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Schillebeeckx F, Duyck J, Plessers A, Agostini A, Vander Poorten S, Hanssen B, Desloovere K, Verheyden G, Peers K. Defining tibial anterior muscle morphology in first-ever chronic stroke patients using three-dimensional freehand ultrasound. Top Stroke Rehabil 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38563275 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2024.2333184] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drop foot is common post-stroke, elevating fall risks and mobility limitations. It is caused by weakness and lack of control of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA), for which various rehabilitation treatments are used. A reliable objective estimate of changes in TA muscle morphology and composition can enhance treatment optimization. OBJECTIVES We aimed to ascertain 3D freehand ultrasound (3DfUS) reliability in measuring TA muscle volume, length, and echo intensity in stroke patients and healthy controls and its validity by comparing these features across legs, between patients and controls, and between clinical subgroups (i.e. patients with and without ankle contracture, spastic muscle overactivity, and foot dorsiflexor paresis). METHODS We included 9 stroke patients and 9 healthy controls to define reliability and 26 stroke patients and 28 healthy controls to define validity. For reliability, data were collected and processed by 2 different operators and processors. For inter- and intra-rater reliability, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used. For validity, Wilcoxon-Signed-Ranked and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparisons between groups and subgroups. RESULTS All measurements showed good to excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability (ICC: 0.816 to 0.997, SEM: 0.5% to 7.8%). Comparison analyses revealed no differences in muscle features among legs, groups, or subgroups. CONCLUSION While the 3DfUS is a reliable method to define TA morphology and composition, its clinical validity needs further investigation into factors influencing muscle property changes across various age groups and post-stroke time points. MESH TERMS Stroke; Skeletal muscle morphology; muscle composition; 3D freehand ultrasonography, Anterior Tibial Muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Schillebeeckx
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julien Duyck
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anouk Plessers
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adele Agostini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandor Vander Poorten
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Britta Hanssen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Verheyden
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Peers
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Rummens S, Dierckx S, Brumagne S, Desloovere K, Peers K. Three-dimensional freehand ultrasonography to measure muscle volume of the lumbar multifidus: Reliability of processing technique and validity through comparison to magnetic resonance imaging. J Anat 2024; 244:601-609. [PMID: 38087647 PMCID: PMC10941570 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13988] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in muscle characteristics of the lumbar multifidus related to low back pain, but findings between studies are inconsistent. One of the issues explaining these conflicting findings might be the use of two-dimensional measures of cross-sectional area and thickness of the lumbar multifidus in most studies, which might be a suboptimal representation of the entire muscle volume. A three-dimensional volumetric assessment, combined with standardized imaging and processing measurement protocols, is highly recommended to quantify spinal muscle morphology. Three-dimensional freehand ultrasonography is a technique with large potential for daily clinical practice. It is achieved by combining conventional two-dimensional ultrasound with a motion-tracking system, recording the position and orientation of the ultrasound transducer during acquisition, resulting in a three-dimensional reconstruction. This study investigates intra- and interprocessor reliability for the quantification of muscle volume of the lumbar multifidus based on three-dimensional freehand ultrasound and its validity, in 31 patients with low back pain and 20 healthy subjects. Two processors manually segmented the lumbar multifidus on three-dimensional freehand ultrasound images using Stradwin software following a well-defined method. We assessed the concurrent validity of the measurement of multifidus muscle volume using three-dimensional freehand ultrasound compared with magnetic resonance imaging in 10 patients with low back pain. Processing reliability and agreement were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, and calculation of the standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change, while validity was defined based on correlation analysis. The processing of three-dimensional freehand ultrasound images to measure lumbar multifidus volume was reliable. Good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients were found for intraprocessor reliability. For interprocessor reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficients were moderate to good, emphasizing the importance of processing guidelines and training. A single processor analysis is preferred in clinical studies or when small differences in muscle volume are expected. The correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional freehand ultrasound measurements of lumbar multifidus volume was moderate to good but with a systematically smaller multifidus volume measured on three-dimensional freehand ultrasound. These results provide opportunities for both researchers and clinicians to reliably assess muscle structure using three-dimensional freehand ultrasound in patients with low back pain and to monitor changes related to pathology or interventions. To allow implementation in both research and clinical settings, guidelines on three-dimensional freehand ultrasound processing and training were provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Rummens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Dierckx
