Abstract
The softness of the shoulders ("stiff shoulder") is examined as a new measure of degree of health. Phantom experiments are carried out for 3 types of muscle hardness meters for investigating the influence of a soft surface layer. Five different silicone phantoms with different softness are used. Two group examinations are carried out. Their distribution and correlation between the softness of shoulders and body fat percent are analyzed. The possibility for a new measure of therapy effects is confirmed from the study.
