Can changes in echo intensity be used to detect the presence of acute muscle swelling?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine acute changes in muscle thickness (MTH) and echo-intensity (EI), following four sets of biceps curls, when it is known that the change in MTH is due entirely to swelling. Approach: Forty-nine resistance-trained men and women participated in this study. Individuals in the experimental group ( n   =  23) visited the lab on two separate occasions. During the first visit, paperwork and one repetition maximum (1RM) strength were measured. During the second visit (3 –5 d after visit 1), individuals performed four sets of biceps curls to failure using 70% of their 1RM. MTH and EI measurements were taken before and immediately following exercise using B-mode ultrasound. The ultrasound probe was equipped with a level to minimize the influence of probe tilt on the EI measurement. A time-matched control group ( n   =  26) was included to account for measurement error for both MTH and EI. Results are presented as me...
Source: Physiological Measurement - Category: Physiology Authors: Source Type: research