healthy tissue. Also, fibrosis associated with chronic liver disease makes liver tissue harder than normal tissue. In this way, elasticity methods can be used to distinguish involved tissues from natural tissue for diagnostic applications. In recent years, this method has been used to evaluate liver fibrosis or to characterize breast lesions. Ultrasound elasticity test can provide more complete information about tissue hardness along with other measured parameters In some studies, tendon ultrasound showed the presence of calcified tissue and increased tendon thickness, which was positively correlated with parathyroid hormone level and duration of dialysis. This correlation was more significant with the increase of parathyroid hormone. Studies show a significant increase in the thickness of the supraspinatus tendon, biceps tendon, triceps tendon and sub scapular tendon in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound findings of biceps and supraspinatus tendons in chronic hemodialysis patients compared to non-dialysis patients.

  The present study was performed as a case-control study in hemodialysis patients referred to Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran. Inclusion criteria included advanced renal failure and regular hemodialysis for at least 6 months three times a week for 4 hours per session. The control group was selected from healthy volunteers.This study was approved with the ethics ID IR.IUMS.FMD.REC.1399.355. First, written consent was obtained from the individuals to enter the study. After obtaining written patient consent, complete patient history and laboratory data (CBC performed on Cell Dyn 1700; serum BUN and creatinine, serum calcium, serum phosphate (PO4), performed with BioLis24I autoanalyzer and stable PTH level Or iPTH was measured on ELISA kits developed by GenWay Biotech.The sonographic evaluation was performed by an experienced rheumatologist using a supersonic device with a linear probe at a frequency of 5.5-7 MHz. The use of ultrasonography due to the high accuracy in the diagnosis of various tendon disorders is either incomplete or complete. The presence of focal or diffuse heterogeneity in tissues with the presence of hypoechogenicity foci, swelling, and calcification in the tendon sheath or soft tissues around the tendon, irregular tendon margins, and fluid accumulation were among the sonographic findings. The data were collected in a checklist designed by the researcher based on the variables and evaluations performed.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. First, the variables were tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov criterion. Quantitative data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and qualitative data were expressed as frequency and percentage. Significance level was determined at P <0.05.

During the study period, 60 people (30 dialysis patients as a patient group and 30 healthy individuals as a control group) who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the studied groups in terms of age, weight and body mass index. The cross-sectional area of the supraspinatus tendon on the right side was significantly higher in patients than in healthy individuals. The mean elastography of the left biceps tendon in patients was significantly higher than healthy individuals. This parameter was not different in the supraspinatus tendon. There was no statistically significant difference between different levels of PTH and tendon thickness and cross sectional area.  In the present study, the elastographic indices of right and left biceps and supraspinatus tendons were not statistically significant in almost all parts of the tendons of patient group in comparison with healthy group. This finding confirms the effect of the other factors on the elasticity of the tendon along with its thickness and cross sectional area. In the study of correlation between elastography of biceps and supraspinatus tendons with age, PTH and tendon thickness, it was found that there is no statistically significant relationship between the mentioned variables and elastography.

In the present study, ultrasound indices of different parts of biceps and supraspinatus tendons of the right and left shoulders of patients and control group were compared with each other. Although it was not statistically significant in most cases, these indicators were generally higher in patients than healthy individuals. Findings of the present study showed that in the patient group, the thickness and cross-sectional area of the right supraspinatus was higher than the control group. Evaluation of ultrasonographic indices did not show a significant change in tendon elasticity in dialysis patients compared to healthy individuals.

Transversus abdominal plane block is used in management of pain in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. This study aimed at investigating the effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block on postoperative pain control in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

This double-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. General anesthesia was induced in all patients. At the end of the operation, a subcostal transverse abdominis plane (SCTAP) block was performed in the intervention group, while the control group received no intervention. In all samples, pain intensity based on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the dose of opioid and anti-emetics drugs were assessed at recovery, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after the surgery. Data analysis was performed in SPSS 24 applying independent t-test and chi-square.

The number of patients with VAS<4 was significantly higher in intervention group compared with the control group at recovery (96.4%), 2 (96.4%), 4 (89.2%), and 8 (57.1%) hours after the surgery (P<0.05), but, data showed no significant difference between the intervention group and control group at 12 and 24 hours after surgery (P>0.05). Findings showed significant differences in mean opioid administration during 8 (4.4 ± 11.9) and 24 hours (38.3 ± 21) after surgery between the intervention group and the control group (P<0.001). The mean use of metoclopramide was not found to be significantly different between the two groups at 8 and 24 hours after surgery (P> 0.05).

Current study showed that ultrasound-guided SCTAP block could reduce postoperative pain and opioid administration after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Thyroid nodules are common among the general population and they increase the risk of thyroid malignancies. This study was done to evaluate the correlation of findings of ultrasound based on Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (TIRADS) and cytology of fine needle aspiration (FNA) based on Bethesda system to evaluate of thyroid nodules.

This descriptive-analytical study, was performed on 165 patients (152 females and 13 males) referred to the sonography center of Sayyad Shirazi Educational Hospital, Gorgan, northern Iran during 2018. Ultralosonographic features of nodules were recorded in the pre-filled checklist. According to TIRADS and endocrinologist clinical suspicion, couple of patients was eligible for FNA under the ultrasound guidance. The cytology of FNAs was reported based on the Bethesda system classification.

The mean age was significantly lower in patients with malignant nodules (35.4 vs 44.8; P<0.05). Frequency of malignancy was 8 times higher among females than males (16 vs. 2). TIRADS 3 and 4 were the most common categories among the others with the prevalence of 44.4% and 32.3%, respectively. Bethesda 2 and 4 were the most prevalent categories with prevalence of 58.8% and 20.6%, respectively. The strongest agreement was observed between TIRADS 2 and Bethesda 2 that showed benign findings. Kappa index was 0.061 between TIRADS and Bethesda (P<0.05). Echogenicity, echogenic foci, shape, and margin of nodules were seen significantly more in malignancy.

The most accurate prediction of TIRADS belongs to benign nodules. The correlation between TIRADS and Bethesda was evaluated to be significant overall and the maximum level of correlation was at benign findings. Therefore, these two systems can efficiently be used in order to rule out malignancies and reduce the rate of invasive interventions.

Background and Aim:

 This study aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical information of patients undergoing surgery with ultrasound in internal jugular vein cannulation.

Methods & Materials :

After the approval of the plan in the ethics committee of Guilan University of Medical Sciences, this study was performed in the general surgery department of Razi Hospital in 2018 on 100 patients in need of central venous catheter implantation. The neck type (distance between the two designated areas) was entered in a special form made by the researcher and after the completion of the design, it was examined and statistically analyzed.

Ethical Considerations:

 This research ethically approved by the Ethics Committee of Guilan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.GUMS.REC.1396.20)

Results :

The mean age of the studied patients was 58.72±16.09 years. The anatomical and sonographic margins between the two Land Mark areas were higher in men VS women, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the other variables. (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

 The findings of this study show that catheterization of the internal jugular vein under the guidance of ultrasound was less access time and fewer complications.

Tendon rupture is one of the most common problems in livestock and human. Tendon has a special blood flow network that is fed from outside to inside. The most important factor in tendon healing is blood flow which is very slow. Various methods that have been implemented to treat and repair these raptures are time-consuming.

Materials & Methods:

10 male New Zealand rabbits with weight 1-2/5 kg were selected and kept for one month. The posterior organs of the rabbits were shaved and anesthetized. Then, under sterile conditions, the SDFT tendon was cut through the skin, the rabbits were divided into two groups of five and the control group and received three groups of samples at a dose of 1μg/kg of Theranekron, and during the days of 3, 10 And 30 ultrasound examinations. After 30 days, the samples were euthanasia for pathological investigations, and the lesion was removed and sent to the lab.

The results of the thirtieth day of ultrasound examination showed a significant improvement in the tendon fibroblasts, similar to the normal area of the damaged region of echogenicity. Histopathologic results show the beneficial effects of Theranekron during this study. Therefore, the number of collagen fibers accumulated in the tissue in the treated group significantly increased.

It was concluded that Theranekron was effective in healing tendons and reducing inflammation.

Sway Back Posture (SBP) is one of the most common postural disorders in young people. Considering the importance of the role of the abdominal wall muscles in preserving and maintaining normal posture, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between this postural disorder and the function of the abdominal wall muscles. The present study aimed to compare the ultrasonic thickness of the abdominal wall muscles between women with and without SBP.

 A total of 111 women, aged 18-30 years were divided into two groups of 37 with SBP and 74 without SBP, participated in the current analytical study. Kendall method was used to evaluate postural status. To measure the degree of lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt, a flexible ruler and pelvic inclinometer were used, respectively. The rest thicknesses of the abdominal wall muscles, including the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis, were measured using B Mode ultrasonography in both supine and standing positions.

