The MCS device was developed for the UNIGE's Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Laboratory, as part of its research into muscular pathologies and, more specifically, muscular dystrophy. Myopathies are diseases affecting all skeletal muscles and cardiac muscle. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare disease (incidence 1/5000 in newborns, mainly boys) and particularly serious genetic disease. It follows a slow progressive course, with a life expectancy of around 20 to 25 years.
In order to find effective treatments and carry out university research that is essential for patients, the Biochemistry Laboratory at the University of Geneva carries out measurements on mice with this pathology.
The mice are given pharmaceutical treatments to determine which one(s) is (are) most effective. To compare the different treatments, the laboratory first takes force measurements during muscular contraction of the mice's thighs, and then analyzes the muscle tissue.
Force measurements are taken after a stimulator has generated electrical impulses, applied to the thigh muscle via electrodes. The current equipment consists of a 15-year-old stimulator (no longer in use) and an obsolete Labview acquisition system.
In the framework of the MCS project, we have developed a new, extremely compact and easily transportable system that performs both stimulation and force acquisition functions: all in one.
MCS stimulator and acquisition system
User interface
Project partner(s)
Project leader - team
Nicola Giandomenico
(HEPIA),
Harley Stoeckli
(HEPIA)