McGowen Jared M, Hoppes Carrie W, Forsse Jeff S, Albin Stephanie R, Abt John, Koppenhaver Shane L
Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA.
U.S. Army Medical Professional Training Brigade, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
J Athl Train. 2022 Jul 14. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0616.21.
Myotonometry is a relatively novel method used to quantify the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties (stiffness, compliance, tone, elasticity, creep, mechanical relaxation) of palpable musculotendinous structures with portable mechanical devices called myotonometers. Myotonometers obtain these measures by recording the magnitude of radial tissue deformation that occurs in response to the amount of force that is perpendicularly applied to the tissue through a device's probe. Myotonometric parameters such as stiffness and compliance have repeatedly demonstrated strong correlations with force production and muscle activation. Paradoxically, individual muscle stiffness measures have been associated with both superior athletic performance and higher incidence of injury. This suggest there may be optimal stiffness levels that promotes athletic performance while too much or too little may lead to an increased risk of injury. Numerous studies suggest that myotonometry may assist practitioners in the development of performance and rehabilitation programs that improves athletic performance, mitigates injury risk, guides therapeutic interventions, and optimizes return to activity decision making. Thus, the purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the potential utility of myotonometry as a clinical tool that assists musculoskeletal clinicians with the diagnosis, rehabilitation, and prevention of athletic injuries.
肌张力测量法是一种相对新颖的方法，它使用称为肌张力计的便携式机械设备来量化可触及的肌腱结构的生物力学和粘弹性特性（刚度、顺应性、张力、弹性、蠕变、机械松弛）。肌张力计通过记录径向组织变形的大小来获得这些测量值，这种变形是由通过设备探头垂直施加到组织上的力的大小所引起的。诸如刚度和顺应性等肌张力测量参数已反复证明与力量产生和肌肉激活密切相关。矛盾的是，个体肌肉刚度测量值既与卓越的运动表现相关，又与较高的受伤发生率相关。这表明可能存在促进运动表现的最佳刚度水平，而过多或过少可能会导致受伤风险增加。大量研究表明，肌张力测量法可能有助于从业者制定提高运动表现、降低受伤风险、指导治疗干预以及优化恢复活动决策的表现和康复计划。因此，本叙述性综述的目的是总结肌张力测量法作为一种临床工具的潜在效用，该工具可协助肌肉骨骼临床医生进行运动损伤的诊断、康复和预防。
