Sonographic Evaluation of Psoas Major Muscle Thickness in Apparently Healthy Nigerian Population.

Abstract

Background: The psoas major muscle (PMM) is the only muscle that connects the lumbar spine and the lower limb making it very relevant during physical activities and everyday living. Objectives: To assess the psoas major muscle thickness (PMMT) in apparently healthy adults in order to establish a reference value for the population and also to determine the relationship between age, gender, ethnicity, and PMMT. Materials and Methods: The psoas major muscle thickness of two hundred and ten apparently healthy volunteers was measured using an ultrasound machine with a high frequency (7.0 MHz) linear transducer. Measurements were taken+ at the point of maximum thickness with the subject in the supine position. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 and Pearson correlation analysis. Inferential statistics were also performed. Results: The mean PMMT was 34.28 ± 5.15mm. The majority of the subjects (19.5%) were within the age range of 40-59 years and their mean PMMT was 36.69 ± 4.568mm. There were more females, n =112 (53.3%) than the males, n =96 (46.7%). The mean PMMT of the males varied significantly from that of the females (p =0.001). A statistically significant difference existed between the Igbo and Hausa ethnic groups (p = 0.027). There were statistically significant positive correlations between PMMT and age (r= 0.0304, p< 0.001), Height (r = 0.234, p= 0.001) and BMI (r= 0.541, p< 0.001) and correlated with age, height, weight, and BMI. Conclusion: Psoas major muscle thickness varies significantly with age, gender, and anthropometric variables like body mass index, height, and weight.