The aim of this study was to develop a test design for the evaluation of the well-defined dynamic elongation effects on conduction properties of peripheral nerves in vivo. A high strain rate elongation is applied to an exposed part of the nerve. The nerve strain is registered by a video image recording system with a strobe illumination. The elongation effects on the nerve function are determined by measurements of the maximal conduction velocity and action potential amplitude. A data acquisition software is used for both the stimulation and recording of action potentials. The test design shows high repeatability in the simulated test situation. The motion analysis system provides measurements with high time resolution (300 Hz) and 0,1% field of view accuracy (0,1 mm).
Abstract