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simon Brumagne
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Peers
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Grosse L, Meuche AC, Parzefall B, Börner C, Schnabel JF, Späh MA, Klug P, Sollmann N, Klich L, Hösl M, Heinen F, Berweck S, Schröder SA, Bonfert MV. Functional Repetitive Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation (frNMS) Targeting the Tibialis Anterior Muscle in Children with Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome: A Feasibility Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1584. [PMID: 37892247 PMCID: PMC10605892 DOI: 10.3390/children10101584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive neurostimulation as an adjunctive intervention to task-specific motor training is an approach to foster motor performance in patients affected by upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). Here, we present first-line data of repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) in combination with personalized task-specific physical exercises targeting the tibialis anterior muscle to improve ankle dorsiflexion (functional rNMS (frNMS)). The main objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility in terms of adherence to frNMS, safety and practicability of frNMS, and satisfaction with frNMS. First, during 10 training sessions, only physical exercises were performed (study period (SP) A). After a 1 week break, frNMS was delivered during 10 sessions (SPC). Twelve children affected by UMNS (mean age 8.9 ± 1.6 years) adhered to 93% (SPA) and 94% (SPC) of the sessions, and omittance was not related to the intervention itself in any case. frNMS was safe (no AEs reported in 88% of sessions, no AE-related discontinuation). The practicability of and satisfaction with frNMS were high. Patient/caregiver-reported outcomes revealed meaningful benefits on the individual level. The strength of the ankle dorsiflexors (MRC score) clinically meaningfully increased in four participants as spasticity of ankle plantar flexors (Tardieu scores) decreased in four participants after SPC. frNMS was experienced as a feasible intervention for children affected by UMNS. Together with the beneficial effects achieved on the individual level in some participants, this first study supports further real-world, large-scale, sham-controlled investigations to investigate the specific effects and distinct mechanisms of action of frNMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Grosse
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne C. Meuche
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Parzefall
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Corinna Börner
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Julian F. Schnabel
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Malina A. Späh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Pia Klug
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Nico Sollmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Luisa Klich
- Specialist Center for Pediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, 83569 Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Matthias Hösl
- Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, Krankenhausstr. 20, 83569 Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Florian Heinen
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Berweck
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Specialist Center for Pediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, 83569 Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Sebastian A. Schröder
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela V. Bonfert
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Liu W, Wu HD, Ling YT, Shea QTK, Nazari V, Zheng YP, Ma CZH. Reliability and validity of assessing lower-limb muscle architecture of patients with cerebral palsy (CP) using ultrasound: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2023; 51:1212-1222. [PMID: 37334435 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the reliability, validity, and level of evidence of applying ultrasound in assessing the lower-limb muscles of patients with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD Publications in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched on May 10, 2023, to identify and examine relevant studies investigating the reliability/validity of ultrasound in evaluating the architecture of CP lower-limb muscles systematically, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis 2020 guidelines. RESULTS Out of 897 records, 9 publications with 111 CP participants aged 3.8-17.0 years were included (8 focused on intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, 2 focused on validity, and 4 were with high quality). The ultrasound-based measurements of muscle thickness (intra-rater only), muscle length, cross-sectional area, muscle volume, fascicle length, and pennation angle showed high reliability, with the majority of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values being larger than 0.9. Moderate-to-good correlations between ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging measurements existed in muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (0.62 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.82). INTERPRETATION Generally, ultrasound has high reliability and validity in evaluating the CP muscle architecture, but this is mainly supported by moderate and limited levels of evidence. More high-quality future studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Prosthetic and Orthotic Engineering, School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Dong Wu
