Article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for shear wave
elastography (SWE) to measure passive biceps brachii individual muscle stiffness
as a musculoskeletal manifestation of chronic stroke. This was a cross-sectional study. Nine subjects with stroke were evaluated using the
Fugl-Meyer and Modified Ashworth scales. Electromyography, joint torque, and SWE
of the biceps brachii were obtained during passive elbow extension in subjects
with stroke and four controls. Torque values at the time points corresponding to
each SWE measurement during all trials were selected for direct comparison with
the respective SWE stiffness using regression analysis. Intraclass correlation
coefficients (ICC(1,1)) were used to evaluate the reliability of expressing
alterations in material properties. RESULTS: Torque and passive stiffness
increased with elbow extension-minimally for the controls and most pronounced in
the contralateral limb of those with stroke. In the stroke group, several
patterns of shear moduli and torque responses to passive elbow extension were
identified, with a subset of several subjects displaying a very strong torque
response coupled with minimal stiffness responses (y = 2.712x + 6.676; R = 0.181;
P = 0.0310). Values of ICC(1,1) indicate consistent muscle stiffness throughout
testing for the dominant side of controls, but largely inconsistent stiffness for
other study conditions. CONCLUSIONS: SWE shows promise for enhancing evaluation
of skeletal muscle after stroke. The wide variability between subjects with
stroke highlights the need for precise, individualized measures.

Langue : ANGLAIS