title: Mechanography
text: # Mechanography
  
  Mechanography (also referred to as jumping mechanography or Muscle Mechanography) is a medical diagnostic measurement method for motion analysis and assessment of muscle function and muscle power by means of physical parameters. The method is based on measuring the variation of the ground reaction forces over the time for motion patterns close to typical every day movements (e.g. chair rise or jumps). From these ground reaction forces centre of gravity related physical parameters like relative maximum forces, velocity, power output, kinetic energy, potential energy, height of jump or whole body stiffness are calculated. If the ground reaction forces are measured separately for left and right leg in addition body imbalances during the motions can be analysed. This enables for example to document the results of therapy. The same methodology can also be used for gait analysis or for analysis of stair climbing, grip strength and Posturography. Due to the utilization of every-day movements reproducibility is high over a wide age range
  
  ## Fields of application
  
  Typical fields of applications of Mechanography are in the field of geriatrics especially in the field of Sarcopenia but also for Master Athletes. Mechanography is also used frequently in pediatrics for basic research ins muscle function and growth, reference Data as well as in specific diseases like Prader–Willi syndrome, Obesity, Osteogenesis Imperfecta and cerebral palsy. In opposite to many other established measurements methods like Chair Rising Test, Stand-up and Go test and others the maximum power output relative to body weight during a jump of maximum height measured by Mechanography is a much better reproducible and does not have a training effect even when repeated more frequently.
  
  Based on this test (maximum relative power output of a jump as high as possible) Runge et al. and Schönau et al. defined reference values of a fit population in order to match the individual power output in relation to bodyweight, age and gender Tsubaki showed when using identical selection criteria as Runge that the relative Power of the Japanese population is identical with western European population which delimits the need for localized reference data. Runge et al. also showed the interrelation between the measured individual power output and the neuromuscular caused fall risk.
  
  Due to this objective and highly reproducible quantification of typical every day movements by means of physical parameters the Mechanography is well suited to document the physical state of a person as well as the effects of training or therapy. Because of this it is also one of the standard measurements in recent and current Bed Rest Studies of the European Space Agency (ESA). and the Mars500 Mission.
  
  Mechanography has also been used to explore the relation between muscle and bone. According to the Mechanostat theorem muscle function influences bone growth. By combining functional measurement methods like Mechanography and quantitative computer tomographic measurements analysing bone density, geometry and strength this relationship can be assessed. In sports research Mechanography has been used to assess principle training effects.
  
  ## Mechanography Devices
  
  The standard Mechanography measurement devices as used in all referenced articles are the Leonardo Mechanograph™ systems supplied by Novotec Medical GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany.
  
