Accelerometer based calf muscle pump activity monitoring

Karol J. O'Donovan, Derek T. O'Keeffe, Pierce A. Grace, Gerard M. Lyons

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Long distance travel is associated with increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There is an increased risk of travel related DVT in passengers with a predisposition to thrombosis. Assisting blood circulation in the lower limb will reduce the risk of DVT. Leg exercises are recommended as a DVT preventative measure while flying but this fails to account for a passenger who is distracted by in flight entertainment or who falls asleep for an extended period. A method for monitoring calf muscle pump activity using accelerometers has been developed and evaluated. The proposed technique could be used to alert the traveller that there is a need to exercise their calf muscle, thus reducing the risk of DVT.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)717-722
Number of pages6
JournalMedical Engineering and Physics
Volume27
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Accelerometers
  • Calf muscle pump
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Lower leg

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