Phantom material testing indicates that the mechanical properties, geometrical dimensions, and tensional state of tendons affect oscillation-based measurements. (5th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sichting, Freddy; Kram, Nicolai C
• Is Part Of: Physiological measurement. Volume 41:Number 9(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10-05
• Subjects: tendon -- biomechanics -- mechanical stiffness -- in vitro measurement -- oscillation; Physiology -- Measurement -- Periodicals; Patient monitoring -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/abb4b3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-3334

Abstract

Abstract: Objective : There is an increasing interest in the application of oscillation-based measurement techniques to evaluate the mechanical stiffness of healthy and diseased tendons. These techniques measure the stiffness of a tendon indirectly by registering the oscillation response of a tendon to an external mechanical impulse. Although these measurement techniques seem to be comparatively easy and time-saving, their applicability is implicitly limited by their indirect measurement principle. Approach : In this study, we aim to find evidence that the oscillation response of a tendon to an external mechanical impulse is not only affected by the stiffness of a tendon but also by the tendons' cross-sectional area (CSA), length, and tension. Therefore, we reviewed the current literature on oscillation-based techniques that measure in vivo tendon properties. Further, a phantom material was used to mimic the nature of tendons and to test the impact of four factors on oscillation-based measurements. Main results : Our results indicate that the mechanical properties, geometrical dimensions (length and CSA), and tensional state affect oscillation-based measures. Surprisingly, most studies on tendon behavior often exclusively associate their oscillation-based measurements with the mechanical stiffness of a tendon. Significance : While this narrow perspective bears the risk of misinterpretation or false implications, a broader understanding of oscillation-based measurements has the potential to shed new light on the interaction of muscles and tendons in vivo .