  ## Resources
  
  * ↑ Taani MH, Kovach CR, Buehring B: Muscle Mechanography: A Novel Method to Measure Muscle Function in Older Adults., Res Gerontol Nurs, 10(1):17-24, 2017; PMID 28112354
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  * 1 2 Fricke O, Witzel C, Schickendantz S, Sreeram N, Brockmeier K, Schoenau E: Mechanographic characteristics of adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease, Eur J Pediatr. 2007 May 22, PMID 17516086
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  * ↑ Veilleux LN, Robert M, Ballaz L, Lemay M, Rauch F: Gait analysis using a force-measuring gangway: Intrasession repeatability in healthy adults, J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 11(1):27-33, 2011; PMID 21364272
  * ↑ Veilleux LN, Cheung M, Ben Amor M, Rauch F: Abnormalities in Muscle Density and Muscle Function in Hypophosphatemic Rickets., J Clin Endocrinol Metab,:, 2012; PMID 22639288
  * ↑ Saxer S, Speich R, Toigo M, Mueller SM, Ulrich Somaini S: Reliability of parameters during stair ascent measured with Leonardo Mechanograph((R)) Stair A in healthy subjects., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 15(3):257-63, 2015; PMID 26350944
  * 1 2 Lang I, Busche P, Rakhimi N, Rawer R, Martin DD.: Mechanography in childhood: references for grip force, multiple one-leg hopping force and whole body stiffness., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 13(2)::227-35., 2013; PMID 23728109
  * ↑ Stolzenberg N, Belavý DL, Rawer R, Felsenberg D.: Vibration or Balance Training on Neuromuscular Performance in Osteopenic Women., Int J Sports Med., 34(11):956-62, 2013; PMID 23549694
  * ↑ Matheson LA, Duffy S, Maroof A, Gibbons R, Duffy C, Roth J: Intra- and inter-rater reliability of jumping mechanography muscle function assessments., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 13(4):480-6, 2013; PMID 24292618
  * ↑ Dietzel R, Gast U, Heine T, Felsenberg D, Armbrecht G: Cross-sectional assessment of neuromuscular function using mechanography in women and men aged 20-85 years., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 13(3):274-81, 2013; PMID 23989252
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  * 1 2 3 Runge M, Rittweger J, Russo CR, Schiessl H, Felsenberg D: Is muscle power output a key factor in the age-related decline in physical performance? A comparison of muscle cross section, chair-rising test and jumping power, Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2004 Nov;24(6):335-40, PMID 15522042
  * ↑ Buehring B, Hind J, Fidler E, Krueger D, Binkley N, Robbins J: Tongue strength is associated with jumping mechanography performance and handgrip strength but not with classic functional tests in older adults., J Am Geriatr Soc, 61(3):418-22, 2013; PMID 23379330
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  * 1 2 Buehring B, Valentine S, Woods A, Checovich M, Krueger D, Binkley N: Jumping Mechanography Safely Evaluates Muscle Performance in Older Adults, ASBMR 2008, :, 2008
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  * ↑ Buehring B, Krueger D, Fidler E, Gangnon R, Heiderscheit B, Binkley N: Reproducibility of jumping mechanography and traditional measures of physical and muscle function in older adults., Osteoporos Int, 26(2):819-25, 2015; PMID 25488806
  * ↑ Dionyssiotis Y, Galanos A, Michas G, Trovas G, Lyritis GP: Assessment of musculoskeletal system in women with jumping mechanography, International Journal of Women’s Health, 1:113–118, 2009
  * 1 2 Mueller SM, Knechtle B, Knechtle P, Toigo M: Physiological alterations after a marathon in the first 90-year-old male finisher: case study., SpringerPlus, 3:608, 2014; PMID 25392780
  * ↑ Buehring B, Fidler E, Libber J, Krueger D, Binkley N: Muscle Function, but Not Muscle Mass, is Related to Balance Confidence in Older Adults, ISCD, :, 2012
  * ↑ Dietzel R, Felsenberg D, Armbrecht G: Mechanography performance tests and their association with sarcopenia, falls and impairment in the activities of daily living - a pilot cross-sectional study in 293 older adults., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 15(3):249-56, 2015; PMID 26350943
  * ↑ Gast U, Belavy DL, Armbrecht G, Kusy K, Lexy H, Rawer R, Rittweger J, Winwood K, Zielinski J, Felsenberg D: Bone density and neuromuscular function in older competitive athletes depend on running distance., Osteoporos Int, 24(7):2033-42, 2013; PMID 23242430
  * ↑ Fricke O, Stabrey A, Tutlewski B, Schoenau E: Mechanographic analyses in pediatrics: allometric scaling of 'peak jump force' and its relationship to 'maximal isometric grip force' in childhood and adolescence, Klin Padiatr., 221(7):436-9, 2009; PMID 20013567
  * ↑ Richter A, Lang D, Strutzenberger G, Schwameder H: EFFECT OF SPORT ACTIVITY ON COUNTER MOVEMENT JUMP PARAMETERS IN JUVENILE STUDENTS, ISBS, Conference Proceedings Archive, 27 International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports (2009), :, 2009
  * ↑ Fricke O, Schoenau E: Examining the developing skeletal muscle: Why, what and how, J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 5(3):225-31, 2005; PMID 16172513
  * 1 2 Binkley TL, Specker BL: Muscle-bone relationships in the lower leg of healthy pre-pubertal females and males, J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 8(3):239-43, 2008; PMID 18799856
  * ↑ Hockett CW, Eelloo J, Huson SM, Roberts SA, Berry JL, Chaloner C, Rawer R, Mughal MZ.: Vitamin D status and muscle function in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 13(1):111-119, 2013; PMID 23445921
