Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the use of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, alone or in combination with Aurora kinase inhibitors, to treat muscle cells isolated from contractured muscles or to prepare isolated and treated muscle cell compositions. The analogs or drug combinations or cell compositions can be used to treat or to prevent skeletal muscle contractures, skeletal muscle atrophy, and muscle tissue remodeling in patients such as those with cerebral palsy. A method is provided for the treatment of the conditions listed above using muscle cells treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in vitro, alone or along with other active agents, cells or biocompatible materials, and transplanted into patients with cerebral palsy or other muscle conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: A muscle biopsy clamp device may be used to measure sarcomere lengths in vivo where laser diffraction may not be possible. The clamp device includes a jaw having serrated markings for securing a muscle bundle in the clamp device as well as to provide markings for the muscle biopsy as reference for the sarcomere length measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to muscles at a stimulation frequency which is varied in response to a detected ripple signal in an output tension or torque record which corresponds to the amount of fusion in the muscle contraction. An average torque amplitude is first determined as a stimulation signal is applied at an initial frequency, and the amplitude of the ripple on the torque output is determined and compared to the average torque amplitude to provide a ripple percentage. The measured ripple percentage is compared to a selected ripple percentage corresponding to the desired amount of fusion, and the stimulation frequency is adjusted by a feedback loop until the measured ripple percentage conforms to the selected value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening skeletal muscles through maximizing muscle tension in which electrical stimulation signals are applied to the selected muscles at a predetermined frequency, pulse width, and amplitude, and work output by the muscles in response to stimulation signals is determined over a fixed period of time. The work output is compared to a defined value which can be a target value or a value measured during a previous stimulation period. The amount of electrical energy coupled into the muscles by the stimulation signals is varied in response to the results of the comparison in order to maximize the amount of work output by the muscles during a treatment period. This is accomplished by adjusting the frequency or pulse width during stimulation treatment in response to the work output measured.

Abstract: A method for optimizing length in a detached striated muscle being surgically reattached. The method includes illuminating a bundle of fibers in the muscle to produce a diffraction pattern related to sarcomere spacing in the fibers. Prior to surgical reattachment, the muscle is stretched to an optimal length, an evidenced by a preselected spacing between a pair of different-order diffraction lines in the diffraction pattern.