Fit to Burst: Toward Noninvasive Estimation of Achilles Tendon Load Using Burst Vibrations.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Tendons are essential components of the musculoskeletal system and, as with any mechanical structure, can fail under load. Tendon injuries are common and can be debilitating, and research suggests that a better understanding of their loading conditions could help mitigate injury risk and improve rehabilitation. To that end, we present a novel method of noninvasively assessing parameters related to mechanical load in the Achilles tendon using burst vibrations.

Methods

These vibrations, produced by a small vibration motor on the skin superficial to the tendon, are sensed by a skin-mounted accelerometer, which measures the tendon's response to burst excitation under varying tensile load. In this study, twelve healthy subjects performed a variety of everyday tasks desi

SUBMITTER: Bolus NB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7875505 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature