https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2021.9553
Mechanotendography: description and evaluation of a novel method for investigating the physiological mechanical oscillations of tendons using a piezo-based measurement system
Submitted: 7 December 2020
Accepted: 23 January 2021
Published: 2 March 2021
Accepted: 23 January 2021
Abstract Views: 1083
PDF: 436
HTML: 5
HTML: 5
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Authors
The mechanotendography (MTG) is a method for analyzing the mechanical oscillations of tendons during muscular actions. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the technical reliability of a piezo-based measurement system used for MTG. The reliability measurements were performed by using audio samples played by a subwoofer. The thereby generated pressure waves were recorded by a piezo-based measurement system. An audio of 40 Hz sine oscillations and four different formerly in vivo recorded MTG-signals were converted into audio files and were used as test signals. Five trials with each audio were performed and one audio was used for repetition trials on another day. The signals’ correlation was estimated by Spearman (MCC) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(3,1)), Cronbach’s alpha (CA) and by mean distances (MD). All parameters were compared between repetition and randomized matched signals. The repetition trials show high correlations (MCC: 0.86 ± 0.13, ICC: 0.89 ± 0.12, CA: 0.98 ± 0.03), low MD (0.03 ± 0.03V) and differ significantly from the randomized matched signals (MCC: 0.15 ± 0.10, ICC: 0.17 ± 0.09, CA: 0.37 ± 0.16, MD: 0.19 ± 0.01V) (p = 0.001 – 0.043). This speaks for an excellent reliability of the measurement system. Presuming the skin above superficial tendons oscillates adequately, we estimate this tool as valid for the application in musculoskeletal system.
Beck T. Applications of mechanomyography for examining muscle function. Editor Travis W Beck; 2010. https://issuu.com/researchsignpost/docs/beck/63
McAuley JH, Marsden CD. Physiological and pathological tremors and rhythmic central motor control. Brain. 2000 Aug;123 (Pt 8):1545-67.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/123.8.1545
Schaefer LV, Bittmann FN. Coherent behavior of neuromuscular oscillations between isometrically interacting subjects: experimental study utilizing wavelet coherence analysis of mechanomyographic and mechanotendographic signals. Sci Rep. 2018 Oct 18;8(1):15456.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-33579-5
Magnusson SP, Hansen P, Kjaer M. Tendon properties in relation to muscular activity and physical training: Tendon properties and physical training. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2003 Aug;13(4):211-23.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0838.2003.00308.x
Hirschmüller A. Achillodynie: Pathophysiologie und Diagnostik. Manuelle Therapie 2014; 18(03): 107-112. DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1383426.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1383426
Alfredson H, Lorentzon R. Chronic Achilles Tendinosis: Recommendations for Treatment and Prevention. Sports Med. 2000 Feb;29(2):135-46.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200029020-00005
Wyndow N, Cowan SM, Wrigley TV, Crossley KM. Neuromotor Control of the Lower Limb in Achilles Tendinopathy: Implications for Foot Orthotic Therapy. Sports Med. 2010 Sep 1;40(9):715-27.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11535920-000000000-00000
Quigley AS, Bancelin S, Deska-Gauthier D, Légaré F, Kreplak L, Veres SP. In tendons, differing physiological requirements lead to functionally distinct nanostructures. Sci Rep. 2018 Mar 13;8(1):4409.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-22741-8
Shoaib M, Cheong J, Park D, Park C. Composite Controller for Antagonistic Tendon Driven Joints With Elastic Tendons and Its Experimental Verification. IEEE Access, vol. 6, pp. 5215-5226, 2018.
Chatjigeorgiou IK. Nonlinear dynamics of statically displaced tendons with non-conventional end conditions. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci. 2016 Aug;472(2192):20150849.
