Development of a Dynamic Biomechanical Model for Load Carriage: Phase IV Part C1: Assessment of Pressure Measurement Systems on Flat Surfaces for use in Human Load Carriage; Technical rept

摘要

A variety of pressures mapping technologies have been used to assess contact pressures between human tissues and solid flat surface materials. However, research on the accuracy, repeatability, and creep for these technologies is limited. Three commonly used technologies were evaluated for accuracy, repeatability, and creep on a flat surface under highly controlled laboratory conditions. The systems tested included a resistive ink technology known as the F-scan F-socket (Tekscan Incorporated), a piezoresistive technology known as the FSA seat mat (Vista Medical, Limited), and a capacitance technology known as the XSENSOR seat mat (XSENSOR Technology Corporation). Loads between 9.392 kg and 19.627 kg were placed on each sensor using three standardized protocols: an incremental, a low threshold and a creep protocol. The XSENSOR(Registered) and FSA pressure measurement systems were superior to the F Scan system in terms of accuracy, although the XSENSOR was more accurate than the other two systems at low threshold pressures. The main drawback of each system at this time is the long settling time needed to get more accurate data due to creep. This needs to be corrected within the software of each system. For use in human load carriage, there will need to be adjustments in amplitude and creep characteristics.