A contractile tissue-based analysis device is provided, in which a strip of contractile tissue Is supported by support structure. The support structure comprises a substantially planar base element, and first and second support pillars extending from said base element. An optical detection device is arranged on the side of the base element opposite to said support pillars, and is arranged to capture Image data from at least one of the head portions of the support pillars. The motion of the support pillars induced by the strip of contractile tissue can thus be captured from below, I.e. through the planar base element.