A device for non-invasively mechanically stimulating bone or muscle
includes a vibrational energy generator for applying vibrational energy
to a first end of a length of a tissue which includes bone and/or muscle.
The vibrational energy is for inducing strain in at least one region
within the length of tissue. A restraint is disposed opposite the first
end of the length to resist translation of the length during operation of
the device and to provide loading to the bone or muscle. A connecting
structure couples the restraint to the vibrational energy generator. The
device does not require gravity to operate and as a result is expected to
have applications in space, such as with astronauts, with those having
bone ailments such as bed-ridden patients, persons with osteoporosis or
disuse atrophy, athletes, recovering bone cancer patients, and persons
with muscoskeletal disorders.