Custom Fabricated Devices To Assess Rodent Muscle Health

Abstract

The Comparative Orthapeadeic Rehabilitation Laboratory (CORL) is headed by Dr. Lindsey Lepley in the School of Kinesiology. The laboratory focuses on the discovery and development of rehabilitation techniques that prevent the onset of long-term sequelae that occur after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The lab planned to implement electromyography (EMG) and mechanical-based performance assessments in a rodent model in order to characterize which treatment methods would optimally improve musculoskeletal health after ACL injury. Custom devices were needed to facilitate data collection from these assessments. Rodent EMG electrodes and a dynamometer knee orthosis were fabricated to address the CORL’s need. Both devices provided reliable data and allow the CORL to collect high-quality data for future experimentation.