Exploring Muscle Proprieties in COPD: a Non-invasive Evaluation of Respiratory and Limb Muscle Mechanics Using Myotonometry.

Semispinalis capitis viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the viscoelastic properties of the semispinalis capitis (SC), participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table. The physiotherapist will identify the measurement point using a pencil. This point will be located approximately two finger widths lateral to the spinous process of the C7 vertebra and slightly inferior to the occiput (base of the skull). The device will be held vertically and a consistent downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied to the muscle belly. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Trapezius biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the biomechanical properties of the trapezius, participants will sit upright in a chair with good back support. Their hips should touch the back of the chair, feet flat on the floor, and hands resting comfortably in their lap. Shoulders will be relaxed, and knees and hips bent at a 90-degree angle. The upper trapezius measurement point is midway between the C7 vertebra (prominent at the base of the neck) and the acromion (the bony tip of the shoulder). The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Trapezius viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the viscoelastic properties of the trapezius, participants will sit upright in a chair with good back support. Their hips should touch the back of the chair, feet flat on the floor, and hands resting comfortably in their lap. Shoulders will be relaxed, and knees and hips bent at a 90-degree angle. The upper trapezius measurement point is midway between the C7 vertebra (prominent at the base of the neck) and the acromion (the bony tip of the shoulder). The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Semispinalis capitis biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the biomechanical properties of the semispinalis capitis (SC), participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table. The physiotherapist will identify the measurement point using a pencil. This point will be located approximately two finger widths lateral to the spinous process of the C7 vertebra and slightly inferior to the occiput (base of the skull). The device will be held vertically and a consistent downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied to the muscle belly. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Sternocleidomastoideus (SCM) state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the tension of the sternocleidomastoideus (SCM), participants will lie supine on the treatment table. The evaluator will locate the midpoint on a line between the mastoid process (behind the ear) and the clavicle (collarbone), marking this point with a pencil. The device will be held vertically and a consistent downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied to the muscle belly. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Trapezius state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the tension of the trapezius, participants will sit upright in a chair with good back support. Their hips should touch the back of the chair, feet flat on the floor, and hands resting comfortably in their lap. Shoulders will be relaxed, and knees and hips bent at a 90-degree angle. The upper trapezius measurement point is midway between the C7 vertebra (prominent at the base of the neck) and the acromion (the bony tip of the shoulder). The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Deltoid state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess deltoid tension, participants will lie in the supine position. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point using a pencil. This point will be roughly halfway down the muscle, centered between the lateral aspect of the acromion process (bony point of the shoulder) and the insertion point on the deltoid tuberosity (bumpy area near the midpoint of the upper arm bone). The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Deltoid viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess deltoid viscoelastic properties, participants will lie in the supine position. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point using a pencil. This point will be roughly halfway down the muscle, centered between the lateral aspect of the acromion process (bony point of the shoulder) and the insertion point on the deltoid tuberosity (bumpy area near the midpoint of the upper arm bone). The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Biceps brahii state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess biceps brachii tension, participants will lie supine on the treatment table with their arms at their sides and palms facing upwards. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the upper arm, approximately midway between the shoulder and elbow crease. Using a pencil, they will mark this point. The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Biceps brahii viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the biceps brachii viscoelastic properties, participants will lie supine on the treatment table with their arms at their sides and palms facing upwards. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the upper arm, approximately midway between the shoulder and elbow crease. Using a pencil, they will mark this point. The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Brachioradialis state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess brachioradialis tension, participants will lie supine on the treatment table with their arms at their sides and palms facing upwards. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the upper arm, approximately midway between the shoulder and elbow crease. Using a pencil, they will mark this point. The device will be held vertically and a steady downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied directly over the marked point. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Vastus medialis state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess vastus medialis tension, participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table with their legs extended. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the inner thigh, approximately one hand-width above the superior-medial border of the patella (kneecap). This point should align with the visible bulge of the vastus medialis muscle. A pencil will be used to mark this point. The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Semispinalis capitis state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the tension of the semispinalis capitis (SC), participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table. The physiotherapist will identify the measurement point using a pencil. This point will be located approximately two finger widths lateral to the spinous process of the C7 vertebra and slightly inferior to the occiput (base of the skull). The device will be held vertically and a consistent downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied to the muscle belly. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Sternocleidomastoideus (SCM) biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the biomechanical properties of the sternocleidomastoideus (SCM), participants will lie supine on the treatment table. The evaluator will locate the midpoint on a line between the mastoid process (behind the ear) and the clavicle (collarbone), marking this point with a pencil. The device will be held vertically and a consistent downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied to the muscle belly. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Deltoid biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the biomechanical properties of the deltoid muscle, participants will lie in the supine position. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point using a pencil. This point will be roughly halfway down the muscle, centered between the lateral aspect of the acromion process (bony point of the shoulder) and the insertion point on the deltoid tuberosity (bumpy area near the midpoint of the upper arm bone). The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Rectus femoris state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess rectus femoris tension, participants will lie supine on a treatment table. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point along the front of the thigh, approximately halfway between the anterior superior iliac spine (hip bone) and the top of the patella (kneecap). A pencil will be used to mark this point. The device will be held vertically, and a steady downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied directly over the marked point. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Sternocleidomastoideus (SCM) viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the viscoelastic properties of the sternocleidomastoideus (SCM), participants will lie supine on the treatment table. The evaluator will locate the midpoint on a line between the mastoid process (behind the ear) and the clavicle (collarbone), marking this point with a pencil. The device will be held vertically and a consistent downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied to the muscle belly. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Vastus medialis viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess vastus medialis viscoelastic properties, participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table with their legs extended. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the inner thigh, approximately one hand-width above the superior-medial border of the patella (kneecap). This point should align with the visible bulge of the vastus medialis muscle.A pencil will be used to mark this point. The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Biceps brahii biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the biomechanical properties of biceps brachii, participants will lie supine on the treatment table with their arms at their sides and palms facing upwards. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the upper arm, approximately midway between the shoulder and elbow crease. Using a pencil, they will mark this point. The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Brachioradialis biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the biomechanical properties of brachioradialis, participants will lie supine on the treatment table with their arms at their sides and palms facing upwards. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the upper arm, approximately midway between the shoulder and elbow crease. Using a pencil, they will mark this point. The device will be held vertically and a steady downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied directly over the marked point. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Brachioradialis viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess brachioradialis viscoelastic properties, participants will lie supine on the treatment table with their arms at their sides and palms facing upwards. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the upper arm, approximately midway between the shoulder and elbow crease. Using a pencil, they will mark this point. The device will be held vertically and a steady downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied directly over the marked point. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Rectus femoris biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess the biomechanical properties of the rectus femoris, participants will lie supine on a treatment table. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point along the front of the thigh, approximately halfway between the anterior superior iliac spine (hip bone) and the top of the patella (kneecap). A pencil will be used to mark this point. The device will be held vertically, and a steady downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied directly over the marked point. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Rectus femoris viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess rectus femoris viscoelastic properties, participants will lie supine on a treatment table. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point along the front of the thigh, approximately halfway between the anterior superior iliac spine (hip bone) and the top of the patella (kneecap). A pencil will be used to mark this point. The device will be held vertically, and a steady downward pressure of 18 Newtons (N) will be applied directly over the marked point. Once the indicator light on the probe transitions from red to green, pressure will be maintained while the MyotonPRO delivers five stimulation pulses. The following will be assessed: TViscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Vastus lateralis state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess vastus lateralis tension, participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table with their leg extended. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the outer thigh, approximately one hand-width above the superior-lateral border of the patella (kneecap). This point should align with the pronounced bulge of the vastus lateralis muscle. The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Tibialis anterior state of tension

