Detection of stimulated back muscle contractions by moiré topography.

The ability to treat scoliosis via surface stimulated trunk muscle contractions is now being evaluated at several treatment centers. In order to make biomechanical analysis of the procedure, so that the technique can be used optimally, data are needed to quantify the muscle contractions and structural changes by different electrode locations. This paper presents the use of a modified shadow moiré technique to quantify geometric changes resulting from electrical stimulation applied to the surface of the back in a healthy subject.