Journal article
Feasibility of monitoring muscle health in microgravity environments using Myoton technology
Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing, Vol.53(1), pp.57-66
2015
Abstract
Physical exercise is important for people living under extreme environmental conditions to stay healthy. Particularly in space, exercise can partially counteract the loss of muscle mass and muscle strength caused by microgravity. Monitoring the adaptation of the musculoskeletal system to assess muscle quality and devise individual training programmes is highly desirable but is restricted by practical, technical and time constraints on board the International Space Station. This study aimed to test the feasibility of using myometric measurements to monitor the mechanical properties of skeletal muscles and tendons in weightlessness during parabolic flights. The mechanical properties (frequency, decrement, stiffness relaxation time and creep) of the m. gastrocnemius, m. erector spinae and Achilles tendon were assessed using the hand-held MyotonPRO device in 11 healthy participants (aged 47±9 years) in normal gravity as well as in microgravity during two parabolic flight campaigns. Results showed significant (p < .05-.001) changes in all mechanical properties of both muscles and the Achilles tendon, indicating a more relaxed tissue state in microgravity. Recordings from a phantom rubber material with the device in a test rig confirmed that the device itself was not affected by gravity, as changes between gravity conditions that were too small (<1 %) to explain the changes observed in the tissues. It is concluded that myometric measurements are a feasible, easy-to-use and non-invasive approach to monitor muscle health in extreme conditions that prohibit many other methods. Real-time assessment of the quality of a muscle being exposed to the negative effect of microgravity and also the positive effects of muscular training could be achieved using Myoton technology.
Details
- Title
- Feasibility of monitoring muscle health in microgravity environments using Myoton technology
- Authors
- Stefan Schneider (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringA Peipsi (Author) - Myoton AS, EstoniaM Stokes (Author) - University of Southampton, United KingdomA Knicker (Author) - University of Cologne, GermanyV Abeln (Author) - University of Cologne, Germany
- Publication details
- Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing, Vol.53(1), pp.57-66
- Publisher
- Springer
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11517-014-1211-5
- ISSN
- 0140-0118; 0140-0118
- Copyright note
- Copyright © Springer-Verlag 2015. The author's accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy. The final publication is available at www.springerlink.com
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449074402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
- Research Statement
- false
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- Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
- Engineering, Biomedical
- Mathematical & Computational Biology
- Medical Informatics
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