Practical considerations for standardized recording of muscle mechanical properties using a myometric device: Recording site, muscle length, state of contraction and prior activity

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically examine the influence of various muscle and experimental conditions on Myoton recordings. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational design was used to examine muscle conditions and experimental factors (different recording sites, muscle length, level of contraction and prior physical activity) that may influence reproducibility of Myoton recordings for biceps brachii (BB) and rectus femoris (RF). Fifty-Three healthy adults (26 young, 27 older) aged 18-90 years were studied. Muscle stiffness, tone and elasticity were measured using the MyotonPRO device. Results: Statistically significant differences in Myoton parameters were found for aspects of all four muscle and experimental conditions compared with the control condition (p<0.05). However, clinically relevant differences in tone, stiffness and elasticity were only found for contracted compared to resting muscle, with changes being greater than the minimal detectable change. Elasticity was not affected by prior activity. Conclusions: The conditions studied significantly altered Myoton parameters of BB and RF in healthy adults, but only changes in parameters during muscle contraction were clinically relevant. These findings provide evidence to support the need to consider muscle condition and experimental factors for improving the robustness of test protocols for assessing muscle mechanical properties using the MyotonPRO device.

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