Abstract
BackgroundThe MyotonPro is a portable device for measuring biomechanical and viscoelastic properties in superficial soft tissues. The aims of this study are firstly to validate the MyotonPro compared to a reliable gold-standard frame and secondly to observe the influence of MyotonPro measurement on the total wrist viscoelasticity.MethodsThree silicone polymers with different elastic properties were assessed with the MyotonPro and with a reference rheometer (Universal Tribometer Mod). Then, a free oscillations method was used to measure the passive elastic and viscous stiffness of the wrist and compared to MyotonPro forearm measurements.ResultsA one-way ANOVA demonstrated the validity of the MyotonPro's stiffness (p = 0.001), decrement (p < 0.001), and relaxation (p = 0.008) parameters for measuring the elastic stiffness (k) of the three polymers. The MyotonPro parameters demonstrated excellent reliability on the forearm. Proximal and distal anterior myofascial measurements of the MyotonPro were moderately correlated to the elastic stiffness (p = 0.0027–0.0275, absolute r = from 0.270 to 0.375) of the wrist while the postero-distal myofascial tissues of the forearm demonstrated a moderate correlation with the viscous stiffness of the wrist (p = 0.0096–0.0433, absolute r = from 0.257 to 0.326).DiscussionThe MyotonPro is a valid device for measuring elastic stiffness as well as a portable, affordable, and easy-to-use tool for quantifying the biomechanical properties and viscoelasticity of myofascial tissue in healthy subjects.
Highlights
The understanding of the biomechanical and viscoelastic stiffness of the musculoskeletal system is of great interest in numerous fields such as health, sports, and physical activities
We assessed the influence of the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the forearm myofascial tissues measured by the MyotonPro on the passive stiffness of the wrist joint tested with the electromechanical oscillation device (EOD)
Our results showed that the distal extensor (DE) and stiffness and relaxation time of the proximal flexor (PF) were related to the viscosity of the wrist
Summary
The understanding of the biomechanical and viscoelastic stiffness of the musculoskeletal system is of great interest in numerous fields such as health, sports, and physical activities. These properties are important components of joint stability and movement control (Stanev and Moustakas, 2019). The quantification of stiffness is relevant in neurological disorders, e.g., spasticity (Detrembleur and Plaghki, 2000) and Parkinson’s disease (Rätsep and Asser, 2011) or musculoskeletal injuries such as tendinopathy It allows a better understanding of the pathophysiology of these disorders, as well as better followup and treatment decision-making. The aims of this study are firstly to validate the MyotonPro compared to a reliable gold-standard frame and secondly to observe the influence of MyotonPro measurement on the total wrist viscoelasticity
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