Article

Analysis of human movement has traditionally relied on measures such as
kinematics, kinetics and electromyography. These measures provide valuable
information about movement performance and make it possible to draw inferences
about muscle and tendon function. Musculoskeletal models are also used frequently
to examine the relationship between joint kinematics and muscle-tendon behaviour,
and have provided important insights into both healthy and clinical gait.
However, muscles interact with compliant tendons during movement, which
complicates interpretation of muscle and tendon function based on external
measures such as joint kinematics. Accordingly, methods have been developed that
enable muscle and tendinous tissues to be imaged in real-time. Ultrasound is
among the most popular methods used for this purpose, and has been applied
extensively to the study of in vivo muscle and tendon function in a range of
human populations and movement contexts. There is a growing body of literature
that proposes different measures of muscle and/or tendon function, and these
results need to be discussed in light of the technical differences between the
measurement techniques. In this review we first outline the various uses of
ultrasound to examine human muscle and tendon function, and then summarise
ultrasound-based research specifically during locomotion and postural conditions.
We then describe some of the many technical issues associated with this method.
Methods of data analysis are introduced, including novel automated techniques
that improve the efficiency of the analysis process.
Finally, possible future
directions in musculoskeletal ultrasound research are discussed.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS