A groundbreaking wireless patch could offer injured athletes enhanced recovery options for muscle tears, sprains, and strains, based on findings from a recent study.
Researchers recently detailed in the journal Science Advances how the patch works: it assesses tissue stiffness by transmitting sound waves across the body’s surface and analyzing the resulting vibrations.
The technology functions similarly to locating a wall stud for hanging artwork, researchers explained. Tapping on a wall without a stud produces a lower-pitched sound compared to tapping directly over a stud.
When incorporated into athletic wear, the patch has the potential to deliver immediate feedback on muscle performance, according to researchers. This capability could enable athletes to refine their training routines, reduce fatigue, and better calibrate their recovery process following injuries.
Senior researcher Xiaoyue Ni, who serves as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke University in Durham, N.C., shared this vision: “We envision future versions built right into sports gear, medical wraps, everyday clothing or assistive robotics, creating a continuous ‘health dashboard’ for your body’s hidden layers.”
Ni further noted in a news release: “And it will be as easy to wear as a smartwatch, but far more powerful.”
Researchers emphasized that tissue stiffness serves as valuable diagnostic information for physicians, offering insights into conditions spanning from cancer detection to resuscitation efforts and muscle injuries.
However, current measurement methods present challenges. The bulky and costly ultrasound machines typically required for such assessments are impractical for widespread use.