Interface pressure measurement: testing and selecting sensors

Abstract

Interface — or contact — pressure measurements play a key role in the design of many patient support surfaces aiming to protect areas vulnerable to pressure ulceration. But testing and selecting appropriate devices can be problematic.

Measurement of Lower Leg Compression In Vivo: Recommendations for the Performance of Measurements of Interface Pressure and Stiffness

“…No one system has been established or identified as the only or best way to measure these pressures. It is recommended, however, that any pressure sensor that is considered for use should satisfy or come close to the following key specifications 3,7,17,18,33,64,65 :…”

Impact of Sitting Time on Seat-Interface Pressure and on Pressure Mapping With Multiple Sclerosis Patients

“…23 A less uniform pressure profile may be attributed to the significant increases in average and maximum pressures that are likely to result from the effects of creep, which is the intrinsic tendency for pressure to increase over time when the load remains constant. 28 Creep is a complex phenomenon and can exist within the patient's tissue. It can exist within the seating surface; for example, creep is a feature in viscoelastic foam cushions, 13 one of which was included in this study, as well as within the pressuremapping sensor.…”

Comparative In Vitro Study of Three Interface Pressure Sensors Used to Evaluate Medical Compression Hosiery

“…Not many studies have been performed to evaluate [26][27][28][29][30][31][32] or compare metrological properties of these measuring systems, particularly their accuracy. [33][34][35][36][37] The aim of this study was therefore to provide objective elements of comparison to evaluate three measuring devices, chosen from those generally used, and to quantify their performance.…”