Ultrasonographic Muscle Assessment and Functional Scales in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

A researcher will perform all ultrasonographic measurements using the ESAOTE My Lab 70 model ultrasound device with a 4-13 MHz linear probe. System settings will be kept constant throughout each study, and all images will be obtained using this single ultrasound device. Only the depth will be adjusted to optimally assess the relevant muscle. The muscle thickness measurement protocol with ultrasound includes four muscles on the dominant side of each child: two proximal upper and lower extremity muscles (biceps brachii/brachialis and quadriceps) and two distal upper and lower extremity muscles (forearm flexors and tibialis anterior). In the assessment of muscle echogenicity, images will be transferred to ImageJ software to calculate luminance ratios (LR).