Reliability of B-mode ultrasound for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness in the cadaver / 体力科学

ABSTRACT

The reliability of B-mode ultrasound for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness was evaluated in the cadaver. The ultrasonic device used in this study was the linear type employing a 5 MHz transducer. Ultrasonically determined-measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness was obtained on the upper arm, thigh, leg and abdomen. The border between subcutaneous fat and muscle tissues was able to be distinguish clearly by using this ultrasonic device. The subcutaneous fat thickness obtained ultrasonically were lower than those measured directly with using the slide calipers in the cadaver. Mean difference (standard deviation) between these values was 1.65 mm (0.98 mm) . A statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.97 (p<0.001) and the linear regression equation of D=1.0963 B+0.9332 was observed between the subcutaneous fat thickness obtained from a B-mode ultrasonic (B) and direct (D) methods. The results suggest that B-mode ultrasonic device may be able to use for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness and a more reliable fat thickness may be able to obtain by revising the ultrasonically determined-measurements.