The Effect of 2 MHz Ultrasound on Intramuscular Temperature at 1.5, 2.5, and 3 cm Depths

Abstract

The research objective was to determine the increase in intramuscular temperature of 2 MHz therapeutic ultrasound at 1.5, 2.5, and 3 cm depths after a 20 minute treatment at 1.0 W/cm2. A two-factor ANOVA experimental design guided this study. Three thermocouples were inserted into the medial gastrocnemius of twenty participants at all 3 depths. The ultrasound parameter settings consisted of: 2 MHz, continuous, 1.0 W/cm2. The mean intramuscular temperature increase at 20 minutes was the greatest at the 1.5 cm depth (5.22°C ± 1.25°C), then the 2.5 cm depth (3.59°C ± 1.61°C), then the 3 cm depth (2.75°C ± 1.48°C). Significant differences were found in the increase of intramuscular temperature of 2 MHz therapeutic ultrasound at all 3 depths, particularly at the 1.5 cm depth. Treatment goals and the type of machine need to be taken into account when delivering an ultrasound treatment in order for it to be effective.