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The measurement of stiffness in human joints

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Summary

Joint stiffness has been defined in precise physical terms. Methods are described whereby joint stiffness may be measured objectively, qualitatively and quantitatively. Apparatus is described to permit measurements to be made at the knee and the second metacarpophalangeal joints.

The major contribution to overall stiffness during a particular oscillation was elastic stiffness. Plastic stiffness was significant (up to 40 per cent at maximum amplitude). At small amplitudesCoulomb frictional stiffness was comparable with plastic stiffness. Viscous stiffness was small.

Zusammenfassung

Die Gelenksteifheit wird durch exakte physikalische Größen definiert. Es werden Methoden beschrieben, mit denen die Gelenksteifheit objektiv, qualitativ und quantitativ gemessen werden kann. Es wird eine Apparatur vorgestellt, die Messungen am Knie- und dem zweiten Metacarpophalangeal-Gelenk gestattet. Den Hauptanteil an der Gesamtsteifheit während einer Schwingung stellt die elastische Steifigkeit. Die plastische Steifigkeit erreichte Werte bis zu 40% der Gesamtsteifigkeit bei der Maximalamplitude. Bei kleinen Amplituden war dieCoulombsche Reibungssteifigkeit mit der elastischen Steifigkeit vergleichbar. Die viskose Steifigkeit ist gering.

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Author notes

  1. R. Goddard, D. Dowson, M. D. Longfield & V. Wright

    Present address: Bio-Engineering Group on Human Joints, University of Leeds, England

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    1. R. Goddard
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    2. D. Dowson
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    3. M. D. Longfield
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    4. V. Wright
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    Goddard, R., Dowson, D., Longfield, M.D. et al. The measurement of stiffness in human joints. Rheol Acta 8, 229–234 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01984664

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01984664

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