Measuring muscle–tendon behaviour with ultrasound: Theory and practice, pitfalls and promises

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging has become an important tool for the study of both muscle–tendon behaviour and muscle–tendon mechanical properties in vivo in humans. Appropriate use of ultrasound imaging techniques allows the valid and reli-able observation of dynamic muscle and tendon behaviours, and research using the technique has added considerably to our understanding of the effects of physical activity, disuse, growth and ageing and illness/disease on muscle and tendon properties. However, while there are numerous benefits of the use of this technology, there are also a considerable number of limitations. An understanding of these limitations is essential for both researchers who use the technique and for practition-ers/clinicians who put the information presented in research publications into practice. In this workshop, a basic overview of the physics underpinning ultrasound imaging as well as the techniques used in musculo-tendinous imaging will be pre-sented (no consideration will be given to the measurement of cardiac function or blood flow). A demonstration of some of these techniques will also be given. Subsequently, an interac-tive discussion will be held in order to consider, in detail: 1. the potential benefits of ultrasound imaging, and how to make more reliable and practically useful measurements, and 2. the difficulties in obtaining valid and reliable measurements, and what problems need to be considered when reading research that has used ultrasound imaging techniques.