Intraoperative measurement of force-length relationship of human forearm muscle.

Smeulders, Mark J C; Kreulen, Michiel; Hage, J Joris; Huijing, Peter A; van der Horst, Chantal M A M · Clin Orthop Relat Res · 2004

biomechanical · Level V

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Abstract

The specific relationship between force and length is one of the most important characteristics of vertebrate muscle. The only accurate method to measure the force-length characteristics is to generate a set of isometric force-time plots at different muscle lengths. In humans, such force-length characteristics mostly are based on indirect measurements that have their limitations. A method of direct, in vivo measurement of force-length characteristics of the human flexor carpi ulnaris muscle using relatively simple equipment during transposition surgery is presented. The method is proven reproducible, with an overall estimated error of 2.8%.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy