APPARATUS FOR MEASURING MUSCULAR CONTRACTIONS AND THE LIKE

An apparatus is provided for measuring the displacement of an object which is acted upon by a force, e.g., to measure muscular contractions, or to measure thoracic motion during breathing, or to measure tooth mobility. The apparatus comprises a first measuring rod which engages the object to be measured, and a second measuring rod engaging a reference point which is stationary relative to the object being measured. A spring, which may be replaceable to select appropriate spring characteristics, is disposed between one side of a housing and the first measuring rod; and an electrical sensing device is provided to measure forces which act upon the spring. A second electrical sensing device, associated with both the first and second measuring rods, is provided to measure relative motion between the first and second measuring rods. The two rods are mounted parallel to one another, and a third measuring rod, mounted parallel to the first and second rods and placed on the side of said first rod opposite to said second rod, may also be provided, and associated with a third electrical sensing device associated with the first and third measuring rods, to provide a further measure of relative motion between the first and third measuring rods.