ISOM: A computer programme for on-line recording and analysis of isometric myogram of skeletal muscle

✍ Scribed by K.W. Ranatunga

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1972
• Weight: 494 KB
• Volume: 2
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0010-468X
• DOI: 10.1016/0010-468x(72)90040-2

✦ Synopsis

The paper describes the basic features of a software system, ISOM, developed for use in the study of isometric mechanical characteristics of skeletal muscle. The programme is written in PAL-D assembler language (DEC-D8-ASAB-D). The minimum hardware requirements include the Lab-8 computer system (PDP 8/I, AXO8) extended with option XR, an oscilloscope, and an external oscillator (e.g., Digitimer, Devices).

The overall cycle period of the system is determined by the external oscillator. During each cycle the output voltage from the strain gauge is sampled at a constant preset rate, and the samples are stored. The signal so stored is displayed against a calibrated time base. ISOM makes further analyses on the stored samples to provide such characteristics as resting tension (RT), active tension (AT), time to peak tension (TP), time to half relaxation (HR), and maximum rate of rise of tension (MR). These data may be displayed on a CRO screen and/or printed out on the teletype.

Pattern of stimulation, sampling rate, and gain of the output from the strain gauge amplifier are under programme control, and can be set prior to a given cycle. Other options incorporated in the system include digital differentiation of the stored signal, display of the signal during sampling, and a few variations of the alpha-numeric displays on the CRO screen. Twitch analysis Small computer On-line analysis Skeletal muscle ' Interrupted' INTERRUPT ROUTI~ no Sample-for ~ Temperature [Ov..Iv.] Trigger Stimulator and I ~ .