I wish to construct an electronic gadget which would measure muscle
tone. It has to be small. Could you please let me know the answer,.
This is my first question

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Request for Question Clarification by sgtcory-ga on 05 Nov 2002 11:09 PST

Hello Charlotte,

Are you looking for one of the researchers to construct this circuit,
or are you looking for examples of how this may work in theory?


Thanks for the clarification -

SgtCory

I am not sure what exactly could be the principle for the gadget.
Firstly you need to find out the characteristics of the muscle such as
conductivity, resistance to direct/alternating currents(at various
frequencies). Whether you prefer a contact/non contact method for
the measurement.  You could also use guided microwaves, if you could
come up with a relationship involving absorption characteristics, or
you could just use closely spaced sensors stuck to an tube that could
be inflated.  These are just ideas but not concrete enough to put to
work.

I have seen little sensors attached to muscle to give an indication of
the muscle tone. One of the companies is Biopak in Milwaukee. They
have their own products and not interested in anything else. The
sensor has to be similar perhaps as a direct contact like a wrist
watch but worn higher up on more substantial muscle. The tonicity or
hypertonicity of the muscle is perhaps dependent on the minute
electrical change which can be measured at the surface.  (I am sure
there is plenty of info about this electrical change on the net anout
this) I am looking at measuring this by whatever means - perhaps an
electronic reading attached to the same contact like a wrist watch.
The device must be able to measure the minutest change. Thank you for
your interest.

If someone could construst the circuit it will be excellent. Off
course I will pay for it. Thanks