We have just concluded a feasibility study into the effects of treatment for C-section scars.
If I may impose on your time, I am having just a little difficulty interpreting the results, and would like your expertise to assist me.
From the PDF file I have attached, it seems that all 5 parameters of measurement show changes in the scar tissue.
Frequency Hz, Stiffness N/m and Relaxation ms show improvement but Decrement (plasticity) and Creep have increased. If I am correct this means that although the tissue is more relaxed it keeps it's shape better when being stretched.
Forgive me for my lack of understanding, but just seek some guidance from you to understand what these numbers signify.
With appreciation.
Sincerely,
Alastair
These results quantify the State of Tension (F), bio-mechanical properties (S and D), and visco-elastic properties (R and C). Parameter definitions are provided at the end of the user manual.
1. F [Hz] - This is the oscillation frequency of the measured tissue structure. It quantifies the intrinsic State of Tension of the structure at the cellular level.
The first measurement (18,1Hz) shows that the state of tension of the measured structure is 25% higher than that in the second measurement (14,0Hz).
2. S [N/m] - Stiffness. The first measurement is slightly stiffer, showing a difference of only 7%, with absolute values of 327 N/m compared to 305 N/m.
3. D [relative arbitrary unit] - Decrement Log. This parameter represents the ratio of the oscillation damping ratio, i.e., it indicates the dissipation of mechanical energy stored and released during the tissue oscillation cycle.
Therefore, it serves as an indirect indication of elasticity. A higher decrement value signifies lower elasticity. A decrement of zero represents absolute elasticity (it means inverse relationship).
Consequently, values of 2.5 and 3.24 suggest that the elasticity of both tissues is quite low, with the latter being significantly lower. I'd say it is very low compared to muscle tissue which is e.g. 1,1 - 1,6 and in children it is even lower <1,0.
As for whether the value D of 3.24 can be anticipated or explained, an examination of the tissue would help.
However, there must be a reason why the second tissue dampens oscillations much faster. Nonetheless, it may not cause any discomfort or problems.
4. R [ms] - Relaxation Time. This parameter is inversely correlated with the F and S parameters. Specifically, the higher the State of Tension (F) and/or Stiffness (S), the quicker the tissue structure, due to its tension or structural properties, recovers its shape after being deformed by the measurement impulse. In simpler terms, the Relaxation time [ms], is the duration between two points on a timescale: the first point when the tissue is at maximum displacement (maximally deformed) and the second point when the tissue has returned to its initial shape. A shorter duration indicates a quicker recovery time. Therefore, a higher R value indicates a more relaxed tissue state, and vice versa.
Questioner: If I am correct this means that although the tissue is more relaxed it keeps it's shape better when being stretched
Myoton: Actually, it's the opposite. The more relaxed and compliant the tissue is, the slower it returns to its initial shape after being deformed or stretched.
Consider a piano string as an analogy. The more relaxed the string, the lower the pitch it produces. This is because a more relaxed string oscillates more slowly, indicating a lower oscillation frequency and less stiffness. This principle applies to any matter, including soft tissues.
The piano string analogy is a way to understand the relationship between relaxation, oscillation frequency, and stiffness in both musical instruments and soft tissues. It illustrates how a more relaxed state in a material (like a piano string or tissue) correlates with slower oscillations frequency, decreased stiffness, and increased relaxation time.
5. C [relative arbitrary unit] - This represents a ratio where the Relaxation Time is divided by the Deformation Time.
Deformation Time always precedes Relaxation Time, meaning that to obtain Relaxation Time, one must first cause deformation.
The measurement method is known as the "Mechanical Dynamic Response Method", colloquially referred to as "Tap and Listen!"
Thus, it is a mechanical dynamic process involving oscillation. Such a process always consists of deformation and subsequent recovery of shape, hence Mechanical Stress Relaxation (Relaxation Time).
The C parameter, like the R parameter, is always inversely correlated with the F and S parameters. Therefore, a higher value of C indicates a more relaxed state of the tissue.
In summary, the F, S, R, and C parameters are interrelated as expected. However, upon examining the F parameter values, I must note that the differences in S, R, and C are relatively small.
In contrast, the difference between F and D is significant.
Therefore, in this particular case, F and D are the primary indicators for quantifying subsequent progression or regression.
When these measurements are combined with the patient's verbal feedback about how she feels regarding measured tissues, they allow objective quantification of the anticipated direction and magnitude of changes resulting from potential intervention.
However, if these measurements represent pre- and post-therapy conditions of the same tissue, then, based on the quantitative outcomes, it can be concluded that there is a very significant difference indicating a reduction in structural tension at the cellular level. Thus, the efficacy of the intervention is high and clearly evident.
Kind regards,