Session: 06-02-01: Vibration and Acoustics in Biomedical Applications

Paper Number: 144990

144990 - Development of a Low Cost Stiffness Measurement Device for Human Achilles Tendon 

Achilles tendon stiffness has significant implications for athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Optimal tendon stiffness is essential for efficient energy storage and transmission during activities such as running and jumping. Deviations from the normal range of tendon stiffness may predispose individuals to overuse injuries such as tendinopathy or acute injuries such as tendon ruptures. Monitoring Achilles tendon stiffness can help identify individuals at risk of injury and guide injury prevention strategies, such as appropriate training load management and biomechanical interventions. In rehabilitation settings, assessing changes in tendon stiffness can inform treatment efficacy and guide progression through rehabilitation protocols, ultimately facilitating optimal recovery and return to activity. The current imaging techniques, namely magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) are predominantly employed to evaluate injuries in the Achilles tendon while in a resting state. However, the focus of these techniques is primarily on morphological changes and not on elastic properties such as stiffness. This limitation necessitates the development of alternative, cost-effective modalities that can quantify spatial variations in Achilles tendon viscoelastic properties in vivo. To address this need, this study demonstrates a Surface Elastography (SURF-E) technique that uses an accelerometer as a viable solution. The long-term objective of this study is to create a simple, affordable, portable, and non-invasive method for diagnosing tendon stiffness and quantifying spatial variations in Achilles tendon viscoelastic properties. The proposed SURF-E wave propagation method aims to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of AT injuries, aiding in risk assessment, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Additionally, this technique promises to help understand the adaptations of Achilles tendon mechanical properties in response to acute loading, which has significant implications for risk assessment, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and physical/athletic performance enhancement. This study involves undergraduate and graduate students in the experimental design and data analysis, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and contributing to their educational and professional development. Developing a compact, user-friendly diagnostic device for elastography measurements and disseminating research findings in peer-reviewed journals are integral to this study's objectives. The SURF-E technique has the potential to expedite recovery, reduce reinjury risk, and mitigate healthcare costs associated with the escalating prevalence of Achilles tendon injuries. By enabling clinicians to assess injury risk, tailor patient-specific treatment plans for tendinopathy, and monitor the efficiency of therapeutic exercise programs, SURF-E provides an efficient standalone device for efficient health assessment. This study exemplifies the importance of interdisciplinary research and innovation in addressing pressing healthcare challenges, ultimately enhancing patient care and improving healthcare outcomes. The Surface elastography (SURF-E) technique offers a promising alternative for assessing Achilles tendon injuries by providing a simple, affordable, portable, and non-invasive approach for quantifying spatial variations in Achilles tendon viscoelastic properties. Integrating undergraduate and graduate students in the research process fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, contributing to their educational and professional development and underscoring the importance of innovative approaches to addressing pressing healthcare challenges.

 

 

 

Presenting Author: Muhammad Salman kennesaw State University

Presenting Author Biography: Hello Welcome! I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw State University. After the PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology, in Fall 2012, I have the honor to serve the School of Engineering, Southern Polytechnic State University which merged into the Kennesaw State University in 2015. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan. Teaching is my passion and I enjoy my profession.

I conduct experimental research on human skeletal muscles and tendons in the field of biomechanics. My main research focus is dynamics and vibrations in human body bio-mechanics. Mechanical properties of human skeletal muscles/tendons, such as muscle/tendon stiffness (E) are found using a low cost surface wave and shear wave method.

Authors:

Muhammad Salman kennesaw State University
Carolyn Butler kennesaw State University
Iti Shah kennesaw State University
Fatima Salman Kennesaw State University