Intramuscular Heating Rates of a Chattanooga Intelect XT Therapeutic Ultrasound

The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of tissue temperature increase in the triceps surae during an ultrasound treatment using the Chattanooga Intelect Legend XT. The following parameters will be used: 3 MHz frequency, 1.0 W/cm2 intensity, 15 minute treatment time. Thermocouples will be inserted at 1.0, 1.75, and 2.5 cm depths to determine the heating rates. Most modality textbook recommendations for therapeutic ultrasound are based on studies performed with the Omnisound ultrasound machine. Previous research has shown variations in power output across manufacturers, producing differences in tissue temperature increases. No information has been published regarding the heating rates of the Chattanooga Intelect Legend XT machine for ultrasound treatments. By determining the heating rates for this machine, clinicians will be better able to utilize the Chattanooga Intelect Legend XT to help reach therapeutic goals.