There were no significant differences in resting thickness of all abdominal muscles between the two groups in the supine position (p≥0. 05). In the standing position, only the external oblique muscle showed a significant difference (p = 0.03). In women with SBP, lumbar lordosis was greater and the pelvic tilt was less than that of women without SBP (p<0.05). In both groups, muscle thickness increased as body mass index increased (p <0.05).

The lack of a change or reduction in the thickness of the abdominal wall muscles in women with SBP can be due to the stability created by the passive elements; consequently, there is no need for muscle activity. Accordingly, evaluation of the contractile thickness of the abdominal wall muscles in people with SBP is recommended.

Rotator cuff injuries are the most common causes of shoulder pain and supraspinatus muscle is usually involved. Clinical tests are available and inexpensive tools for assessment of shoulder dysfunctions. The empty can (EC) and full can (FC) tests are considered as shoulder gold standard tests. Recently, hug up (HU) test has been developed to assess the supraspinatus. So far, no ultrasonographic study has compared supraspinatus muscle thickness in these testing positions. The present study aimed to compare the supraspinatus muscle thickness in the hug up testing position with the full can and empty can testing positions in young and healthy women.

Forty healthy women (mean age 21.62±2.4 years) participated in this cross-sectional-comparative study from April to June 2018 in the Biomechanic Laboratory of Rehabilitation School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. The supraspinatus muscle thickness was scanned during rest and contracted states with a 0.5 Kg weight cuff. For contracted states, (A) EC testing position: the arm was at 90º abduction in the scaption plane with the thumb-down, (B) FC testing position: the arm was maintained at 90º abduction in the scaption plane with the thumb-up, (C) HU testing position: the palm of hand was placed on the opposite shoulder with the elbow flexed.

The Bonferroni test showed significant differences (P<0.001) between the muscle thickness in the rest and the testing positions. The muscle thickness in the empty can testing position was significantly less than the full can testing position (P=0.001), no significant difference was found between the muscle thickness in the hug up testing position compared to the full can and empty can testing positions.

All of the empty can, full can and hug up testing positions demonstrated increased mean muscle thickness when compared to the rest position and the greatest muscle thickness was in the full can testing position. It seems that supraspinatus muscle thickness in hug up testing position is similar with empty can and full can testing positions.

Today, despite many optimal imaging methods for evaluation of ovarian mass, the survival rate of patient was not significantly changed. Object of present study was evaluation of Clinico Ultra- Sonography and pathological findings of ovarian masses in patients referred to Kosar Hospital. In this analytic study, information of clinico Ultra-Sonography and pathological findings was obtained from the 874 women with ovarian mass reffered to the hospital in Kasar Hospital from 2007 to 2017 by checklist. Both descriptive and analytical statistical methods were used (P < 0.05). In this study, of the total ovarian masses, 4.5% or 39 were malignant, 70.6%, or 617 benign, 5.9%, or 52 borderline. The relationship between clinical findings and radiological findings is statistically significant. The relationship between clinical presentation and pathologic categorization of ovarian masses was significant.. The association between radiological findings and type of ovarian mass in terms of origin was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The prediction of malignant potential of ovarian masses, while providing necessary measures and the extent of surgery, prevents unnecessary offensive action. Considering recent advances in imaging techniques, especially ultrasound, and its proper precision in distinguishing benign tumors from malignant, using this method to predict the type of pathology is necessary.

The transverse abdominis (TrA) muscle is one of the most important muscles that contribute to the stability of the lumbar spine. Strengthening of trunk muscles that have a significant role in trunk stability is very important in the field of professional sport, sport medicine and rehabilitation of patient with low back pain (LBP). Identifying the exercises that can improve the strength and endurance of these muscles in the efficient way is an important challenge in rehabilitation of LBP patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maximum voluntary isometric contraction of upper and lower limb muscles on ultrasonic thickness of the TrA muscle. This is a pre-test post-test study. Thirty healthy young male subjects with mean age of 23 years were recruited from the university staff and student population (non probability sample). Ultrasonic thickness of the right and left TrA muscle (as an indirect measure of muscle activity) was taken at rest and during maximum isometric contraction of six muscle groups: shoulder and hip flexor, extensor and abductor muscles. Mixed-model ANOVA with repeated measures design were used to analyze data. To further analyses post hoc comparisons were performed with paired t-tests adjusted with the Bonferroni method. The significance level was set at P<0.05. The result showed that mean TrA thickness on right and left sides during maximum isometric contraction of the upper and lower limb muscles was significantly thicker than in resting position (P<0.001). The type of isometric contraction had a significant effect on the thickness of the TrA muscle on dominant side (P<0.05). As a result, the greatest change in the thickness of TrA muscle on dominant side was observed in hip isometric extension (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between the thickness of TrA during upper limb isometric contraction of dominant and non-dominant side (P<0.001). Isometric contraction of upper and lower limb muscles especially in hip extension can increase the ultrasonic thickness of the transversus abdominis muscle.