时间窗: Baseline

To assess tibialis anterior tension, participants will sit comfortably in a chair with their feet flat on the floor. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the lower leg, approximately one-third of the distance between the knee and the ankle. This point typically aligns with the most prominent bulge of the tibialis anterior muscle. The following will be assessed: Tone or state of tension: F - Natural Oscillation Frequency \[Hz\].

Tibialis anterior biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess tibialis anterior biomechanical properties, participants will sit comfortably in a chair with their feet flat on the floor. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the lower leg, approximately one-third of the distance between the knee and the ankle. This point typically aligns with the most prominent bulge of the tibialis anterior muscle. The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Vastus medialis biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess vastus medialis biomechanical properties, participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table with their legs extended. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the inner thigh, approximately one hand-width above the superior-medial border of the patella (kneecap). This point should align with the visible bulge of the vastus medialis muscle.A pencil will be used to mark this point. The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Vastus lateralis biomechanical properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess vastus lateralis biomechanical properties, participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table with their leg extended. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the outer thigh, approximately one hand-width above the superior-lateral border of the patella (kneecap). This point should align with the pronounced bulge of the vastus lateralis muscle. The following will be assessed: Biomechanical properties: S-Dynamic Stiffness \[N/m\].

Vastus lateralis viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess vastus lateralis viscoelastic properties, participants will lie in a supine position on the treatment table with their leg extended. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the outer thigh, approximately one hand-width above the superior-lateral border of the patella (kneecap). This point should align with the pronounced bulge of the vastus lateralis muscle. The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].

Tibialis anterior viscoelastic properties

时间窗: Baseline

To assess tibialis anterior viscoelastic properties, participants will sit comfortably in a chair with their feet flat on the floor. The physiotherapist will locate the measurement point on the front of the lower leg, approximately one-third of the distance between the knee and the ankle. This point typically aligns with the most prominent bulge of the tibialis anterior muscle. The following will be assessed: Viscoelastic properties: R-Mechanical Stress Relaxation Time \[ms\].