MYODAM – device for objective measurement of muscle strength

INTRODUCTION:

Muscle force is usually measured by uniformly trained physical therapists. The most widespread methods of measuring muscle strength require patient co-operation. To measure progress of muscle weakness or treatment effect on strength different methods have been used, including manual muscle testing and max. voluntary isometric contraction megascore.

TECHNOLOGY (INVENTION) DESCRIPTION:

Using MYODAM, muscle strength is tested objectively by stimulation of the muscle at the motor point. Muscle contraction of the m. tibialis anterior is induced by increasing electric current intensity stimulation in the motor point of the muscle. The proposed method of objective measurement of muscle strength by repetitive stimulation at the motor point is highly reproducible and does not require patient collaboration. Thus this method allows measurements of muscle strength at non-cooperating or badly cooperating patients. Our device is intended not only for intensive medicine (sarcopenia, coma, long-term diseases), but also for sports medicine (effect of training and nutrition on athletes’ performance) and for regular athletes.

ADVANTAGES OVER EXISTING SOLUTIONS:

Common dynamometers have a non-uniform scale. They have a low sensitivity due to a low torque to weight ratio. These instruments are sensitive to overloads and mechanical impacts. Therefore, they must be handled with great care. Like manual tests, these devices require patient collaboration. The extent of this cooperation is an important source of variability. The proposed method of objective measurement of muscle strength requires minimal training of medical technician. The only significant source of variance in the subject being investigated is the placement of the stimulation and reference electrodes above the motor point.

DEVELOPMENT STATUS (STAGE):

prototype with CE mark - suitable for testing on healthy subjects (ongoing study at University Hospital Hradec Králové)

PUBLICATIONS:

poster presentation "Objective measurement of muscle strength", 11th international Conference on Cachexia, Sarcopenia & Muscle Wasting, Maastricht, 7-9 December 2018

IP PROTECTION STATUS:

Czech patent application no. 2018-559 (filed 19th October 2018)

TECHNOLOGY / IP OWNERS :

University Hospital Hradec Králové Mikroklima s.r.o.

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