Portable soft tissue indentor for use in clinical settings

J. W. Klaesner, P. K. Commean, M. K. Hastings, M. J. Mueller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

We have designed, built, and tested a portable indentor device that allows us to determine force/displacement (F/D) measurements on the plantar foot in the clinic. The results collected with this device will be used for applications in modeling the foot and for orthotic fabrication. The indentor system consists of a load cell mounted on a three-dimensional measurement device (Metrecom). The output of the load cell and the Metrecom are recorded and analyzed by software running on a notebook computer. The distance calibration of the Metrecom gave an average error = 0.34 mm (SD = 0.66). The force calibration of the load cell resulted in an average error = 0.022 N (SD = 0.049). The device was linear and accurate for measuring force per unit displacement. The indentor device also was tested on three orthotic materials, with obtained values similar to those measured using a Materials Testing System. Initial tests on subjects have shown acceptable repeatability and sensitivity to identify differences in F/D curves between subjects.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAnnual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology - Proceedings
PublisherIEEE
Pages621
Number of pages1
ISBN (Print)0780356756
StatePublished - 1999
EventProceedings of the 1999 IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology 21st Annual Conference and the 1999 Fall Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society (1st Joint BMES / EMBS) - Atlanta, GA, USA
Duration: Oct 13 1999Oct 16 1999

Publication series

NameAnnual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology - Proceedings
Volume1
ISSN (Print)0589-1019

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 1999 IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology 21st Annual Conference and the 1999 Fall Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society (1st Joint BMES / EMBS)
CityAtlanta, GA, USA
Period10/13/9910/16/99

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