TitleDevice for objective measurement of muscle tone, elasticity and stiffness
(Ref: 08 EE EETS 0JZ9 )
DeadlineSun, March 08, 2009
AbstractAn Estonian SME has developed a unique device for providing numerical values of
muscle tone, elasticity and stiffness. It performs non-invasive and painless measurement of
biological tissue. With comparison to alternatives, its results are objective,
operator-independent, comparable and precise (sensitive). It can be used for early discovery of
cumulative trauma, for fine-tuning of sports or rehabilitation program, or for biomedical research.
DescriptionAn Estonian SME, a spin-off of Tartu University, has developed a unique device
for providing numerical values of muscle tone, elasticity and stiffness. The device, called a
myometer, is the first and so far the only device for non-invasive and painless measurement of the
biomechanical properties of biological tissues. It is possible to measure each separate muscle,
different regions of the same muscle, as well as tendon and other soft tissues.
The device works by exerting a local impact on the biological tissue by means of a brief
mechanical impulse. The impact force is small enough not to cause changes in the biological tissue
or neurological reactions. The tissue responds to the mechanical impact with damping oscillation,
which is registered by an acceleration sensor located on the measuring tip of the device. A
microprocessor saves and analyses the signal and outputs the parameters of tone (frequency of the
oscillation Hz), elasticity (logarithmic decrement of damping of the oscillation) and stiffness
(N/m) of the tissue.
So far, the only way of checking muscle condition has been manual palpation. Although a very
common method, palpation cannot give precise values of muscle condition, the sensitivity is
relatively low, and results are subjective, making it difficult to discover small changes or
compare muscle condition over longer time or between persons. The myometer, on the other hand,
gives exact numerical results that are comparable and operator-independent.
Assessing muscle condition is relevant in several fields of medicine; objective information
is always deemed desirable:
- In rehabilitation, a myometer can be used to observe the sufficiency and efficacy of
procedures and get an objective assessment. This serves to optimise the training program and
motivate patients through feedback. Treatment efficacy, so far evaluated only by patients’
subjective opinion, can now be objectively compared with population norms.
- In ergonomics and occupational health field, a myometer allows early discovery of
cumulative trauma disorders. It helps to objectify diagnosis of overuse syndromes and provides
early indication for pathological conditions thanks to high sensitivity. Early discovery would help
to avoid serious damage more effectively than treating an existing serious overuse syndrome.
- In sports, professional athletes use myometers to fine-tune the training program as
performance is also related to muscle properties. Objective information on muscle properties allow
the athlete to choose the optimal level of training, effectively balance the ratio of
aerobic/anaerobic training, avoid overtraining, and ensure best muscle condition for key
competitions.
- In research, the device can be used in gathering objective data for the study of soft
biological tissue, e.g. muscles and tendons. For example, the myometer has been instrumental in
establishing the relation between obstructive sleep apnoea and the tissue tone of soft palate.
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Innovations and advantages of the offer
A myometer uses the accelerometer-based sensing of muscle oscillation and computer processing
to obtain objective information on muscle tone, elasticity and stiffness. This is innovative, as so
far only subjective information on these properties was available.
The measurement is painless, non-invasive, quick and precise. The device itself is portable
and does not need a highly trained professional to operate. It can measure each separate muscle,
different regions of the same muscle, as well as tendon and other soft tissues.
With comparison to information obtained by manual palpation, the data obtained by the
myometer is objective and operator-independent. That makes it better to compare results between
people or over a longer period, and create a population database.
The device has high sensitivity, which makes it easy to discover small changes in muscle
properties. That allows early diagnosis (important in medicine) or fine-tuning of muscle properties
(important in sports).
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Current and Potential Domain of Application
Main applications can be found in medicine (postoperative treatment evaluation),
rehabilitation (assessment and optimisation), ergonomics and occupational health (early diagnosis
of cumulative trauma), sports (optimisation of training program) and medical research (different
studies in soft biological tissue).
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List of Keywords
Technology
- Applications for Health - Environmental Medicine, Social Medicine, Sports Medicine -
Physiology - Measurement Tools - Electronic measurement systems
Market
- Diagnostic - Diagnostic test products and equipment - Other Medical/Health Related - Sport
facilities (gyms and clubs)
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Current Stage of Development Already on the market
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Exploitation of RTD Results
National Programmes
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Intellectual Property Rights
Patent(s) granted
Comments US Patent
European Patent
Estonian patent
Japan patent
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Collaboration Type
- Joint further development - Testing of new applications - Change in the partner sought's
currently used technologies (installations, process, facilities) - Technical consultancy
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Comments
- Type of partner sought:
University/clinic; industry; sports association/club.
- Specific area of activity of the partner:
Medicine, rehabilitation medicine, medical research; medical or sports equipment sales;
sports.
- Task to be performed:
Various types of partners are sought. Representatives are needed in some countries. Also,
research institutions interested in testing the device in different new applications are wanted.
Finally, end users of the device (rehabilitation clinics, sports clubs, etc.) are sought for
transfer of equipment and know-how related to its use.
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Targeted CountriesAll
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Enterprise Europe Network è la nuova rete europea
di servizi alle imprese promossa dalla Direzione Generale Impresa e Industria della CE e finanziata
dal programma CIP, che vede la fusione complementare delle due reti già esistenti per la promozione
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AREA Science Park è membro del consorzio transregionale denominato Friend Europe ed opera
come sportello regionale della rete Enterprise Europe Network con competenza territoriale per la
Regione FVG.
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