Ultrasound as a Tool to Study Muscle-Tendon Functions during Locomotion: A Systematic Review of Applications

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Date
2019-10Type
- Review Article
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Cited 10 times in
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Cited 14 times in
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ETH Bibliography
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Abstract
Movement science investigating muscle and tendon functions during locomotion utilizes commercial ultrasound imagers built for medical applications. These limit biomechanics research due to their form factor, range of view, and spatio-temporal resolution. This review systematically investigates the technical aspects of applying ultrasound as a research tool to investigate human and animal locomotion. It provides an overview on the ultrasound systems used and of their operating parameters. We present measured fascicle velocities and discuss the results with respect to operating frame rates during recording. Furthermore, we derive why muscle and tendon functions should be recorded with a frame rate of at least 150 Hz and a range of view of 250 mm. Moreover, we analyze why and how the development of better ultrasound observation devices at the hierarchical level of muscles and tendons can support biomechanics research. Additionally, we present recent technological advances and their possible application. We provide a list of recommendations for the development of a more advanced ultrasound sensor system class targeting biomechanical applications. Looking to the future, mobile, ultrafast ultrasound hardware technologies create immense opportunities to expand the existing knowledge of human and animal movement. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000370490Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
SensorsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
MDPISubject
ultrasound; system design; form factor; range of view; frame rate; in vivo; biomonitoring; human and animal locomotion; muscle; tendon; fascicle; velocityOrganisational unit
03996 - Benini, Luca / Benini, Luca
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Show all metadata
Citations
Cited 10 times in
Web of Science
Cited 14 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics