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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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Biomechanical Characterization of Human Soft Tissues Using Indentation and Tensile Testing
Published on: December 13, 2016
A computerized analysis of intrinsic forces in the skin
M Viatour1, F Henry, G E Piérard
1Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Belgium.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Forearm position significantly impacts skin surface topography and sliding mobility measurements. However, most mechanical skin properties, like stretchability measured with a 2 mm probe, remain largely unaffected by limb positioning.
Area of Science:
- Biometrology
- Dermatology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- The volar forearm is frequently chosen for biometrological research.
- Understanding how limb position affects skin measurements is crucial for accurate data collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of forearm position on skin surface topography and mechanical properties.
- To determine which specific skin parameters are sensitive to changes in limb position.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical profilometry on skin replicas to assess surface topography.
- Employed the suction biomechanical method (Cutometer with 2 and 8 mm probes) to evaluate mechanical properties.
- Measured dermal and dermohypodermal thickness and sliding mobility.
Main Results:
- Forearm position significantly altered skin surface topography and axial sliding mobility.
- Dermal and dermohypodermal thicknesses showed no correlation with measured parameters.
- Skin stretchability, assessed using the 2 mm probe, was the only mechanical property affected by limb position.
Conclusions:
- Limb position primarily affects biometrological measurements in the skin's surface plane.
- Most Cutometer-derived mechanical properties are minimally influenced by forearm positioning.
- Standardized limb positioning is essential for reproducible surface topography and sliding mobility assessments.
