Validity of Freehand 3-D Ultrasound for Skeletal Muscle Volume Assessment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Ultrasound Med BiolAug 25, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Sarva Saeid, Rachel Dai, Michael T Paris
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the validity of freehand 3-D ultrasound for assessing skeletal muscle volume compared to MRI in various populations. The analysis included ten studies and found a very strong correlation (r = 0.99) between the two methods, with no significant mean difference in muscle volume (-2.55%).
Key findings
- Very strong correlation between freehand 3-D ultrasound and MRI (r = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.00, p < 0.001).
- No systematic difference in muscle volume assessment (-2.55%, 95% CI: -6.63 to 1.52%, p = 0.219).
- Limits of agreement for muscle volume assessment were approximately 10% (95% CI: 6.82-14.37%, p < 0.001).
Why it matters
Understanding the validity of freehand 3-D ultrasound as an alternative to MRI for muscle volume assessment is crucial, especially in settings where MRI is less accessible. This could enhance the ability to monitor muscle health in various clinical and research contexts.