Methodical approaches to determine the rate of radial muscle displacement using tensiomyography: A scoping review and new reporting guideline

• Published in: Journal of electromyography and kinesiology 2022-12, Vol.67, p.102702-102702, Article 102702
• Main Authors: Langen, G., Sandau, I., Ueberschär, O., Nosaka, K., Behringer, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Contraction velocity; Electric Stimulation; Electrodes; Humans; Mechanomyography; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Radial displacement; Skeletal Muscle
• ISSN: 1050-6411; 1873-5711
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102702

Tensiomyography is a non-invasive method to assess skeletal muscle contractile properties from the stimulated radial displacement. Many studies have used the rate of displacement (Vc) as an indirect measure of muscle contraction velocity. However, no standardised methodical approach exists to measure displacement and determine Vc. This review aimed to provide an overview of concepts to determine Vc and measurement protocols to foster the development of a standardised methodical approach. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA–ScR) guideline. Systematic searches were performed within five electronic databases and additional sources. The included 62 studies reported 10 different concepts to determine Vc, which we summarised in three groups. The determination concepts differed mainly regarding time intervals during the contraction phase considered and criteria used to define these intervals. Essential information on the equipment and raters, measurement setup, electrical stimulation procedure, and data analysis were frequently not reported. In conclusion, no consensus on how to determine Vc existed. Incomplete reporting of measurement protocols hindered study comparison, which obstructs developing a standardised approach. Therefore, we propose a new guideline for reporting measurement protocols, which covers the 1) equipment and rater, 2) measurement setup, including positioning of the subject, sensor and electrodes, 3) electrical stimulation, including initial stimulation amplitude, increment, and endpoint, and 4) data analysis, including selection criteria and number of analysed signals and a definition of derived parameters.