TY - JOUR
T1 - Relationship Between Interface Pressures and Pneumatic Cuff Inflation Pressure at Different Assessment Sites of the Lower Limb to Aid Soft Exoskeleton Design
AU - Kermavnar, Tjaša
AU - O’Sullivan, Kevin J.
AU - de Eyto, Adam
AU - O’Sullivan, Leonard W.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.
PY - 2021/9
Y1 - 2021/9
N2 - Objective: The aim was to develop a means of predicting interface pressure from cuff inflation pressure during circumferential compression at the lower limb, in order to inform the design of soft exoskeletons. Background: Excessive mechanical loading of tissues can cause discomfort and soft tissue injury. Most ergonomic studies on exoskeletons are of interface pressure, but soft exoskeletons apply circumferential pressures similar to tourniquet cuffs by way of cuff inflation pressure. This study details the relationship between interface and cuff inflation pressures for pneumatic tourniquet cuffs. Method: Pneumatic cuffs of different widths were inflated to target pressures on (A) a rigid cylinder, (B) the dominant thigh and calf, and (C) knee of healthy participants standing still. Interface pressures were measured under the cuffs using a pressure-sensing mat. Average interface pressures were then compared to cuff inflation pressures. The influence of cuff width, cuff inflation pressure, and participants’ anthropometric data on pressure transmission was assessed. Results: A strong linear relationship between cuff inflation pressures and interface pressures was observed. Interface pressures were generally higher than cuff inflation pressures. The efficiency of pressure transmission to the lower limb depended on assessment site, adipose tissue thickness, cuff size, cuff inflation pressure, and possibly limb circumference. Regression equations were developed to predict interface pressures at the thigh, calf, and knee. Conclusion: Interface pressures under pneumatic cuffs are influenced by the cuff size, cuff inflation pressure, and tissue compressibility. Predicted interface pressure from cuff inflation pressure and vice versa can be used to aid the design of soft exoskeletons.
AB - Objective: The aim was to develop a means of predicting interface pressure from cuff inflation pressure during circumferential compression at the lower limb, in order to inform the design of soft exoskeletons. Background: Excessive mechanical loading of tissues can cause discomfort and soft tissue injury. Most ergonomic studies on exoskeletons are of interface pressure, but soft exoskeletons apply circumferential pressures similar to tourniquet cuffs by way of cuff inflation pressure. This study details the relationship between interface and cuff inflation pressures for pneumatic tourniquet cuffs. Method: Pneumatic cuffs of different widths were inflated to target pressures on (A) a rigid cylinder, (B) the dominant thigh and calf, and (C) knee of healthy participants standing still. Interface pressures were measured under the cuffs using a pressure-sensing mat. Average interface pressures were then compared to cuff inflation pressures. The influence of cuff width, cuff inflation pressure, and participants’ anthropometric data on pressure transmission was assessed. Results: A strong linear relationship between cuff inflation pressures and interface pressures was observed. Interface pressures were generally higher than cuff inflation pressures. The efficiency of pressure transmission to the lower limb depended on assessment site, adipose tissue thickness, cuff size, cuff inflation pressure, and possibly limb circumference. Regression equations were developed to predict interface pressures at the thigh, calf, and knee. Conclusion: Interface pressures under pneumatic cuffs are influenced by the cuff size, cuff inflation pressure, and tissue compressibility. Predicted interface pressure from cuff inflation pressure and vice versa can be used to aid the design of soft exoskeletons.
KW - cuff inflation pressure
KW - interface pressure
KW - pressure transmission efficiency
KW - soft exoskeleton–human contact
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85082114447&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0018720820908758
DO - 10.1177/0018720820908758
M3 - Article
C2 - 32167798
AN - SCOPUS:85082114447
SN - 0018-7208
VL - 63
SP - 1061
EP - 1075
JO - Human Factors
JF - Human Factors
IS - 6
ER -