THE MYOTRON -- A SERVO-CONTROLLED EXOSKELETON FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF MUSCULAR KINETICS

Abstract : The Myotron is a new type of instrument for the dynamic measurement of skeletal muscle forces and behavior. It is basically a servo-controlled exoskeleton with integral force and position transducers (non-myoelectric). A two-axis instrument was designed and fabricated to establish the practicality and medical utility of such a device. In-hospital evaluation of the instrument as a medical research aid substantiated that the device is potentially suited for basic studies of neuromuscular activity, studies of neuromuscular disorders, development of new rehabilitation therapy techniques, and studies of new powered orthotic devices. This report introduces the Myotron concept and describes the construction and operational principles of the two-axis instrument. The evaluation experiments and results are presented, with recommendations for further research. A selected bibliography is appended.