Analysis of muscular elasticity according to infrared and ultrasound therapy by sonoelastography

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical therapy on elasticity of muscles quantitatively by using sonoelastography equipment in infrared and ultrasound treatment commonly used in hospital physical therapy rooms. [Participants and Methods] We also investigated correlations among various variables such as height, weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), body fat mass, muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate. From July 30th 2017 to August 30th, 2017, muscular elasticity ratio was measured in 10 males in their 20s by comparing muscles of the upper and lower extremities before and after ultrasound and infrared therapy. [Results] Results showed that muscular elasticity was increased 1.55 ± 0.41 folds in forearm muscle region of the upper extremity in ultrasound therapy, which was significantly higher than the increase (1.23 ± 0.10 folds) in infrared therapy. Thus, ultrasound therapy and infrared therapy both would have good result in cardiac treatment for 1-cm away region. In ultrasound therapy and infrared therapy, elasticity increase rates in forearm region of the upper extremity were higher when body fat mass and BMI were increased. [Conclusion] Results of this study could be used as basic data for ultrasound and infrared therapy studies in the future.