Ultrasound measurement of the anterior leg compartment

Eight male subjects, weighing 65 to 83 kg and between 22 and 34 years of age, were measured for depth changes in the anterior leg compartment at rest and following treadmill running and weighted dorsiflexion exercises. Measurements were obtained from ultrasound scans at two points on the leg. The results showed no significant differences in the compartment's depth between rest and treadmill exercise, while significant changes were noted between rest and dorsiflexion exercises. These results suggest that the anterior leg muscles were maximally functioning during the dorsiflexion exercises, but not during the treadmill exercises. It is concluded that the ultrasound can be used to detect depth changes, and hence volume changes, in muscle compartments and may have potential use in combination with other techniques as a noninvasive diagnostic tool in assessing changes in a muscle compartment.