Estrogen-negative breast cancers have different clinical course, prognostic features and treatment response in comparison to estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancers. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) oncoprotein has found to have a pivotal role in natural cell growth and cell division and is suggested to be directly related to tumor invasiveness in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of estrogen negative breast cancers with and without overexpression of HER2/neu receptor. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, mammographic, ultrasound and MRI features as well as HER2 status were assessed in patients with ER-negative breast cancer that were referred to Cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in Tehran from October 2015 to October 2017. Clinicopathologic data and mammography, ultrasound, and MRI features were reviewed and were correlated with HER2 status of estrogen-negative tumors. Of the 172 patients with ER-negative breast cancer, 101 patients were positive for HER2/neu receptor (58.8%). There was a significant correlation between HER2-positivity and tumor type (P=0.004). Among estrogen negative breast cancers, significant association were found between HER2 and tumor histologic grade (P=0.024) and TNM stage (P=0.021). HER2-positive tumors were more likely to present with microcalcification (P=0.007) and have irregular shapes (P=0.034) in mammography than HER2-negative tumors. No association was found between HER-2 status and tumor size, shape, margin, posterior feature, halo or orientation of the tumor in ultrasound. We also found no correlation between HER2 status and MRI features including mass shape or margin, internal enhancement pattern or curve type among estrogen-negative breast cancers. Findings of this study showed that among estrogen-negative breast cancers, HER2/neu positive tumors are more likely to be diagnosed at higher stage and have higher histologic grade at the time of diagnosis. Tumor mass shape and microcalcification in mammography are found to be associated with HER2 status among patients with estrogen-negative breast cancer.

Increasing the renal ecchymosis in patients with parenchymal disorders is one of the findings of ultrasonography. Using different probes based on frequency and penetration power (surface probes and deep probes) can play a role in evaluating these changes. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between ultrasonographic findings in all children with kidney function based on probe type. This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on children admitted with probable diagnosis of urinary tract diseases. Ultrasound from both kidneys was performed by an experienced radiologist using both surface and deep probe. The relationship between renal echogenicity changes based on deep and deep probe findings with renal function was investigated. The relationship between kidney size and function was also examined. Correlation analysis of variables was performed using Pearson coefficient, variables were compared using independent t-test and also analysis of determination of sensitivity and specificity of both methods was done using SPSS software. 80 patients were included in this study. Based on the results, the length of all girl's kidneys were significantly lower than boys. Increasing the renal parenchyma ecchymosis was significantly associated with decreasing GFR on the basis of probe and deep probe findings. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography for diagnosis of renal dysfunction were determined of using surface probes as 65.95% and 66.66% and using deep probes as 55.13% and 72.72% respectively. Based on the results, the length of both left and right kidneys were significantly correlated with GFR, and the ecchymosis of both right and left kidneys had a significant correlation with GFR, so that, with increasing echogenicity, we observed a decrease in GFR. In the results of the use of surface and depth probes, both methods used had a high positive predictive value, and the use of surface probes had a higher sensitivity and the use of probe depth had a higher specificity in the detection of GFR

