title: Assessment of muscle stiffness using a continuously scanning laser-Doppler vibrometer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A stand-alone and low-cost elastography technique has been developed using a single continuously scanning laser Doppler vibrometer.
  
  
  METHODS
  This elastography technique is used to measure the propagation velocity of surface vibrations over superficial skeletal muscles to assess muscle stiffness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Systematic variations in propagation velocity depending on the contraction level and joint position of the biceps brachii were demonstrated in 10 subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique may assist clinicians in characterizing muscle stiffness (or tone) changes due to neuromuscular disorders.
authors.affiliation: School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 771 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332-0356, USA.
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salman
authors.forename: Karim G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Sabra
authors.forename: Minoru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shinohara
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004548:Elasticity; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D014732:Vibration; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
keywords: elastography; laser vibrometry; muscle stiffness; skeletal muscles; surface waves