Muscle Activity Based on Real-time Visual Feedback Training Methods by Rehabilitative Ultrasound Image in Elderly and Relationship between Heckmatt Scale, Muscle Thickness and Tone : A Pilot Study

Purpose: This study is to investigate the muscle activity based on real-time visual feedback training methods by rehabilitative ultrasound image in elderly and correlation between Heckmatt scale grade, muscle tone and thickness. Design: Cross-sectional study: Pilot study Methods: 6 elderly participated in the study with 2 conditions. Under the condition of rehabilitation ultrasound imaging equipment, all subjects performed voluntary maximal muscle contraction of the quadriceps 3 times using visual feedback based on Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging 1.0 (RUSI 1.0). Under the condition of only ultrasound images, all subjects performed voluntary maximal muscle contraction of the quadriceps 3 times using ultrasound image-based visual feedback. The muscle thickness and tone of the quadriceps were measured and the grades were classified by Heckmatt scale and all variables were comparative analyzed. Results: Heckmatt scale grade showed a negative correlation with muscle thickness at relaxation (p<0.05), and a negative correlation with the difference value obtained by subtracting muscle thickness at relaxation from muscle thickness at contraction in ultrasound image condition (p<0.05). The muscle tone during relaxation showed a negative correlation with the muscle thickness during relaxation (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the case of voluntary maximum muscle contraction of the quadriceps muscle in the elderly, it can be seen that the muscle thickness is getting larger when the RUSI 1.0-based visual feedback is provided than with only ultrasound image provided. And the lower Heckmatt scale grade is, the thicker the muscle is, and the lower the muscle tone is.