Ultrasound for the assessment of muscle architecture in Parkinson's disease: A scoping review

IF 1.8 3区医学 Q4 ENGINEERING, BIOMEDICAL

Clinical Biomechanics Pub Date : 2026-02-01 Epub Date: 2025-12-19 DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106733

Mahyar Behraznia , Massimiliano Ditroilo , Tina Smith

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects motor function and muscle performance, which are closely linked to muscle architecture (MA). Ultrasound (US) provides a non-invasive method to assess MA, yet its application in PD remains underexplored. This review aimed to map and synthesise existing research on US assessment of MA in individuals with PD to clarify how US imaging methodologies contribute to understanding muscle structure and function in this population.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted following established guidelines and searching these databases: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE and CINAHL Ultimate.

Findings

Of the 913 records identified, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Research varied in design, US measurement methodology, and measurement and reporting approaches. The synthesis revealed that while MA at rest was largely preserved in PD with notable exceptions, muscle fascicle responsiveness during contraction was significantly impaired, potentially due to rigidity. MA differences were associated with PD clinical manifestations (i.e., bradykinesia and rigidity) and reduced functional performance. PD-related comorbidities including sarcopenia, camptocormia, and dysphagia were found to further affect MA, exacerbating muscle degradation and remodelling. Exercise was found to alter the structural characteristics of MA, suggesting beneficial adaptive potential.

Significance and interpretation

Despite consistent evidence of altered MA and muscle responsiveness in PD, methodological heterogeneity and small samples limit firm conclusions. Standardised US protocols and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the relationship between MA, functional performance, and PD clinical features, and to evaluate the effects of exercise and rehabilitation on muscle structure and strength.

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超声评估帕金森病的肌肉结构：范围综述

帕金森病（PD）影响运动功能和肌肉性能，这与肌肉结构（MA）密切相关。超声（US）提供了一种非侵入性评估MA的方法，但其在PD中的应用仍有待探索。本综述旨在绘制和综合PD患者MA的超声评估的现有研究，以阐明超声成像方法如何有助于了解该人群的肌肉结构和功能。方法采用Scopus、PubMed、Web of Science Core Collection、MEDLINE和CINAHL Ultimate等数据库进行文献综述。在确定的913项记录中，有20项研究符合纳入标准。研究在设计、美国测量方法、测量和报告方法上各不相同。综合结果显示，虽然PD患者的静止MA大部分保留，但肌肉束在收缩时的反应性明显受损，这可能是由于僵硬所致。MA差异与PD临床表现（即运动迟缓和僵硬）和功能表现下降有关。pd相关的合并症，包括肌肉减少症、喜树豆症和吞咽困难，被发现进一步影响MA，加剧肌肉退化和重塑。运动可以改变MA的结构特征，提示有益的适应潜力。尽管有一致的证据表明PD患者的MA和肌肉反应性改变，但方法的异质性和小样本限制了确切的结论。需要标准化的美国方案和纵向研究来阐明MA、功能表现和PD临床特征之间的关系，并评估运动和康复对肌肉结构和力量的影响。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Clinical Biomechanics 医学-工程：生物医学

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

5.60%

发文量

189

审稿时长

12.3 weeks

期刊介绍： Clinical Biomechanics is an international multidisciplinary journal of biomechanics with a focus on medical and clinical applications of new knowledge in the field. The science of biomechanics helps explain the causes of cell, tissue, organ and body system disorders, and supports clinicians in the diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of treatment methods and technologies. Clinical Biomechanics aims to strengthen the links between laboratory and clinic by publishing cutting-edge biomechanics research which helps to explain the causes of injury and disease, and which provides evidence contributing to improved clinical management. A rigorous peer review system is employed and every attempt is made to process and publish top-quality papers promptly. Clinical Biomechanics explores all facets of body system, organ, tissue and cell biomechanics, with an emphasis on medical and clinical applications of the basic science aspects. The role of basic science is therefore recognized in a medical or clinical context. The readership of the journal closely reflects its multi-disciplinary contents, being a balance of scientists, engineers and clinicians. The contents are in the form of research papers, brief reports, review papers and correspondence, whilst special interest issues and supplements are published from time to time. Disciplines covered include biomechanics and mechanobiology at all scales, bioengineering and use of tissue engineering and biomaterials for clinical applications, biophysics, as well as biomechanical aspects of medical robotics, ergonomics, physical and occupational therapeutics and rehabilitation.