Some studies show that frozen shoulder is due to the pathologic changes in the muscles around the shoulder. Measurement of the ultrasonic thickness of a muscle is a method for measuring the muscle changes. There is no study about the reliability of measurement of the muscle’s ultrasonic thickness around the shoulder in patients with frozen shoulder. The present study aims to investigate the intra-rater reliability of the ultrasonic thickness measurement of the supraspinatus, deltoid and upper trapezius muscles in women with frozen shoulder and healthy women.
This study was carried out during 4 months (June to October 2017). Twenty women consisted of 10 patients with frozen shoulder (mean age: 51.6±9.41 years) and 10 healthy subjects (mean age: 35.5±8.22 years) participated in this study. The patients from some clinics and hospitals in Tehran, and healthy subjects consisted of some personals and students in the School of Rehabilitation of Shahid Beheshti university of Medical Sciences participated in the present study. Measurements of ultrasonic thickness of the upper trapezius, supraspinatus and deltoid muscles in rest position carried out by the same rater two times in 48 hours. Ultrasonography instrument with linear probe (frequency: 7.5 MHz) were used for measurement of muscle thickness in millimeter.
Reliability of the ultrasonic measurements of the muscle thickness in patients and healthy subjects was respectively as follow: The upper trapezius muscle (0.81, 0.81), the supraspinatus muscle (0.90, 0.92) and the middle deltoid muscle (0.93, 0.96). The reliability of the ultrasonic measurements of the muscle thickness for the upper trapezius muscle and the supraspinatus muscle was higher in healthy subjects compared to the patients with frozen shoulder. The reliability of the ultrasonic measurements of the middle deltoid thickness for the patients and healthy subjects was similar.
It seems that ultrasonography is a reliable method for measuring the thickness of the muscles around the shoulder in patients with frozen shoulder and healthy subjects.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the intra-rater reliability of synchronization software so as to measure the Tibialis Anterior Muscle (TAM) structural parameters and force during contraction in healthy-nonathletes using ultrasonography and dynamometery in a synchronized way. This software was used in order to increase the ability of recording of pictures and data from ultrasonography and dynamometry synchronizingly.

In the present cross-sectional study, the reliability of measuring the TAM structural parameters and force with the synchronization software was evaluated on 15 healthy non-athletes, aged 18 -35 years, with BMI (23±1/8). An Ultrasonography B mode and a Dynamometer were used during three states of contractions: maximum voluntary contraction, electrical stimulation, and the combination of both in healthy non-athlete individuals. The Pennation Angle (PA), Fascicle Length (FL), and Muscle Thickness (MT) and Force (F) of TAM were measured in three states of contraction and then the measurements were repeated one hour later in order to determine intra-rater reliability. Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Smallest Detectable Difference (SDD) were used to evaluate the relative and absolute reliability, respectively.

The synchronization software was found to be highly reliable in measuring the TAM structures and force in three states of contraction (MVC), (ES), and (MVC) in healthy-non athletes. The ICCs for muscle thickness of TAM were 80%, 98%, 93%, respectively. For PA, the ICCs were 88%, 77%, and 75% respectively and ICCs for FL force in the three states of contraction (MVC), (ES) and (MVC) were 95%, 97%, and 91%, respectively. Also, the ICCs for F in three states of contraction (MVC), (ES), and (MVC) were 82%, 97%, and 91%, respectively.

Ultrasonographic measurement and dynamometry of TAM using synchronization software has proved to be reliable for measuring the structural parameters of TAM and force in healthy-non athletes in three states of contraction in a synchronized manner.

Sonography is used for measuring the muscle morphology including length, depth, cross-sectional area, bulk and pennation angle. The supraspinatus is the most common affected muscle among the rotator cuff muscles. There is no study about the reliability of sonographic measurement of supraspinatus thickness in the positions of empty can (EC), full can (FC) and hug up (HU) tests. The present study aims to investigate the intra-rater reliability of the measurement of sonographic thickness of supraspinatus muscle in the rest and positions of the EC, FC and HU tests.
The present study was a descriptive-analytic study which was carried out in a cross-sectional method on ten healthy women aged: 22.10±2.76 years without any tendon pathology. The study was carried out during four weeks (January to March in 2017). The supraspinatus thickness was scanned during rest and contracted states. The positions of measuring ultrasonic thickness of supraspinatus were as follow: position of EC test: the arm in 90-degree elevation in the scaption plane with the thumb-down, position of FC test: the arm in 90-degree elevation in the scaption plane with the thumb-up, position of HU test: the palm of hand was placed on the opposite shoulder with the elbow flexed using a 0.5-kg weight cuff. Intra-rater reliability of ultrasonic muscle thickness measurements were examined in one day.
All intra-rater reliability values were equal or more than 0.90: the value was 0.90 (95%CI: 0.65-0.97) in the rest position, while for the measurement of ultrasonic thickness of the supraspinatus was 0.96 (95%CI: 0.87-0.99) in the position of EC test, 0.97 (95%CI: 0.90-0.99) and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.86-0.99) in the positions of FC and HU tests, respectively.
Measurement of ultrasonic thickness of supraspinatus muscle is a reliable method in the rest and positions of EC, FC and HU tests. This method can be used to compare the muscle thickness changes in the positions of the above tests.