The Utility of Myotonometry in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation and Human Performance Programming

Abstract

Myotonometry is a relatively novel method used to quantify the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties (stiffness, compliance, tone, elasticity, creep, mechanical relaxation) of palpable musculotendinous structures with portable mechanical devices called myotonometers. Myotonometers obtain these measures by recording the magnitude of radial tissue deformation that occurs in response to the amount of force that is perpendicularly applied to the tissue through a device's probe. Myotonometric parameters such as stiffness and compliance have repeatedly demonstrated strong correlations with force production and muscle activation. Paradoxically, individual muscle stiffness measures have been associated with both superior athletic performance and higher incidence of injury. This suggest there may be optimal stiffness levels that promotes athletic performance while too much or too little may lead to an increased risk of injury. Numerous studies suggest that myotonometry may assist practitioners in the development of performance and rehabilitation programs that improves athletic performance, mitigates injury risk, guides therapeutic interventions, and optimizes return to activity decision making. Thus, the purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the potential utility of myotonometry as a clinical tool that assists musculoskeletal clinicians with the diagnosis, rehabilitation, and prevention of athletic injuries.

The Immediate Effect of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy on Cervical Paravertebral Soft Tissue: A Study Using Soft Tissue Tension Cloud Chart Technology

“…In fact, there are many evaluating tools available to describe soft tissue tension or muscle tension with different theories, such as Myotonometry [35,36] , MyotonPRO [37,38] , Shear Wave Elastography [39,40] , and the STTAS in this study. All these tools can be used to evaluate and analyze the stiffness of soft tissue.…”

Which muscles exhibit increased stiffness in people with chronic neck pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis

“…Ultrasound elastography has proven particularly reliable in assessing stiffness in neck muscles such as the trapezius ( 26 , 27 ), sternocleidomastoid ( 28 ) and deep cervical extensors ( 29 ). Another method that allows the assessment of muscle-specific stiffness is myotonometry, which is based on tracking the mechanical oscillations after a mechanical impulse ( 30 ). However, muscle stiffness results obtained with myotonometers do not always agree with elastography-based stiffness ( 31 , 32 ).…”

“…This discrepancy might stem from shear-wave elastography's ability to scrutinize specific regions of interest, while myotonometry largely captures superficial tissues and is influenced by factors like skin thickness and body fat percentage. Nonetheless, owing to its affordability, ease of use, and high reliability, myotonometry is gaining attraction as a valuable clinical tool in assessing muscle stiffness ( 30 , 33 ).…”