Identification of EIMD Level Differences Between Long- and Short Head of Biceps Brachii Using Echo Intensity and GLCM Texture Features.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Uncontrolled prospective pre-post repeated-measures laboratory study
PubMed 37698509 · doi:10.1080/02701367.2023.2250832
What was done
Participants performed 30 maximal eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Investigators assessed traditional muscle damage indicators (arm circumference, range of motion, muscle soreness, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) alongside B-mode ultrasonography of the long head (LHB) and short head (SHB) of the biceps brachii. Ultrasound outcomes included echo intensity (EI) and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture parameters (homogeneity, energy, and entropy). Measurements were recorded pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours.
What was found
Standard indirect markers of muscle damage changed significantly across time (p < 0.01 for circumference, range of motion, muscle soreness, and MVIC). Echo intensity increased significantly in the LHB (p < 0.01) but showed no significant change in the SHB (p > 0.05). In contrast, GLCM texture parameters demonstrated significant changes in the SHB (p < 0.01 for homogeneity, energy, and entropy). Specific numeric baseline values, point estimates, and effect sizes were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
The findings show intra-muscular variation in damage patterns between the long and short heads of the biceps brachii following eccentric exercise. They also suggest that GLCM texture analysis can identify structural alterations in muscle architecture that are missed by conventional echo intensity assessments.
Limits
The abstract does not report the sample size, sex, age, or training status of the participants. The trial lacked a non-exercising control group, and no numerical data or confidence intervals were provided in the abstract text.
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- supports Performing bicep curls on an incline places the anterior shoulder and biceps into a greater stretch over an extended range of motion, leading to increased initial muscle soreness.