How to measure

The measurement process involves the following steps:

1. Prepare and upload the measurement set using the Myoton Desktop Software.
2. On the device press the ON/NEXT button, or tap “Measurements” on the main screen.
3. Select the Subject: Press ON/NEXT to choose the first Subject in the list, or tap the screen to select another Subject.
4. Select the Pattern: Press ON/NEXT to choose the first Pattern in the list, or tap the screen to select another Pattern.
5. Activate the measurement: Press ON/NEXT to “Perform new measurement,” or tap the screen to view results from previous measurements.
6. Position the probe: Place the probe perpendicular to the skin’s surface on the pre-marked measurement point over the Object (e.g., muscle or tendon).
7. Move the device toward the probe marker until the green light illuminates.
8. Conduct the measurement: Hold the device gently and keep it steady in the measurement position until the device automatically completes the measurements.
9. Complete the process: Press the ON/NEXT button, or tap “Finish” once all measurements are 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, producing reference values for various skeletal muscles – taking into account factors such as gender, age, lifestyle, occupation, sports, and medical conditions – remains a challenging task. This goal, however, can be achieved through the dedication and international collaboration of researchers.

Based on existing literature and observations, the majority of superficial skeletal muscles in adults, measured in a relaxed state and irrespective of physical condition, typically fall within the following ranges:

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

Examples

• Systematic exercise leads to an increase in muscle tone and stiffness.
• In adults, muscle stiffness can change by as much as 45% following systematic exercise over the years (e.g., from 200 to 360 N/m).
• Exercises involving fast and powerful repetitive muscle contractions (e.g., sprinting) enhance muscle elasticity, resulting in a lower decrement of key muscles involved.
• In contrast, children’s muscles (ages 5 to 10 years) exhibit significantly higher elasticity compared to adults (e.g., decrement of 0.7 vs. 1.2 or higher), but their muscle stiffness tends to be lower (below 200 N/m vs. above 250 N/m in adults).