University of Tartu

Vanderbilt University

Myoton As

University of Tartu and Tartu Health Care College

The United States Government As Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Tartu Health Care College

Arved Vain

Aleko Peipsi

Mart Liik

Reet Linkberg

Ivi Vaher

Eric Tkaczyk

Anna-Liisa Parm

Mihkel Pöldemaa

Mihkel PÖLDEMAA

A method of measuring a biomechanical parameter of soft biological tissue is described. The method includes a pre-measurement process wherein an impulse applying device applies a pre-pressure to a surface of the tissue via an end portion contacting the tissue surface. While maintaining the pre-pressure, the device generates at least two impulses separated by a time interval, each impulse causing the end portion to impart to the tissue an action with certain parameters, each action inducing a response of the tissue. A value of a biomechanical parameter of the tissue is determined from each response induced. A determination is made as to whether the determined values of the biomechanical parameter are sufficiently similar to each other to indicate that the pre-pressure, the parameters of the end portion actions and the time interval are acceptable for use in a measurement process to be conducted on the surface of the tissue.

Method and device for measuring or determining at least one biomechanical parameter of soft biological tissues

A device for monitoring a treatment of posture of body parts in which a local mechanotherapeutic stimulus is applied includes an elastic material which is to be worn over the part of the body, a pressure regulating support, a pressure applicator and a pressure sensor. The support is fixed to the elastic material and passes over a region where mechanotherapeutic stimulus is to be applied. The sensor is rigidly attached to the pressure applicator and they are together received in a pocket. The sensor senses pressure and hence a stimulus applied to the part as a result of the tension in the support, the sensor being configured to output a signal indicative of the pressure applied, providing the opportunity to change the stimulus to within a given range based on the feedback from the sensor. A method for using the device is also disclosed.

Mechanotherapeutic device and measurement method

A device and a method for simultaneous recording, in real time, parameters characterising the mechanical tension, elasticity, dynamical stiffness, creepability and mechanical stress of soft biological tissue are provided. By means of the myometer, a constant external pre-pressure is created, independently of the device's position, between the tissue and the testing end of the device. Next, the tissue is subjected to a short-term external dynamic influence. A mechanical change in the shape of the tissue and its mechanical response are registered as a graph of the tissue's oscillations. For calculating the parameters, a time span on the graph is used which involves an oscillation period from the beginning to the end of the effect on the tissue plus its subsequent first 1.5 self-oscillation period. This enables recording and data-processing to be carried out simultaneously as well as statistically significant estimates to be made in real time.

Device and method for real-time measurement of parameters of mechanical stress state and biomechanical properties of soft biological tissue

Method and a device for recording mechanical oscillations in soft

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Tartu, Estonia

Arved Vain