Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of ultrasound elastography for assessing non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for eliciting changes in musculoskeletal stiffness.
Methods
A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Information on measurement and intervention procedures was extracted. Bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias or Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools for studies with true or quasi-experimental designs, respectively. Analyses were conducted for adequately powered subgroups based on intervention type, measurement site, and population assessed.
Results
Twenty-one studies were included in the review. Overall risk of bias was low for true experimental studies and moderate for quasi-experimental studies. Subgroup analyses indicated a large overall effect for interventions involving manual physiotherapy and taping/splinting for reducing masseter muscle stiffness in patients with masticatory muscle disorders (g = 1.488, 95% CI = 0.320–2.655, p = 0.013). Analyses for other intervention types and patient groups were underpowered.
Conclusion
Ultrasound elastography demonstrates clinical applicability for assessing non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for musculoskeletal stiffness. However, the comparative efficacy of these interventions for modulating tissue stiffness remains inconclusive.
To evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of ultrasound elastography for assessing non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for eliciting changes in musculoskeletal stiffness.
Methods
A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Information on measurement and intervention procedures was extracted. Bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias or Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools for studies with true or quasi-experimental designs, respectively. Analyses were conducted for adequately powered subgroups based on intervention type, measurement site, and population assessed.
Results
Twenty-one studies were included in the review. Overall risk of bias was low for true experimental studies and moderate for quasi-experimental studies. Subgroup analyses indicated a large overall effect for interventions involving manual physiotherapy and taping/splinting for reducing masseter muscle stiffness in patients with masticatory muscle disorders (g = 1.488, 95% CI = 0.320–2.655, p = 0.013). Analyses for other intervention types and patient groups were underpowered.
Conclusion
Ultrasound elastography demonstrates clinical applicability for assessing non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for musculoskeletal stiffness. However, the comparative efficacy of these interventions for modulating tissue stiffness remains inconclusive.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3549-3563 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Disability and Rehabilitation |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 16 |
Early online date | 5 Sept 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Keywords
- ultrasonography
- elasticity imaging techniques
- musculoskeletal system
- conservative treatment
- physical therapy modalities
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rehabilitation