Diagnostic ultrasound assessment of deep fascia sliding mobility in vivo: A scoping review – Part 1: Thoracolumbar and abdominal fasciae

Background Failure of fascial sliding may occur in cases excessive or inappropriate use, trauma, surgery, resulting local inflammation, pain, sensitization, and potential dysfunction. Therefore, the mechanical properties tissues, including their mobility, have been evaluated vivo by ultrasound (US) imaging. However, this seems to be a method that is not yet properly standardized nor validated. Objectives To identify, synthesize, collate critical methodological principles described literature for US evaluation deep fascia mobility humans. Methods A systematic search was conducted on ScienceDirect, PubMed (Medline), Web Science B-On databases, according PRISMA Extension Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The OCEBM LoE used evaluate level evidence each study. Results From total 104 full-text articles retrieved assessed eligibility, 18 papers were included fasciae thoracolumbar (n = 4), abdominal 7), femoral 4) crural 3) regions. These studies addressed issues concerning either diagnosis 11) treatment benefits 7) presented levels ranging from II IV. Various terms describe outcome measures representing sliding. Also, different procedures induce sliding, positioning individuals being assessed, features devices used. analysis methods comparison start end frames use cross-correlation software techniques through automated tracking algorithms. had proven reliable measure between TLF, TrA muscle-fascia junctions, lata, fascia, adjacent epimysial fascia. heterogeneous terminologies, research questions, populations, methodologies. This two-part paper reviews obtained (Part 1) 2). Conclusion humans include seem some fasciae, but more need systematized confirm reliability others. Moreover, specific protocols are needed assess anatomical region as well study if age, sex-related characteristics, body composition, clinical conditions influence results.