Measuring the dynamic characteristics of skin tension of the human body

Knowledge about the mechanical properties of the skin is important for skin
surgery and wound healing. Langer was the first in 1861 to investigate skin
tension systematically. He punched circular holes in cadaveric skin at
different locations and observed the change of shape of the holes. Based on
these observations he drew a map of skin tension lines. It was proven that
incisions parallel to the so-called Langer lines require less force to be
closed and due to reduced tension heal better and show less scarring. As
pathological scarring of the skin is a global problem, guidelines like the
Langer lines are still used to plan incisions for skin surgery and wound
closure. However, these lines turn out not to be universal and they are a
static representation of the tension on the skin, whereas it has been found
that the direction of highest tension on the skin changes (e.g. switching
between facial expressions). To improve the results of skin surgery, the
direction of an incision and skin closure should be adapted to individual
variations and to dynamic characteristics of the patients skin.
To continue searching for the best incision lines, several researchers have
tried to build a device that measures skin tension in vivo in a non-invasive
way, prior to an operation. However, most devices are not yet suited for use in
the operation room due to their size and function. Additionally, the
measurements have only been done on a few anatomical locations of the body and
little is known about the dynamic characteristics of skin tension on each
location. If a surgeon knows the important differences in skin tension between
various locations on the body and the influence of certain daily activities on
the skin tension, he/she could anticipate to design the most desirable
direction of incision and wound closure in order to induce as little scarring
as possible.
In this study, a new skin tension measurement device is used to quantify the
skin tension at different locations all over the body in several anatomical
positions.

Research question: What is the influence of anatomical position changes on the
skin tension and direction of highest tension in healthy participants at
different locations of the body?

This is a prospective observational study.

Every participant is submitted to measurements during one session of
approximately an hour. The small disadvantageous effects that might result from
participation are skin irritation due to the used stickers and small blisters
at the site of the pads of the device.