None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This project uses an advanced ultrasound technique called Shear Wave Elastography to assess the stiffness of muscles in stroke survivors. Shear Wave Elastography can determine the stiffness of tissue by measuring the Shear Wave Velocity, with stiffer tissues returning a higher velocity. After a stroke, the muscles may develop an increased stiffness which is typically assessed clinically, however SWE will be able to detect small changes more accurately and reliably than the current clinical assessment. This prospective cohort project aims to measure stiffness during the first four weeks after a stroke as the stiffness develops. A qualified Sonographer will perform the scans bedside at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Stroke survivors will have their biceps muscle and biceps tendon scanned twice a week, for the first four weeks after their stroke. Both the affected and non-affected side will be assessed, with the elbow in both full extension, and 30 degrees flexion. It is hypothesised that as the participants stiffness develops the recorded Shear Wave velocities will increase and will correlate with the clinical assessments.
Interventions
The condition being observed is the change in muscle stiffness that may occur as a result of a stroke.
The exposure is the Shear Wave Elastography assessment of the muscle stiffness. This is an advanced ultrasound technology that quantitatively determines the stiffness of tissue.
The transducer is placed lightly on the skin at the appropriate level and a measurement is taken. This will be done at three levels, on both arms, with the elbow fully extended and again with the elbow partially bent.
The condition being observed is the change in muscle stiffness that may occur as a result of a stroke. The exposure is the Shear Wave Elastography assessment of the muscle stiffness. This is an advanced ultrasound technology that quantitatively determines the stiffness of tissue. The transducer is placed lightly on the skin at the appropriate level and a measurement is taken. This will be done at three levels, on both arms, with the elbow fully extended and again with the elbow partially bent. The Shear Wave Elastography assessment will take place twice a week, for the first four weeks after a stroke. Each scanning assessment takes approximately 1 hour. This will be performed by an accredited Senior Sonographer with experience in Shear Wave Elastography. There will be Aquasonic Gel to facilitate the ultrasound transmission. There will be paper towel to remove the gel. There will be a measuring tape and skin-safe marker to mark the correct locations. Each scanning session will be recorded in the participants hospital chart
Sponsors
Queensland University of Technology
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Recent stroke with admission to Sunshine Coast University Hospital
Exclusion criteria
Previous strokes on the contralateral side.
Outcome results
None listed