RESUMO
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We have developed a new apparatus to measure the elastic properties of skin without contact using an air blown technique. METHODS: Real-time measurements of skin movement induced by air blown on the surface were measured at various times. We investigated age-related changes in the displacement of the skin surface caused by air using various parameters. Ninety-eight female Japanese volunteers, aged from 10 to 70 years, were used in this study. RESULTS: The maximum distance (the denting state) that cheek skin moved reached 2-5 mm within 10-15 ms. After that, the skin generally recovered to its original state within 40-50 ms. The average maximum speed of movement was 0.49+/-0.08 (average+/-SD) m/s and the average recovery speed was 0.25+/-0.06 m/s. Significant changes with age were not observed in the denting state, but significant correlations with age were observed in the recovery state. The maximum recovery speed decreased significantly with age and the time required for recovery increased significantly with age. Although similar results were obtained at the corner of the mouth or the inner upper arm, different results were obtained at the below eyes and the forehead. CONCLUSIONS: This apparatus differs from other conventional instruments in that it measures the elastic properties of skin including subcutaneous tissue without contact.