- Department of Prosthetic and Orthotic Engineering, School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan To Ling
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Queenie Tsung Kwan Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vaheh Nazari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christina Zong-Hao Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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5
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Wang Z, Destro A, Petersson S, Cenni F, Wang R. In Vivo 3D Muscle Architecture Quantification Based on 3D Freehand Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Biomech 2023; 152:111567. [PMID: 37023558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Muscle architecture parameters, such as the fascicle length, pennation angle, and volume, are important muscle morphology characteristics. Accurate in vivo quantification of these parameters allows to detect changes due to pathologies, interventions, and rehabilitation trainings, which ultimately impact on muscles' force-producing capacity. In this study, we compared three-dimensional (3D) muscle architecture parameters of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis, which were quantified by 3D freehand ultrasound (3DfUS) and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), respectively. Sixteen able-bodied subjects were recruited where seven of them received both 3DfUS and MRI measurement, while the rest underwent 3DfUS measurements twice. Good to excellent intra-rater reliability and inter-session repeatability were found in 3DfUS measurements (intra-class correlation coefficient > 0.81). Overall, the two imaging modalities yielded consistent measurements of the fascicle length, pennation angle, and volume with mean differences smaller than 2.9 mm, 1.8°, and 5.7 cm3, respectively. The only significant difference was found in the pennation angle of the tibialis anterior, although the discrepancy was small. Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that 3DfUS measurement had high reliability and repeatability for measurement of muscle architecture in vivo and could be regarded as an alternative to MRI for 3D evaluation of muscle morphology.
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Hanssen B, Peeters N, Dewit T, Huyghe E, Dan B, Molenaers G, Van Campenhout A, Bar-On L, Van den Broeck C, Calders P, Desloovere K. Reliability of 3D freehand ultrasound to assess lower limb muscles in children with spastic cerebral palsy and typical development. J Anat 2023; 242:986-1002. [PMID: 36807218 PMCID: PMC10184546 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13839] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the reliability of 3-dimensional freehand ultrasound (3DfUS) to quantify the size (muscle volume [MV] and anatomical cross-sectional area [aCSA]), length (muscle length [ML], tendon length [TL], and muscle tendon unit length [MTUL]), and echo-intensity (EI, whole muscle and 50% aCSA), of lower limb muscles in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) and typical development (TD). In total, 13 children with SCP (median age 14.3 (7.3) years) and 13 TD children (median age 11.1 (1.7) years) participated. 3DfUS scans of rectus femoris, semitendinosus, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior were performed by two raters in two sessions. The intra- and inter-rater and intra- and inter-session reliability were defined with relative and absolute reliability measures, that is, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and absolute and relative standard error of measurement (SEM and SEM%), respectively. Over all conditions, ICCs for muscle size measures ranged from 0.818 to 0.999 with SEM%s of 12.6%-1.6%. For EI measures, ICCs varied from 0.233 to 0.967 with SEM%s of 15.6%-1.7%. Length measure ICCs ranged from 0.642 to 0.999 with SEM%s of 16.0%-0.5%. In general, reliability did not differ between the TD and SCP cohort but the influence of different muscles, raters, and sessions was not constant for all 3DfUS parameters. Muscle length and muscle tendon unit length were the most reliable length parameters in all conditions. MV and aCSA showed comparable SEM%s over all muscles, where tibialis anterior MV was most reliable. EI had low-relative reliability, but absolute reliability was better, with better reliability for the distal muscles in comparison to the proximal muscles. Combining these results with earlier studies describing muscle morphology assessed in children with SCP, 3DfUS seems sufficiently reliable to determine differences between cohorts and functional levels. The applicability on an individual level, for longitudinal follow-up and after interventions is dependent on the investigated muscle and parameter. Moreover, the semitendinosus, the acquisition, and processing of multiple sweeps, and the definition of EI and TL require further investigation. In general, it is recommended, especially for longitudinal follow-up studies, to keep the rater the same, while standardizing acquisition settings and positioning of the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Hanssen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicky Peeters
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tijl Dewit
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium
| | - Ester Huyghe
