Quick instructions for use

The measurement process consists of the following steps

1. Prepare and upload the measurement set from Myoton Desktop Software;
2. Press the ON/NEXT button or tap “Measurements” on the main screen;
3. Press the ON/NEXT button to select the first Subject in the list or tap the screen to select any other Subject;
4. Press the ON/NEXT button to select the first Pattern in the list or tap the screen to select any other Pattern;
5. Press the ON/NEXT button to “Perform new measurement” or tap the screen to view the results of previous measurements;
6. Place the probe perpendicular to the skin’s surface directly on the pre-marked measurement point above the Object (e.g. muscle or tendon) being measured;
7. Move the device towards the skin until the green light is illuminated to indicate accurate measurement position;
8. Hold the device gently and keep it steady within the measurement position until the device automatically performs the measurements;
9. Press the ON/NEXT button or tap “Finish” when all measurements have been completed;
10. Download the results to the Myoton Desktop Software for import and further analysis.

Reference values

Given that the measurement method is relatively new, the production of reference values for various skeletal muscles, taking into account gender, age, life style, occupation, sports and medical conditions, is a challenging task that can be accomplished with the dedication and international co-operation of researchers. However, based on existing literature and observations, most of adult’s superficial skeletal muscles measured in a relaxed state, irrespective of physical condition, normally fall into the following ranges:

• F – 12.0 to 18.0 [Hertz – Hz]
• S – 220  to 380  [Newton/meter – N/m]
• D – 1.00 to 1.60 [relative arbitrary unit]
• R – 14.0 to 30.0 [milliseconds – ms]
• C – 1.00 to 2.00 [relative arbitrary unit]

Examples

• Systematic exercise leads to an increase in muscle tone and stiffness.
• Muscle stiffness of adults can change as much as 45% following systematic exercise over the years (e.g. from 200 to 360 N/m).
• Systematic exercise consisting of fast and powerful repetitive muscle contractions (e.g. sprint) cultivates higher elasticity i.e. lower decrement of involved key muscles.
• Children’s (age 5 to 10 years) muscles compared to adult’s tend to present significantly higher elasticity (decrement of 0.7 vs 1.2 and higher) but lower stiffness (below 200 N/m vs above 250 N/m).