As the background of our study, we requested that practitioners use muscle hardness testers to conduct a digital assessment of muscle hardness layers that they can feel by palpation. We developed muscle hardness teste...As the background of our study, we requested that practitioners use muscle hardness testers to conduct a digital assessment of muscle hardness layers that they can feel by palpation. We developed muscle hardness testers to assess muscle hardness digitally from the reaction force and the depth in pushing a finger-shaped indenter, thereby simulating palpation. To assess muscle hardness digitally, we proposed this means using the reaction force and depth that are measured when the indenter is pushed, along with the elastic constant, and the differential elastic modulus. The tester is designed to be useful to ascertain effects of, or follow the course of, muscle layer treatment applied for shoulder stiffness and other conditions. As described herein, we confirmed the effectiveness of digital assessment using foam rubber consisting of an upper layer and a lower layer, respectively simulating the cortical and muscle layers of a human body. Additionally, monitoring six subjects, we digitally assessed the change of hardness of the trapezius muscle by changing the position of the upper extremity. Next, we were able to measure the change of hardness before and after treatment for 21 subjects with shoulder stiffness.展开更多
文摘As the background of our study, we requested that practitioners use muscle hardness testers to conduct a digital assessment of muscle hardness layers that they can feel by palpation. We developed muscle hardness testers to assess muscle hardness digitally from the reaction force and the depth in pushing a finger-shaped indenter, thereby simulating palpation. To assess muscle hardness digitally, we proposed this means using the reaction force and depth that are measured when the indenter is pushed, along with the elastic constant, and the differential elastic modulus. The tester is designed to be useful to ascertain effects of, or follow the course of, muscle layer treatment applied for shoulder stiffness and other conditions. As described herein, we confirmed the effectiveness of digital assessment using foam rubber consisting of an upper layer and a lower layer, respectively simulating the cortical and muscle layers of a human body. Additionally, monitoring six subjects, we digitally assessed the change of hardness of the trapezius muscle by changing the position of the upper extremity. Next, we were able to measure the change of hardness before and after treatment for 21 subjects with shoulder stiffness.
