Intraoperative measurement of force-length relationship of human forearm muscle

Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2004 Jan:(418):237-41. doi: 10.1097/00003086-200401000-00041.

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%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Child
  • Female
  • Forearm*
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Care*
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / anatomy & histology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Reproducibility of Results