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bernard Dan
- Inkendaal Rehabilitation Hospital, Vlezenbeek, Belgium.,Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Guy Molenaers
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Orthopaedic surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Orthopaedic surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lynn Bar-On
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Calders
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium
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7
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De Beukelaer N, Vandekerckhove I, Huyghe E, Molenberghs G, Peeters N, Hanssen B, Ortibus E, Van Campenhout A, Desloovere K. Morphological Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle Growth in Ambulant Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041564. [PMID: 36836099 PMCID: PMC9963346 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Only cross-sectional studies have demonstrated muscle deficits in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). The impact of gross motor functional limitations on altered muscle growth remains unclear. This prospective longitudinal study modelled morphological muscle growth in 87 children with SCP (age range 6 months to 11 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level I/II/III = 47/22/18). Ultrasound assessments were performed during 2-year follow-up and repeated for a minimal interval of 6 months. Three-dimensional freehand ultrasound was applied to assess medial gastrocnemius muscle volume (MV), mid-belly cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle belly length (ML). Non-linear mixed models compared trajectories of (normalized) muscle growth between GMFCS-I and GMFCS-II&III. MV and CSA growth trajectories showed a piecewise model with two breakpoints, with the highest growth before 2 years and negative growth rates after 6-9 years. Before 2 years, children with GMFCS-II&III already showed lower growth rates compared to GMFCS-I. From 2 to 9 years, the growth rates did not differ between GMFCS levels. After 9 years, a more pronounced reduction in normalized CSA was observed in GMFCS-II&III. Different trajectories in ML growth were shown between the GMFCS level subgroups. These longitudinal trajectories highlight monitoring of SCP muscle pathology from early ages and related to motor mobility. Treatment planning and goals should stimulate muscle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie De Beukelaer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-474033110
| | | | - Ester Huyghe
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nicky Peeters
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Britta Hanssen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Els Ortibus
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Peeters N, Hanssen B, De Beukelaer N, Vandekerckhove I, Walhain F, Huyghe E, Dewit T, Feys H, Van Campenhout A, Van den Broeck C, Calders P, Desloovere K. A comprehensive normative reference database of muscle morphology in typically developing children aged 3-18 years-a cross-sectional ultrasound study. J Anat 2023; 242:754-770. [PMID: 36650912 PMCID: PMC10093158 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13817] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
During childhood, muscle growth is stimulated by a gradual increase in bone length and body mass, as well as by other factors, such as physical activity, nutrition, metabolic, hormonal, and genetic factors. Muscle characteristics, such as muscle volume, anatomical cross-sectional area, and muscle belly length, need to continuously adapt to meet the daily functional demands. Pediatric neurological and neuromuscular disorders, like cerebral palsy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are characterized by impaired muscle growth, which requires treatment and close follow-up. Nowadays ultrasonography is a commonly used technique to evaluate muscle morphology in both pediatric pathologies and typically developing children, as it is a quick, easy applicable, and painless method. However, large normative datasets including different muscles and a large age range are lacking, making it challenging to monitor muscle over time and estimate the level of pathology. Moreover, in order to compare individuals with different body sizes as a result of age differences or pathology, muscle morphology is often normalized to body size. Yet, the usefulness and practicality of different normalization techniques are still unknown, and clear recommendations for normalization are lacking. In this cross-sectional cohort study, muscle morphology of four lower limb muscles (medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, the distal compartment of the semitendinosus, rectus femoris) was assessed by 3D-freehand ultrasound in 118 typically developing children (mean age 10.35 ± 4.49 years) between 3 and 18 years of age. The development of muscle morphology was studied over the full age range, as well as separately for the pre-pubertal (3-10 years) and pubertal (11-18 years) cohorts. The assumptions of a simple linear regression were checked. If these assumptions were fulfilled, the cross-sectional growth curves were described by a simple linear regression equation. Additional ANCOVA analyses were performed to evaluate muscle- or gender-specific differences in muscle development. Furthermore, different scaling methods, to normalize muscle morphology parameters, were explored. The most appropriate scaling method was selected based on the smallest slope of the morphology parameter with respect to age, with a non-significant correlation coefficient. Additionally, correlation coefficients were compared by a Steiger's Z-test to identify the most efficient scaling technique. The current results revealed that it is valid to describe muscle volume (with exception of the rectus femoris muscle) and muscle belly length alterations over age by a simple linear regression equation till the age of 11 years. Normalizing muscle morphology data by allometric scaling was found to be most useful for comparing muscle volumes of different pediatric populations. For muscle lengths, normalization can be achieved by either allometric and ratio scaling. This study provides a unique normative database of four lower limb muscles in typically developing children between the age of 3 and 18 years. These data can be used as a reference database for pediatric populations and may also serve as a reference frame to better understand both physiological and pathological muscle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Peeters
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Britta Hanssen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Fenna Walhain
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Anatomy, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Ester Huyghe
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tijl Dewit
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium
| | - Hilde Feys
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Calders
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium
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9
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Peeters N, Papageorgiou E, Hanssen B, De Beukelaer N, Staut L, Degelaen M, Van den Broeck C, Calders P, Feys H, Van Campenhout A, Desloovere K. The Short-Term Impact of Botulinum Neurotoxin-A on Muscle Morphology and Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:676. [PMID: 36287944 PMCID: PMC9607504 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) are often treated with intramuscular Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A). Recent studies demonstrated BoNT-A-induced muscle atrophy and variable effects on gait pathology. This group-matched controlled study in children with SCP compared changes in muscle morphology 8-10 weeks post-BoNT-A treatment (n = 25, median age 6.4 years, GMFCS level I/II/III (14/9/2)) to morphological changes of an untreated control group (n = 20, median age 7.6 years, GMFCS level I/II/III (14/5/1)). Additionally, the effects on gait and spasticity were assessed in all treated children and a subgroup (n = 14), respectively. BoNT-A treatment was applied following an established integrated approach. Gastrocnemius and semitendinosus volume and echogenicity intensity were assessed by 3D-freehand ultrasound, spasticity was quantified through electromyography during passive muscle stretches at different velocities. Ankle and knee kinematics were evaluated by 3D-gait analysis. Medial gastrocnemius (p = 0.018, -5.2%) and semitendinosus muscle volume (p = 0.030, -16.2%) reduced post-BoNT-A, but not in the untreated control group, while echogenicity intensity did not change. Spasticity reduced and ankle gait kinematics significantly improved, combined with limited effects on knee kinematics. This study demonstrated that BoNT-A reduces spasticity and partly improves pathological gait but reduces muscle volume 8-10 weeks post-injections. Close post-BoNT-A follow-up and well-considered treatment selection is advised before BoNT-A application in SCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Peeters
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Britta Hanssen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Lauraine Staut
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Degelaen
- Inkendaal Rehabilitation Hospital, 1602 Vlezenbeek, Belgium
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Calders
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hilde Feys
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, 3212 Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Reliability and agreement of lumbar multifidus volume and fat fraction quantification using magnetic resonance imaging. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2022; 59:102532. [PMID: 35245881 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard to quantify size and structure of lumbar muscles. Three-dimensional volumetric measures are expected to be more closely related to muscle function than two-dimensional measures such as cross-sectional area. Reliability and agreement of a standardized method should be established to enable the use of MRI to assess lumbar muscle characteristics. OBJECTIVES This study investigates the intra- and inter-processor reliability for the quantification of (1) muscle volume and (2) fat fraction based on chemical shift MRI images using axial 3D-volume measurements of the lumbar multifidus in patients with low back pain. METHODS Two processors manually segmented the lumbar multifidus on the MRI scans of 18 patients with low back pain using Mevislab software following a well-defined method. Fat fraction of the segmented volume was calculated. Reliability and agreement were determined using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots and calculation of the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). RESULTS Excellent ICCs were found for both intra-processor and inter-processor analysis of lumbar multifidus volume measurement, with slightly better results for the intra-processor reliability. The SEMs for volume were lower than 4.1 cm³. Excellent reliability and agreement were also found for fat fraction measures, with ICCs of 0.985-0.998 and SEMs below 0.946%. CONCLUSION The proposed method to quantify muscle volume and fat fraction of the lumbar multifidus on MRI was highly reliable, and can be used in further research on lumbar multifidus structure.
