Computerised method for pattern recognition of intestinal motility: Functional significance of the spread of contractions

The intestinal motility consists of local and propagative contractions. A system for determining the length of spread of intestinal contractions has been developed. The technique used for waveform recognition was based on the principle of peak detection. A computer program analysed the length of spread of contractile waves, their mean contractile force and their mean propagation velocity. The computer identified each waveform on the basis of pre-established threshold and timing criteria. A technique for fitting theoretical equations to experimental data (measured transit rate of ingesta against evaluated parameters) was used to prove the functional significance of the contractile patterns. The method provides a more detailed representation of contractile patterns than other studies based on the conventional methods of analysis.