Evaluating the Impact of Muscle Position on MyotonPRO Measurements: Implications for Monitoring Muscle Health and Preventing Sarcopenia in Hospitalized Patients

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of evaluating eight key muscles involved in fundamental movement and function, including the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, biceps, triceps, and trapezius. These muscles are essential for a wide range of daily activities, athletic performance, and overall physical health. By examining how these muscles respond under different positions, particularly in terms of muscle length, the research will provide insights into the potential effects of positioning on MyotonPRO measurements. The eight muscles chosen for this assessment play significant roles in different movement patterns: the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius contribute to foot movement and gait; the biceps and triceps govern arm flexion and extension; and the trapezius supports posture and upper body strength. Their combined performance is crucial for the proper functioning of the body, especially in dynamic activities involving both upper and lower limbs. The study will involve 20 healthy participants, evenly divided by gender, who will undergo muscle assessments to evaluate the effects of different muscle positions on MyotonPRO measurements. These measurements will focus on how muscle length and positioning impact properties such as tone, stiffness, and elasticity, which are essential in understanding how well these muscles perform under different conditions. This is especially important since many patients, due to pain, post-operative conditions, or other limitations, might not be able to place muscles in the "normal" research positions. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether consistency in muscle position is necessary when monitoring changes in muscle properties using MyotonPRO, or if variations in positioning can still provide reliable results. Understanding this will help ensure that measurements remain accurate and effective for monitoring muscle changes, even in clinical or rehabilitative settings where patients cannot always maintain typical positions. Additionally, the ability to monitor muscle properties in various patient conditions could provide a valuable tool for tracking muscle health during hospital stays. Early detection of changes in muscle tone or stiffness could allow for timely interventions, potentially helping to prevent the development of sarcopenia and other muscle-related conditions in hospitalized patients.