Handheld Device for Soft Tissue Assessment

Before the advent of Myoton’s handheld device, assessing the mechanical properties of soft biological tissues – such as muscles, tendons, and skin – was a significant challenge in both clinical and research environments. Traditional methods relied heavily on subjective evaluations, invasive procedures, and manual palpation, which often resulted in inconsistent and inaccurate data. These limitations posed significant hurdles in areas like sports medicine, rehabilitation, and physical therapy, where precise measurements are critical for effective treatment and monitoring.

There was a pressing need for a solution that could provide quick, reliable, and non-invasive assessments of soft tissue properties. Healthcare professionals required a tool that could offer objective data on muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, and other key parameters, enabling them to make more informed decisions in diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of patient progress. Researchers also needed consistent, high-quality data to advance studies in biomechanics and related fields.

Myoton addressed this challenge by introducing a portable, user-friendly, handheld device capable of delivering precise, objective measurements of soft tissue properties without the need for invasive procedures.

MyotonPRO operates by applying a brief, gentle mechanical impulse to the tissue using a small probe. This impulse induces a natural oscillation in the tissue, which the device then measures. The key parameters it assesses include:

• Muscle Tone: The state of tension or readiness in the muscle when at rest.
• Stiffness: The resistance of the tissue to deformation or change in shape.
• Elasticity: The ability of the tissue to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.

Once the impulse is delivered, the MyotonPRO probe records the tissue’s response to this impulse, specifically capturing the oscillation frequency, logarithmic decrement, and creep (deformation over time). These data points are used to calculate the tissue’s mechanical properties. The results are displayed on the device’s screen within seconds, providing immediate, objective data that can be used for clinical decision-making or research analysis.

MyotonPRO is designed to be portable and easy to use, with a straightforward interface that allows users to quickly obtain and interpret results. The device stores the data, which can be exported for further analysis, making it an essential tool for longitudinal studies and ongoing patient monitoring.

Myoton’s journey into space began with a feasibility study exploring the use of myometric measurements to monitor the mechanical properties of skeletal muscles and tendons in microgravity environments (weightlessness) during parabolic flights. This led to the approval of the Muscle Tone in Space (Myotones) project by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, which was conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

In 2018, the MyotonPRO handheld device was launched to the ISS from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 CRS-14 rocket. This marked a significant milestone for Myoton, whose technology is used by over 250 universities and scientific institutions across more than 40 countries, now extending its reach to the ISS with the European Space Agency.

The Myotones investigation focused on observing the biomechanical properties of muscles – such as muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity – during long-term spaceflight. The study aimed to evaluate crew members’ performance control and fitness for various mission duties (inflight monitoring), track crew health before launch (pre-flight training), and monitor post-flight recovery. Additionally, the research examined the effects of microgravity on different tissue and muscle types. The insights gained from this study could significantly enhance our understanding of human resting muscle tone, paving the way for innovative rehabilitation treatments on Earth and strategies for future space missions.

German astronaut and geophysicist Alexander Gerst, a prominent ESA astronaut with 362 days in space, highlighted the importance of the MyotonPRO digital palpation device in a video (shown below) during his mission aboard the ISS. Gerst, known for his extensive contributions to space science, including commanding the ISS during the Horizons mission, has been instrumental in bringing attention to this groundbreaking technology.

Learn more about this project through coverage by NASA, ESA, and Estonian Public Broadcasting News.

MyotonPRO has significantly impacted the fields of healthcare, sports medicine, and research by providing a reliable, non-invasive tool for assessing the mechanical properties of soft tissues. Its ability to measure parameters such as muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity has revolutionized how clinicians and researchers monitor and evaluate soft tissue health. This technology has become essential in applications ranging from injury prevention and rehabilitation to physical therapy and sports science.

MyotonPRO’s effectiveness and versatility are underscored by its extensive use in the scientific community. The device has been featured in nearly 100 scientific publications, showcasing its widespread adoption and influence in advancing the understanding of soft tissue mechanics. These studies highlight its accuracy and practicality in both clinical settings and research, leading to better outcomes in patient care and the development of new treatment protocols.

Beyond its scientific impact, MyotonPRO has gained international recognition and is used by leading medical institutions, research centers, and sports organizations worldwide, including Stanford University and Liverpool Football Club. Its portability, ease of use, and ability to deliver precise measurements in real-time make it an invaluable tool for professionals across various disciplines.

Founded as a spin-off from the University of Tartu, Estonia, Myoton is at the forefront of innovation in soft tissue palpation technology. The company was established with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing the way we assess soft biological tissues, setting a new standard in digital palpation.

Dr. Arved Vain, the visionary behind this groundbreaking technology, has dedicated his career to advancing measurement solutions for skeletal muscle tone and biomechanical properties. His years of research and development have culminated in state-of-the-art technology now used worldwide.

Myoton provides cutting-edge tools and technical support to researchers across the globe, facilitating scientific studies in diverse medical and sports applications with the MyotonPRO devices. Myoton proudly holds multiple technology patents across the EPO region, United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia.

Contact Myoton for product inquiries, pricing information and further details.