Muscle physiology and evaluation

MyoTools are a set of devices developed in the laboratory, mainly for assessing muscle strength. They are particularly well suited to the assessment of adults and children with neuromuscular diseases, but they also have many applications in other clinical fields (ageing, cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases, etc.). Beyond the devices themselves, MyoTools include standardised procedures, a quality approach that ensures the best possible clinical metrology, and a range of training courses. MyoTools are currently used in many clinical trials around the world.

Several MyoTools are manufactured and distributed by our partners.

MyoGrip: a high-precision dynamometer for assessing grip strength (patented)

The MyoGrip is an electronic dynamometer specifically designed to measure grip strength under isometric conditions and suited to very weak patients. The MyoGrip was developed to meet the requirements of rigorous, quantified grip strength follow-up, in particular in therapeutic trials. The MyoGrip measures forces ranging from 0 to 90 kg with a resolution of 10 g and an accuracy of 50 g. The handle width is adjustable.
Manufactured and distributed by Ateliers Laumonier (contact@laumonier.fr).

MyoPinch: a high-precision dynamometer for assessing thumb-index pinch strength (patented)

The MyoPinch is an electronic dynamometer specifically designed to measure thumb-index pinch strength and suited to very weak patients. The MyoPinch was developed to meet the requirements of rigorous, quantified pinch strength follow-up, in particular in therapeutic trials. The MyoPinch measures forces ranging from 0 to 18 kg with a resolution of 1 g and an accuracy of 10 g.
Manufactured and distributed by Ateliers Laumonier (contact@laumonier.fr).

MyoAnkle: a dynamometer for assessing ankle flexion and extension strength

The MyoAnkle is an electronic dynamometer specifically designed to measure ankle flexion and extension strength reliably and reproducibly. The measurement range of the MyoAnkle is suited to patients with muscle diseases as well as to healthy individuals.
Manufactured and distributed by Ateliers Laumonier (contact@laumonier.fr).

MyoWrist: a dynamometer for assessing wrist flexion and extension strength

The MyoWrist is an electronic dynamometer specifically designed to measure wrist flexion and extension strength reliably and reproducibly. The measurement range of the MyoWrist is suited to patients with muscle diseases (from 0.1 Nm to 5 Nm) as well as to healthy individuals (25 Nm). The ergonomics of the device also make it suitable for use by a patient in a wheelchair. The MyoWrist is adjustable, so measurements can be taken in children as well as in adults.

MyoQuad: a dynamometer for assessing knee extensor strength (patented)

The MyoQuad is an electronic dynamometer specifically designed to measure the strength of the knee extensor muscles and suited to very weak patients. The MyoQuad was designed to be used in hospital as well as at home or in a community practice. The idea is that it can be attached to any hospital bed or chair leg, whether round or rectangular. The dynamometer, attached at one end to a fixed support and at the other to the patient’s ankle, is connected by Bluetooth to a computer, which makes it possible to view the measurements in real time through a dedicated application. It can detect force variations of 10 g with an accuracy of 50 g.
Manufactured and distributed by Ateliers Laumonier (contact@laumonier.fr).

MoviPlate: a device for assessing distal motor function of the upper limb (patented)

The MoviPlate is a tool for assessing upper limb motor function that is particularly suited to non-ambulant patients. It makes it possible to assess the efficacy of therapies on distal motor function of the upper limbs as part of therapeutic trials.
Manufactured and distributed by Valotec (contact@valotec.fr).

Have you purchased one of our muscle assessment devices?
Training in their use, by videoconference or on site,
together with a user manual and a data collection sheet, is available on request
at myohelp@institut-myologie.org.

Normative data and the MyoTools application: MyoApp

Regional muscle volume assessment using bioelectrical impedance analysis: ElecMyo

We are developing new approaches based on the study of the electrical properties of biological tissues in order to quantify regional muscle mass (in the thigh, for example). This work involves developing devices (such as skin-electrode interfaces) and in silico models, and collecting data from healthy volunteers in a variety of physiological settings (immobilisation, training, etc.) and from patients with neuromuscular diseases or with conditions that affect muscle. This work is carried out in collaboration with the NMR laboratory of the Institute of Myology, the Service of Neuro-Myology, and the Department of Internal Medicine at APHP-SU.

We are developing new approaches based on the study of the electrical properties of biological tissues in order to quantify regional muscle mass (in the thigh, for example). This work involves developing devices (such as skin-electrode interfaces) and in silico models, and collecting data from healthy volunteers in a variety of physiological settings (immobilisation, training, etc.) and from patients with neuromuscular diseases or with conditions that affect muscle. This work is carried out in collaboration with the NMR laboratory of the Institute of Myology, the Service of Neuro-Myology, and the Department of Internal Medicine at APHP-SU.

We are developing new approaches based on multiparametric ultrasound to characterise the structure and function of muscle. This work includes ultrafast plane wave imaging, strain imaging and shear wave elastography. Within this theme, the large-scale project RespiMyo focuses on applying multiparametric ultrasound to the diaphragm, in order to provide specific, non-invasive alternatives for the assessment of diaphragmatic dysfunction associated with neuromuscular or respiratory diseases, or induced by mechanical ventilation in intensive care. This work is carried out in collaboration with the NMR laboratory of the Institute of Myology, the BIOMAPS laboratory (Paris-Sud University, CEA), the R3S department (Respiration, Intensive Care, Rehabilitation, Sleep) at APHP-SU, and Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.

MyoTone Test: assessment of myotonia by modelling the force relaxation curve

The MyoTone Test was developed in 2008 to assess reaction time, maximum voluntary grip strength and myotonia in under 10 minutes, following a submaximal contraction at 70% of maximum voluntary strength. Myotonia is estimated by modelling with supervised software.

Gait analysis using accelerometry

Gait analysis using accelerometry is a promising tool for studying clinical gait parameters. This technique can provide useful information on the characteristics (quantitative parameters) of walking in healthy individuals and in people with a neuromuscular disease. Recordings are made with a three-dimensional accelerometer that captures every movement of the centre of gravity during walking. The analyses are carried out with software developed in the laboratory, which calculates the spatiotemporal parameters of gait from the accelerometry signals.

Grip-Ball: a connected ball for measuring and rehabilitating grip strength (patented)

The Grip-Ball is a tool for assessing and rehabilitating palmar grip strength, which patients can use on their own by simply squeezing the ball in the hand. It consists of a soft, inflatable, airtight plastic ball fitted with a pressure and temperature sensor and a digitisation function (Bluetooth). The results can be recorded and displayed on the local device, then transmitted to a server. The Grip-Ball was developed in partnership with the University of Technology of Troyes.

ELAPS: a high spatial resolution electromyography (EMG) measurement system (patented)

High spatial resolution EMGTracé rendant compte de l’activité électrique produite par la contraction musculaire, enregistré à l’aide d’une aiguille fine implantée dans le muscle. Il permet de savoir si le problème musculaire est dû à une atteinte des muscles ou à une atteinte des nerfs., which combines a multi-electrode system with a spatial filtering procedure, currently offers the best compromise between the selectivity of the needle and the representativeness of the conventional surface electrode. The system detects the activity of a single motor unit (MU) non-invasively and determines the conduction velocity of these motor units. The distribution of conduction velocities is indirectly related to the size of the muscle fibres. High spatial resolution EMG also detects changes in the electrical activity of MUs that are typical of certain neuromuscular and neurological diseases.

NeuPEL carries out consultancy activities for academic and industry partners, such as the design and monitoring of studies (assessment tools, outcomes, etc.).

• Wired (Digitimer) and wireless (Delsys) electromyography
• Motion capture and analysis using inertial measurement units (Opale, APDM)
• Isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex)
• Hand-held and fixed dynamometry (MicroFet, Lafayette, QMT, devices developed in-house)
• Metabolic expenditure and respiratory gas analysis
• Spirometry and respiratory muscle strength testing
• Electrical stimulation (Digitimer)
• Magnetic stimulation (Magstim, donut/figure-of-8 coil, bistim)
• Ultrasound system x 2 (Aixplorer, Supersonic Imagine)
• Assessment of daily physical activity (Geneactiv, Actigraph; AX3, Axivity)
• Force platform (AMTI)
• Rowing ergometer x 3

The innovative approaches developed by NeuPEL regularly lead to patent applications. To date, around a dozen innovations have already been patented.