Test rig and software for recording force and muscle activity.
OBJECTIVE
To design a test rig for measuring isometric quadriceps' force which is easily adjustable, dismountable, transportable, relatively lightweight and inexpensive. Also to produce a data-acquisition software program that enables real-time feedback of the force signal, automatic analysis of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force, and submaximal target levels to be displayed on a computer screen, as well as acquisition of other signals such as electromyographic (EMG) activity.


METHODS
A test rig was constructed using an aluminium tubing system which was fully adjustable and could be flat-packed for transportation. The data acquisition software program was written in Borland C++ and is suitable for use with an IBM-compatible PC. The interface is user friendly, and the entire testing system is relatively inexpensive compared to commercially available systems.


CONCLUSIONS
The equipment is suitable for various applications in rehabilitation research and clinical testing, and is suitable for examining different muscles. Further technical details are freely available from the authors.
Outten
A G
AG
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney, London, UK.
Cullen
G
G
Stokes
M J
MJ
D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D010827:Physiology / Q000295:instrumentation; D012984:Software