  * ↑ Pouliot-Laforte A, Veilleux LN, Rauch F, Lemay M: Validity of an accelerometer as a vertical ground reaction force measuring device in healthy children and adolescents and in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta type I., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 14(2):155-61, 2014; PMID 24879019
  * 1 2 Fricke O, Weidler J, Tutlewski B, Schoenau E: Mechanography - a new device for the assessment of muscle function in pediatrics, Pediatr Res. 2006 Jan;59(1):46-9. Epub 2005 Dec 2, PMID 16327004
  * ↑ Veilleux LN, Rauch F, Lemay M, Ballaz L: Agreement between vertical ground reaction force and ground reaction force vector in five common clinical tests., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 12(4):219-23, 2012; PMID 23196264
  * ↑ Veilleux LN, Rauch F: Reproducibility of jumping mechanography in healthy children and adults, J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 10(4):256-66, 2010; PMID 21116062
  * ↑ Busche P, Rawer R, Rakhimi N, Lang I, Martin DD.: Mechanography in childhood: references for force and power in counter movement jumps and chair rising tests., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 13(2)::213-26., 2013; PMID 23728108
  * ↑ Sumnik Z, Matyskova J, Hlavka Z, Durdilova L, Soucek O, Zemkova D: Reference data for jumping mechanography in healthy children and adolescents aged 6-18 years., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 13(3):259-73, 2013; PMID 23989251
  * ↑ Edouard T, Deal C, Van Vliet G, Gaulin N, Moreau A, Rauch F, Alos N: Muscle-Bone Characteristics in Children with Prader–Willi syndrome., J Clin Endocrinol Metab,:, 2011; PMID 22162467
  * ↑ Vandewalle S, Taes Y, Van Helvoirt M, Debode P, Herregods N, Ernst C, Roef G, Van Caenegem E, Roggen I, Verhelle F, Kaufman JM, De Schepper J.: Bone Size and Bone Strength Are Increased in Obese Male Adolescents., J Clin Endocrinol Metab., 98(7):3019-28, 2013; PMID 23666962
  * 1 2 Rauch R, Veilleux LN, Rauch F, Bock D, Welisch E, Filler G, Robinson T, Burrill E, Norozi K: Muscle force and power in obese and overweight children., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 12(2):80-3, 2012; PMID 22647281
  * ↑ Veilleux LN, Lemay M, Pouliot-Laforte A, Cheung MS, Glorieux FH, Rauch F: Muscle anatomy and dynamic muscle function in osteogenesis imperfecta type I., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 99(2):E356-62, 2014; PMID 24248189
  * ↑ Pouliot-Laforte A, Veilleux LN, Rauch F, Lemay M: Physical activity in youth with osteogenesis imperfecta type I., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 15(2):171-6, 2015; PMID 26032209
  * ↑ Plante L, Veilleux LN, Glorieux FH, Weiler H, Rauch F: Effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on bone density in youth with osteogenesis imperfecta: A randomized controlled trial., Bone, 86:36-42, 2016; PMID 26924265
  * ↑ Veilleux LN, Pouliot-Laforte A, Lemay M, Cheung MS, Glorieux FH, Rauch F: The functional muscle-bone unit in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type I., Bone, 79:52-57, 2015; PMID 26004918
  * ↑ Gusso S, Munns CF, Colle P, Derraik JG, Biggs JB, Cutfield WS, Hofman PL: Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function, bone and muscle mass in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy., Sci Rep, 3;6:22518, 2016; PMID 26936535
  * ↑ Robbins AS, Rubenstein LZ, Josephson KR, Schulman BL, Osterweil D, Fine G: Predictors of falls among elderly people. Results of two population-based studies, Arch Intern Med. 1989 Jul;149(7):1628-33, PMID 2742437
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  * ↑ Rittweger J, Schiessl H, Felsenberg D, Runge M: Reproducibility of the jumping mechanography as a test of mechanical power output in physically competent adult and elderly subjects, J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004 Jan;52(1):128-31, PMID 14687327
  * ↑ Tsubaki A, Kubo M, Kobayashi R, Jigami H, Takahashi HE: Normative values for maximum power during motor function assessment of jumping among physically active Japanese, J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact., 9(4):263-7, 2009; PMID 19949284
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  * 1 2 Rittweger J, Felsenberg D, Maganaris C, Ferretti JL: Vertical jump performance after 90 days bed rest with and without flywheel resistive exercise, including a 180 days follow-up, Eur J Appl Physiol., 100(4):427-36, 2007; doi:10.1007/s00421-007-0443-6 PMID 17406887
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  * ↑ Anliker E, Dick C, Rawer R, Toigo M: Effects of jumping exercise on maximum ground reaction force and bone in 8- to 12-year-old boys and girls: a 9-month randomized controlled trial., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 12(2):56-67, 2012; PMID 22647278
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  * ↑ Siglinsky E, Krueger D, Ward RE, Caserotti P, Strotmeyer ES, Harris TB, Binkley N, Buehring B: Effect of age and sex on jumping mechanography and other measures of muscle mass and function., J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact, 15(4):301-8, 2015; PMID 26636275
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  * ↑ Schoser B: Muscle histology changes after short term vibration training in healthy controls., Acta Myol, 34(2-3):133-8, 2016; PMID 27199541
  * ↑ Anliker E, Sonderegger A, Toigo M.: Side-to-Side Differences in the Lower Leg Muscle-Bone Unit in Male Soccer Players., Med Sci Sports Exerc., 45(8):1545-1552, 2013; PMID 23470305
  