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11
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De Beukelaer N, Weide G, Huyghe E, Vandekerckhove I, Hanssen B, Peeters N, Uytterhoeven J, Deschrevel J, Maes K, Corvelyn M, Costamagna D, Gayan-Ramirez G, Van Campenhout A, Desloovere K. Reduced Cross-Sectional Muscle Growth Six Months after Botulinum Toxin Type-A Injection in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14020139. [PMID: 35202166 PMCID: PMC8876834 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) injections are widely used as first-line spasticity treatment in spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). Despite improved clinical outcomes, concerns regarding harmful effects on muscle morphology have been raised. Yet, the risk of initiating BoNT-A to reduce muscle growth remains unclear. This study investigated medial gastrocnemius (MG) morphological muscle growth in children with SCP (n = 26, median age of 5.2 years (3.5)), assessed by 3D-freehand ultrasound prior to and six months post-BoNT-A injections. Post-BoNT-A MG muscle growth of BoNT-A naive children (n = 11) was compared to (a) muscle growth of children who remained BoNT-A naive after six months (n = 11) and (b) post-BoNT-A follow-up data of children with a history of BoNT-A treatment (n = 15). Six months after initiating BoNT-A injection, 17% decrease in mid-belly cross-sectional area normalized to skeletal growth and 5% increase in echo-intensity were illustrated. These muscle outcomes were only significantly altered when compared with children who remained BoNT-A naive (+4% and -3%, respectively, p < 0.01). Muscle length growth persevered over time. This study showed reduced cross-sectional growth post-BoNT-A treatment suggesting that re-injections should be postponed at least beyond six months. Future research should extend follow-up periods investigating muscle recovery in the long-term and should include microscopic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie De Beukelaer
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guido Weide
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Myology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ester Huyghe
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ines Vandekerckhove
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Britta Hanssen
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicky Peeters
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julie Uytterhoeven
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jorieke Deschrevel
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Maes
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marlies Corvelyn
- Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Domiziana Costamagna
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ghislaine Gayan-Ramirez
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Unit of Pediatric Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, 3212 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, 3212 Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Kositsky A, Saxby DJ, Lesch KJ, Barrett RS, Kröger H, Lahtinen O, Diamond LE, Korhonen RK, Stenroth L. In vivo assessment of the passive stretching response of the bi-compartmental human semitendinosus muscle using shear wave elastography. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 132:438-447. [PMID: 34941438 PMCID: PMC8799393 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00473.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The semitendinosus muscle contains distinct proximal and distal compartments arranged anatomically in-series but separated by a tendinous inscription, with each compartment innervated by separate nerve branches. Although extensively investigated in other mammals, compartment-specific mechanical properties within the human semitendinosus have scarcely been assessed in vivo. Experimental data obtained during muscle-tendon unit stretching (e.g., slack angle) can also be used to validate and/or improve musculoskeletal model estimates of semitendinosus muscle force. The purpose of this study was to investigate the passive stretching response of proximal and distal humans semitendinosus compartments to distal joint extension. Using two-dimensional shear wave elastography, we bilaterally obtained shear moduli of both semitendinosus compartments from 14 prone-positioned individuals at ten knee flexion angles (from 90° to 0° [full extension] at 10° intervals). Passive muscle mechanical characteristics (slack angle, slack shear modulus, and the slope of the increase in shear modulus) were determined for each semitendinosus compartment by fitting a piecewise exponential model to the shear modulus-joint angle curves. We found no differences between compartments or legs for slack angle, slack shear modulus, or the slope of the increase in shear modulus. We also found the experimentally determined slack angle occurred at ~15-80° higher knee flexion angles compared to estimates from two commonly used musculoskeletal models, depending on participant and model used. Overall, these findings demonstrate that passive shear modulus-joint angle curves do not differ between proximal and distal human semitendinosus compartments, and provide experimental data to improve semitendinosus force estimates derived from musculoskeletal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kositsky
- Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - David J Saxby
- Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kim J Lesch
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rod S Barrett
- Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Heikki Kröger
- Department of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Hand Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Kuopio Musculoskeletal Research Unit (KMRU), University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli Lahtinen
- Diagnostic Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Unit of Radiology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Laura E Diamond
- Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rami K Korhonen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Lauri Stenroth
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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13
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Hanssen B, Peeters N, Vandekerckhove I, De Beukelaer N, Bar-On L, Molenaers G, Van Campenhout A, Degelaen M, Van den Broeck C, Calders P, Desloovere K. The Contribution of Decreased Muscle Size to Muscle Weakness in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:692582. [PMID: 34381414 PMCID: PMC8350776 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.692582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle weakness is a common clinical symptom in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). It is caused by impaired neural ability and altered intrinsic capacity of the muscles. To define the contribution of decreased muscle size to muscle weakness, two cohorts were recruited in this cross-sectional investigation: 53 children with SCP [median age, 8.2 (IQR, 4.1) years, 19/34 uni/bilateral] and 31 children with a typical development (TD) [median age, 9.7 (IQR, 2.9) years]. Muscle volume (MV) and muscle belly length for m. rectus femoris, semitendinosus, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior were defined from three-dimensional freehand ultrasound acquisitions. A fixed dynamometer was used to assess maximal voluntary isometric contractions for knee extension, knee flexion, plantar flexion, and dorsiflexion from which maximal joint torque (MJT) was calculated. Selective motor control (SMC) was assessed on a 5-point scale for the children with SCP. First, the anthropometrics, strength, and muscle size parameters were compared between the cohorts. Significant differences for all muscle size and strength parameters were found (p ≤ 0.003), except for joint torque per MV for the plantar flexors. Secondly, the associations of anthropometrics, muscle size, gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) level, and SMC with MJT were investigated using univariate and stepwise multiple linear regressions. The associations of MJT with growth-related parameters like age, weight, and height appeared strongest in the TD cohort, whereas for the SCP cohort, these associations were accompanied by associations with SMC and GMFCS. The stepwise regression models resulted in ranges of explained variance in MJT from 29.3 to 66.3% in the TD cohort and from 16.8 to 60.1% in the SCP cohort. Finally, the MJT deficit observed in the SCP cohort was further investigated using the TD regression equations to estimate norm MJT based on height and potential MJT based on MV. From the total MJT deficit, 22.6–57.3% could be explained by deficits in MV. This investigation confirmed the disproportional decrease in muscle size and muscle strength around the knee and ankle joint in children with SCP, but also highlighted the large variability in the contribution of muscle size to muscle weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Hanssen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicky Peeters
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ines Vandekerckhove
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathalie De Beukelaer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lynn Bar-On
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Guy Molenaers
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Orthopaedic Section, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anja Van Campenhout
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Orthopaedic Section, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Degelaen
- Department of Rehabilitation Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Inkendaal Rehabilitation Hospital, Vlezenbeek, Belgium.,University Hospital, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Calders
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Desloovere
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Motion Analysis Laboratory, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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