Automated Connective Tissue Torque Sensor

描述（由申请人提供）：该项目的长期目标是开发一种生物标志物-针扭矩测试(NTT) -能够检测与肌肉骨骼疾病相关的结缔组织异常。NTT是通过将针灸针插入结缔组织，并使用自动针扭矩传感器通过旋转向针探针提供精确的生物力学刺激来实施的。组织对这种刺激的反应被量化为扭矩。我们的具体目标是：1)记录自动针扭矩传感器装置和针扭矩测试程序的体外可靠性。这将通过结构和方法上的改进来实现，以确保测量一致性，并记录设备在模拟临床条件下针对已知扭矩的性能。2)记录体内针转矩测试/复测的可靠性。为了实现这一目标，我们将对100名没有肌肉骨骼疼痛或病理的健康人类受试者进行纵向研究，在三个时间点（时间0,30分钟和1周）重复测试股二头肌、股直肌和肱二头肌的6个点。3)通过以下方式验证NTT作为一种能够识别结缔组织异常的生物标志物：a)建立NTT/结缔组织疾病的联系。我们将收集并比较15名硬皮病患者和15名遗传性结缔组织疾病患者（表现为结缔组织高松弛）的NTT评分，并与Aim 2中30名年龄和性别频率匹配的对照受试者进行比较。b)建立NTT/肌肉骨骼疾病的联系。我们将收集并比较15名腿筋柔韧性受限的受试者的NTT得分，与15名来自Aim 2的腿筋柔韧性正常的对照受试者进行比较，这些受试者的年龄和性别已经进行了频率匹配。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long term goal of this project is to develop a biomarker - the Needle Torque Test (NTT) - capable of detecting connective tissue abnormalities associated with musculoskeletal disorders. The NTT is administered by inserting an acupuncture needle into connective tissue and using the Automated Needle Torque Sensor to deliver a precise biomechanical stimulus to the needle probe via rotation. The tissue response to this stimulus is quantified as torque. Our Specific Aims are: 1) Document Automated Needle Torque Sensor device and Needle Torque Test procedural reliability in vitro. This will be achieved by making structural and methodological refinements designed to insure measurement consistency, and documenting device performance under simulated clinical conditions against known torques. 2) Document the Needle Torque test/retest reliability in vivo. To fulfill this aim, we will perform a longitudinal study in 100 healthy human subjects without musculoskeletal pain or pathology, repeating testing of 6 points on the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, and biceps brachii at three time points (time 0, 30 minutes and 1 week). 3) Validate the NTT as a biomarker capable of identifying connective tissue abnormalities by: a) establishing an NTT/connective tissue disorder link. We will collect and compare NTT scores in 15 subjects with scleroderma, and 15 subjects with inherited connective tissue disorders manifesting as connective tissue hyperlaxity, compared with 30 control subjects from Aim 2 that are frequency-matched for age and sex and b) establishing an NTT/musculoskeletal disorder link. We will collect and compare NTT scores in 15 subjects with restricted hamstring flexibility, compared with 15 control subjects from Aim 2 with normal hamstring flexibility who have been frequency-matched for age and sex. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is the source of considerable disability, work absenteeism and health care costs. A major obstacle to the incorporation of manual therapies such as massage and spinal manipulation into our health care system is the lack of methods to objectively measure the effect of treatments. Automated Needle Torque Sensor technology under development in this project will potentially enable objective measurement of connective tissue abnormalities associated with musculoskeletal pain. This will 1) help establish the efficacy of manual treatments through improved research, 2) enhance the objective monitoring of patient progress in clinical practice and 3) bolster the evidence needed to justify insurance reimbursement.