Measuring systems for analysis and evaluation of contractile properties in healthy persons and persons with muscle disorders

Our research program is divided into four parts: the first part includes basic measurements on laboratory animals in order to establish the connection between contractile properties and percentage of muscle fibre types (histochemical technique) within the same muscle. We expect the outcome of this comparison to present the basis for interpretation of measuring results as described in the next paragraph. The set-up for these measurements will also enable testing new measuring methods and systems. The second part - the main part of the research program is a set of following measurements: contractile properties will be detected on spastic muscles, on aged muscles and on immobilised muscles. Each group will also include a non-treated control. Spastic muscles will be monitored before and after the application of botulinum in order to evaluate its effect (and effect's duration) on contractile properties of treated muscle. Many studies have documented reductions in physiological function, muscle mass and strength with advancing age, typically associated with reduced physical activities. Consequently, falls and subsequent serious injuries are prevalent in the elderly. Based on contraction dynamics measurements we will develop means to retard this phenomenon leading to improved quality of life in the elderly. Performing contraction dynamics measurements of immobilised and non-immobilised muscles we will provide information on the influence of limb immobilisation on changes in measured muscles contractile properties. The third part is aimed at simplification of a measuring system and cost reduction. In the final part a new measuring system for non-invasive detection of contraction properties of skeletal muscles will be developed in order to reduce its size, price and to increase the simplicity of measuring procedure. We believe that small, portable and simple-to-use measuring system would be more convenient to use, especially in case of hospitalised patients