Neue Methode zur portablen Muskelanalyse mittels Ultraschall

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG

Bei Langzeitaufenthalten in Mikrogravitation unterliegt die Muskulatur einer Dekonditionierung. Das Training an Bord der International Space Station ermöglicht bereits eine zügige Aufnahme der täglichen Aktivitäten nach der Landung, jedoch kommt es nach wie vor zu beobachtbarer Muskelatrophie. Daher ist eine Analyse des Muskels von physiologischer sowie von struktureller Seite vor, während und nach Raumflügen von höchster Relevanz. Eine nichtinvasive, platz- und kosteneffiziente Methode ist dabei der muskuloskelettale Ultraschall. Die Echointensität kann Aufschlüsse über die Binnenqualität des Muskels geben, jedoch sind die Ergebnisse stark untersucherabhängig. Durch Modellierung einer Funktion basierend auf Messungen des Schallwinkels und der Echointensität konnten objektivere Parameter erschlossen werden. Damit lassen sich in Zukunft Echointensitäten zwischen Muskeln vergleichen oder deren Verlauf über eine Periode der Immobilisierung verfolgen, um pathologischen Veränderungen frühzeitig und gezielt entgegenzuwirken.

ABSTRACT

Long duration missions in microgravity lead to muscular deconditioning. The current exercise regimen on the International Space Station enables astronauts to take up activities of daily living almost immediately after landing, however muscle atrophy can still be observed. A comprehensive analysis of the muscle from a physiological and structural perspective before, during and after space flights is therefore still highly relevant. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a non-invasive and cost-efficient method in that regard. Echo intensity can provide insights on muscle quality, however measurements between examiners can vary substantially. This study aimed to mathematically model the relationship between echo intensity and insonation angle which led to new, more objective parameters. In the future, these could help compare echo intensity between muscles or track it over a period of immobilization allowing for early detection of pathological muscular alteration.

Key words

musculoskeletal ultrasonography - intramuscular connective tissue - fascia - spaceflight

Publication History

Article published online:
07 October 2024

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