Ultrasonographic measurements
Anterior thigh muscle thickness was measured by using a 5-12 MHz linear
probe (Logiq P5, GE, Medical Systems, USA). Ultrasound (US) images were
obtained without any compression by using adequate amount of gel, while
subjects lied in supine position. The muscle thickness was measured in
the axial view - at 50% level between the anterior superior iliac spine
and upper pole of the patella. The measurement was taken between the
outer fascia of rectus femoris and the periosteum of femur (Fig. 1). All
measurements were performed (from the dominant side) by a physiatrist
(MK) who is an expert in musculoskeletal US - with more than 10 years of
experience. Thereafter, sonographic thigh adjustment ratio (STAR) was
calculated via dividing the anterior thigh muscle thickness (mm) by body
mass index (BMI).5