Establishing a quantitative method for muscle hardness by using ultrasound elastography, and application of the method to assessment of muscle condition

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24700695
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Sports science
• Research Institution: National Agency for the Advancement of Sports and Health (2013-2014); The University of Tokyo (2012)
• Principal Investigator: CHINO Kentaro 独立行政法人日本スポーツ振興センター国立スポーツ科学センター, スポーツ科学研究部, 契約研究員 (30443245)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 超音波エラストグラフィ / 筋硬度 / 筋の弾性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Ultrasound elastography is an imaging method that measures tissue elasticity based on tissue displacement or elastic wave velocity that is induced by external force. The elastography is classified according to the type of the external force, and we used strain elastography and shear wave elastography. By using the strain elastography, we revealed the validity and reliability of a quantitative method for muscle hardness using two types of tissue mimicking materials, and showed the feasibility of concurrent measurement of muscle hardness and muscle architecture. By using the shear wave elastography, we investigated the relationship between muscle elasticity and thickness of adipose tissue or muscle and the relationship between muscle elasticity and joint flexibility.

Free Research Field

スポーツ科学