PURPOSE: to evaluate the dispersion of Force x Elongation curves (FE) that represents the mechanical behavior of rat's colon.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: ten descending colon segments were submitted to the Total Energy of Rupture Test. Each curve generated by this test was fitted to Boltzmann model that correlates the values of force and elongation through the combination of the parameters A1, A2, x0 and dx. Then, for each parameter were calculated the mean, standard deviation and their correlations. Later, the resultant dispersion was determinated in the whole deformation process by an analysis that considers the correlations between the greatnesses based on the propagation of uncertainties law. The resultant dispersion was multiplied by a coverage factor, considering a normal distribution, to determinate an interval in which 95% of force values will be present.
RESULTS: the mean, standard deviation and correlation were determined. The resultant dispersion of force values was expanded drawing limits inside which FE curves will be for a confidence interval of 95%.
CONCLUSION: this methodology will be possibly used to evaluate variables that act on the intestinal mechanical behavior.