Huang BK, Wong JH, Haghighi P, Wan L, Du J, Chang EY. Pectoralis major tendon and enthesis: anatomic, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonographic, and histologic investigation. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2020 Aug;29(8):1590-1598.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.020
Martinoli C, Bianchi S, Dahmane M, Pugliese F, Bianchi-Zamorani M, Valle M. Eur Radiol. 2002 Jan;12(1):44-55.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-001-1161-9
Magnusson SP , Aagaard P , Rosager S, Dyhre‐ Poulsen P , Kjaer M. Load‐displacement properties of the human triceps surae aponeurosis in vivo. J Physiol. 2001 Feb 15;531(Pt 1):277-88.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.0277j.x
Maganaris CN, Narici MV , Almekinders LC, Maffulli N. Biomechanics and Pathophysiology of Overuse Tendon Injuries: Ideas on Insertional Tendinopathy. Sports Med. 2004;34(14):1005-17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434140-00005
Kongsgaard M, Nielsen CH, Hegnsvad S, Aagaard P , Magnusson SP . Mechanical properties of the human Achilles tendon, in vivo. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2011 Aug;26(7):772-7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.02.011
Bojsen-Møller J, Magnusson SP . Heterogeneous Loading of the Human Achilles Tendon In Vivo. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2015 Oct;43(4):190-7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/JES.0000000000000062
Maganaris CN. Validity of procedures involved in ultrasound-based measurement of human plantar flexor tendon elongation on contraction. Journal of Biomechanics. J Biomech. 2005 Jan;38(1):9-13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.03.024
McCrory JL, Martin DF, Lowery RB, Cannon DW, Curl WW, Read HM Jr, Hunter DM, Craven T, Messier SP . Etiologic factors associated with Achilles tendinitis in runners. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999 Oct;31(10):1374-81.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199910000-00003
Mahieu NN, Witvrouw E, Stevens V, Van Tiggelen D, Roget P. Intrinsic Risk Factors for the Development of Achilles Tendon Overuse Injury: A Prospective Study. Am J Sports Med. 2006 Feb;34(2):226-35.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546505279918
Baur H, Divert C, Hirschmüller A, Müller S, Belli A, Mayer F. Analysis of gait differences in healthy runners and runners with chronic Achilles tendon complaints. Isokinetics and Exercise Science. 12(2):111-116.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/IES-2004-0161
Baur H, Müller S, Hirschmüller A, Cassel M, Weber J, Mayer F. Comparison in lower leg neuromuscular activity between runners with unilateral mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy and healthy individuals. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2011 Jun;21(3):499-505.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2010.11.010
Martin JA, Brandon SCE, Keuler EM, Hermus JR, Ehlers AC, Segalman DJ, Allen MS, Thelen DG. Gauging force by tapping tendons. Nat Commun. 2018 Apr 23;9(1):1592.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03797-6
Keuler EM, Loegering IF, Martin JA, Roth JD, Thelen DG. Shear Wave Predictions of Achilles Tendon Loading during Human Walking. Sci Rep. 2019 Sep 17;9(1):13419.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-49063-7
Salman M, Sabra K. Non-invasive monitoring of Achille’s tendon stiffness variations in-vivo using mechanical vibrations. J Acoust Soc Am. 2015:137(4):2424–2424.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1121/1.4920844
Sakalauskaitė R, Satkunskienė D. The foot arch and viscoelastic properties of plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Journal of vibroengeneering. 2012;14(4):1– 10.
Bercoff J, Tanter M, Fink M. Supersonic shear imaging: a new technique for soft tissue elasticity mapping. IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2004 Apr;51(4):396-409.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TUFFC.2004.1295425
Schaefer LV, Torick AH, Matuschek H, Holschneider M, Bittmann FN. Synchronization of Muscular Oscillations Between Two Subjects During Isometric Interaction. Eur J Transl Myol. 2014 May 6;24(3):2237.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/bam.2014.3.195
Schubert P . Die Anwendung nichtlinearer Verfahren zur Charakterisierung der menschlichen Variabilität aus Zeitreihen. Dtsch Z Sportmed. 2013(05):132–40.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5960/dzsm.2012.064
Torick A, Hoff M, Schaefer LV, Behnke T, Lehmann D, Bittmann FN. Mechanotendografie (MTG) – Messen und Analysieren der Oszillationsmuster von Achillessehnen. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, 2013, 64(7-8), p. 206.
Schaefer L, Bittmann F. Mechanotendography in Achillodynia shows reduced oscillation variability of pre-loaded Achilles tendon: a pilot study. Eur J Transl Myol. 2020 Jun 17;30(2):8983.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2020.8983
Koo TK, Li MY. A Guideline of Selecting and Reporting Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for Reliability Research. J Chiropr Med. 2016 Jun;15(2):155-63.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.02.012
How to Cite
Schaefer, L. V., & Bittmann, F. N. (2021). Mechanotendography: description and evaluation of a novel method for investigating the physiological mechanical oscillations of tendons using a piezo-based measurement system. European Journal of Translational Myology, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2021.9553
PAGEPress has chosen to apply the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) to all manuscripts to be published.