Abstract This pilot study aimed to evaluate muscle resistance using a novel device (BFpress) and a newly proposed index, the Muscle Compression Resistance Index (MCRI). Data were collected from 95 participants during the 33rd Scientific Physiotherapy Conference in Athens (2026). Measurements were performed bilaterally at the L4–L5 paraspinal level. Participants were categorized based on MCRI values: 35 kg. The majority (61%) demonstrated increased muscle resistance (<25 kg). Female participants showed approximately 20% lower values compared to males, suggesting higher resistance. Repeatability testing in a subgroup (n=15) revealed improvement (15–20%) in asymptomatic individuals, while symptomatic participants showed minimal change. These preliminary findings suggest that MCRI may provide an objective and clinically relevant measure of muscle resistance, with potential diagnostic value.
Georgios Kostopoulos (Tue,) studied this question.