Measurement of Rheologic Properties of Soft Tissue (Muscle Tissue) by Myotonometer

The purpose of the research described in this work is
to answer how to measure the rheologic (viscoelastic) properties
tendo–deformational characteristics of soft tissue. The method would
also resemble muscle palpation examination as it is known in clinical
practice. For this purpose, an instrument with the working name
“myotonometer” has been used. At present, there is lack of objective methods for assessing the
muscle tone by viscous and elastic properties of soft tissue. That is
why we decided to focus on creating or finding quantitative and
qualitative methodology capable to specify muscle tone.

• Petr Šifta
• Václav Bittner
• Martin Kysela
• Matěj Kolář

• Rheologicproperties
• tendo–deformational characteristics
• viscosity
• elasticity
• hypertonus
• spasticity.

[1] Young, R.R. Delwaide, P.J.: Clinical Neurophysiology in spasticity.
Elsevier, Amsterdam, 227 p., 1985
[2] Thilmann, A.F., Burke, D.J., Rymer, W.Z.: Spasticity: Mechanisms and
Management. Springer-Verlag, Berlín, 283 p., 1993
[3] Šifta, P., Süssová, J., Zahálka, F.: Objective evaluation of spastic
hypertonia with a 3-dimentional motion analysis study: patients after
stroke treated with botulinum A toxin, International Journal of
Rehabilitation Research 27: 63-64, Suppl.1, June 2004
[4] Dietz, V., Berger, W.: Normal and impaired regulation of muscle
stiffness in gait: a new hypothesis about muscle hypertonia. Exp.
Neurol., number 79, s. 680-687., 1983
[5] Jörg, W. et al.: Management of spasticity associated Pain with
Botulinum Toxin A. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, volume
20, number 1, s. 223-256., 2000
[6] Sobotka, Z.: Rheology of Material and Structure, p. 12-16, Academia,
Prague 1981
[7] Šifta, P.: Measurement of viscoelastic properties of soft tissue in spastic
syndrome, postgraduate work, Charles University, Department of
Biomechanics and Anatomy, p. 109, 2005
[8] Pandayan, A.D., Price, C.I.M. at al.: Biomechanical examination of a
commonly used measure of elasticity. Clinical Biomechanics,Suppl. 16,
p. 859–865, 2001
[9] Singer, B., Dunne, J., Allison, G.: Evaluation of triceps surae Muscle
length and resistance to passive lengthening in patients with acquired
brain injury. Clinical Biomechanics, Suppl. 17, p. 152–161., 2002 [10] Šifta, P., Otáhal, S., Süssová, J.: Measurement of Viscoelastic
Propertiesof Soft Tissue in Spastic Syndrome.Neurorehabilitation and
Neural Repair, Vol. 20, n. 1, March 2006, 4th Congress for
NeuroRehabilitation. ISSN 1545 – 9683
[11] Stupka, M.:Possibility of identification of changes of muscle tonus with
CT examination, postgraduate work at Charles University, Department
of Biomechanics and Anatomy, p. 109, 2001