TY - JOUR
T1 - Technical considerations for accurate measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness using B-mode ultrasound
AU - Toomey, C.
AU - McCreesh, K.
AU - Leahy, S.
AU - Jakeman, P.
PY - 2011/5
Y1 - 2011/5
N2 - The search for valid, reliable and inexpensive methods of measuring body composition is an ongoing issue for many researchers. In particular, the measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is carried out by numerous methods, each with its own drawbacks. Skinfold thickness measurement is the most common in-field method, but it is limited by its tendency to deform the adipose layer, by the limited caliper opening which prevents measurement of larger skinfolds, and the lack of correction for elastic properties of tissue between individuals. Therefore non-invasive field measures which overcome these limitations would be desirable. Ultrasound scanning provides such a device due to its portability and availability, allowing reduced tissue compression and on-screen views of the adipose tissue. Despite a number of papers referring to the use of ultrasound for measuring adipose tissue, the method of measurement has not been fully described. This paper describes our work in determining an accurate method for the measurement of SAT at different body sites, including a comparison of scanning directions and sites. We also describe our investigations into the degree to which compression force through the transducer affects adipose tissue measurement, and the reliability and sensitivity of our methods. We conclude with a recommended reliable scanning protocol for the measurement of SAT.
AB - The search for valid, reliable and inexpensive methods of measuring body composition is an ongoing issue for many researchers. In particular, the measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is carried out by numerous methods, each with its own drawbacks. Skinfold thickness measurement is the most common in-field method, but it is limited by its tendency to deform the adipose layer, by the limited caliper opening which prevents measurement of larger skinfolds, and the lack of correction for elastic properties of tissue between individuals. Therefore non-invasive field measures which overcome these limitations would be desirable. Ultrasound scanning provides such a device due to its portability and availability, allowing reduced tissue compression and on-screen views of the adipose tissue. Despite a number of papers referring to the use of ultrasound for measuring adipose tissue, the method of measurement has not been fully described. This paper describes our work in determining an accurate method for the measurement of SAT at different body sites, including a comparison of scanning directions and sites. We also describe our investigations into the degree to which compression force through the transducer affects adipose tissue measurement, and the reliability and sensitivity of our methods. We conclude with a recommended reliable scanning protocol for the measurement of SAT.
KW - Accuracy
KW - Methods
KW - Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)
KW - Ultrasound
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=80053184391&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1258/ult.2011.010057
DO - 10.1258/ult.2011.010057
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:80053184391
SN - 1742-271X
VL - 19
SP - 91
EP - 96
JO - Ultrasound
JF - Ultrasound
IS - 2
ER -