Spectral analysis of bone low frequency vibration signals

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use frequency spectrum analysis to determine the effects of skin and muscle on the bone's low frequency vibration signals recorded from vibration sensors placed on the skin. A setup was developed that allowed low frequency vibration signals to be recorded. Tests were performed on a sample of 8 turkey legs in vitro, using four vibration sensors placed on the skin, muscle (i.e. leg with the skin removed) and bone (i.e. leg with skin and muscle removed). It was found that bone's vibration signals could be recorded from sensors placed on the skin, but there were changes in their magnitudes and vibration frequencies. There was also a direct relationship between the main frequency of bone's vibration and its mass/volume ratio. This is a preliminary study. The ultimate aim of this study (to be achieved in further work) is to predict fracture risk and target therapy appropriately.