The design characteristics of pressure transducers for use at interfaces between the body and support surfaces such as mattresses, cushions, prosthetic sockets, and beneath bandages are discussed, and criteria for determining the maximum diameter and thickness of suitable devices are developed analytically. Sources of measurement error including transducer response to interface curvature, off-axis stresses, environmental factors and hysteresis are identified. The need for a calibration technique compatible with the mechanical conditions under which measurements are made is emphasized.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AdamsonM. (1978) Skin temperature monitoring. PhD thesis, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
2.
AppoldtF. A.BennettL.ContiniR. (1968) The results of slip measurements in above-knee suction sockets. Bull. Pros. Res.10, 10, 106–112.
3.
AppoldtF. A.BennettL.ContiniR. (1969) Socket pressure as a function of pressure transducer protrusion. Bull. Pros. Res. 236–249, Spring.
4.
BarbenelJ. C.EvansJ.H.JordanM. M. (1978) Tissue Mechanics, Engineering in Medicine, 7, No. 1.
5.
BennettL. (1971) Transferring load to flesh. Part 2. Analysis of compressive stress. Bull. Pros. Res. Fall, 46–63.
6.
BennettL.KarnerD.LeeB. K.TrainerF. A. (1979) Shear vs pressure as causative factors in blood flow occlusion. Arch. Phys. Med. and Rehab., 60, 309–314.
7.
Ferguson-PellM. W.BellF.EvansJ.H. (1976) Interface pressure sores. In Bed sore biomechanics, edited by KenediR. M., Macmillan, London.
8.
FernieG. R. (1973) Biomechanical aspects of the aetiology of decubitus ulcers on human patients. PhD thesis, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
9.
HickmanK. E. (1965) Rheological behaviour of tissues subjected to external pressure. PhD thesis, Michigan.
10.
HouleR. J. (1969) Evaluation of seat devices designed to prevent ischaemic ulcers in paraplegic patients. Arch. Phys. Med. and Rehab., Oct., 587–594.
11.
KosiakM.KubicekW. G.OlsonM.DanzJ. N.KottkeF. J. (1958) Evaluation of pressure as a factor in the production of ischial ulcers. Arch. Phys. Med., Oct., 623–629.
12.
LindanO. (1961) Etiology of decubitus ulcers, an experimental study. Arch. Phys. Med. and Rehab., 42, 747–783.
13.
MillerM. E.SachsM. L. (1974) About Bedsores, Lippincott, New York.
14.
MottD. J. (1973) Feasibility study on an electromagnetic interface pressure transducer. MSc thesis, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
15.
NaismithR. S.ReidW. H. (1978) Biomechanics of pressure therapy for hypertrophic scarring. 5th International Congress on Burns Injuries, Stockholm.
16.
Pressure and Measurement (1968) Committee on prosthetics research and development. A report of a workshop sponsored by the NRC National Academy of Sciences, V.A. New York.
17.
RaeJ. W.CockrellJ. L. (1971) Interface pressure and stress distribution in prosthetic fitting. Bull. Pros. Res. Fall, 65–111.
18.
ReichelS. (1958) Shearing force as a factor in decubitus ulcers in paraplegics. J. Amer. Med. Ass., 166, 762.
19.
ReswickJ. B.LindanO.LippayA. (1964) A device to measure pressure distribution between the human body and various supporting surfaces. Report No. EDC 4–6407, Medical Engineering Group, Case Institute of Technology and Highland View Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio.
20.
SachsM. L.MillerM. E.WilliamsG. T. (1974) An electropneumatic sensor for direct measurement of spot pressure between a soft surface in contact with a rigid conforming surface. Proc. 27th ACEMB, Oct., 11, 8, 90.
21.
TappinJ. W.PollardJ.BeckettC. A. (1980) Method of measuring ‘shearing’ forces on the sole of the foot. Clinical Physics and Physiological Measurement, 1, Feb., No. 1.
22.
AbasWan W. A. B. (1978) Load extensibility of skin. PhD thesis, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
