Session: VIB-13-01: Dynamics of Biological, Bio-Inspired and Biomimetic Systems

Paper Number: 117940

117940 - Tendon Shear Wave Tensiometry: Application to Flexor Carpi Radialis 

Historically, tendon stresses have been difficult to determine in situ but recent advances in non-invasive measurement techniques such as elastography and shear wave tensiometry have significantly enhanced our ability to accurately measure these stresses. Shear wave tensiometry is a method of determining stresses in tendons by treating the tendon as a thin Timoshenko member loaded in tension. A wave is induced into the tendon and based on the speed at which the wave propagates, the tendon stress can be determined. This potentially has the ability to measure tendon stresses in situ and over the full range of motion of the tendon, thus enabling us to collect tendon stress data for motions that previously could not be analyzed due to movement limitations. Several studies have validated this method for lower-limb tendons but there is a gap in the literature regarding upper-limb tendons.

This study seeks to validate the use of a simple electromagnetic tapper and a pair of accelerometers to measure stresses in the tendons of the wrist. This study focuses specifically on the flexor carpi radialis tendon, presents measurements that were taken in vivo, and seeks to validate those measurements using data from previous studies using ultrasound and magnetic resonance elastography.

Presenting Author: David Phair Brigham Young University

Presenting Author Biography: David is a Senior in the Mechanical Engineering program at Brigham Young University. He plans to attend graduate school and receive a Master's and PhD, focusing his research on the prevention of injury through the study of the mechanics and dynamics of human movement. He is an avid runner and hopes to be able to work with runners and other athletes as part of his professional career.

Authors:

David Phair Brigham Young University
Jackson Wilcox Brigham Young University
Mitchell Zoolakis Brigham Young University
Matt Allen Brigham Young University
Cristopher Dillon Brigham Young University