P5.2 - Measurement system to determine the contraction time of the forearm skeletal muscle

A measurement system is described which can measure the contraction time of the forearm muscles. During muscle contraction, the circumference of the forearm increases as a function of the force applied. As sensor for measuring that minor expansion, a cuff as compressible volume, is placed around the arm. Compression of the cuff volume increases the pressure; that pressure measures the muscle contraction. In this way, for example, the latency time or the contraction time of the electrically stimulated muscle can be measured by a non-electrical signal. The results can be used for medical diagnostics or fundamental physiological examination. First tests showed that latency and contraction time can be determined with sufficient accuracy for fundamental studies.