A Phantom for the Evaluation of Pressure Relief Surfaces
By Bain, Duncan; Nicholson, Graham,; Ferguson-Pell, Martin; Davies, Patrick; RESNA 2000: Technology for the New Millenium, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 363-365Publication Date: June/July 2000
Paper describing a phantom that can be used for the evaluation of pressure relief surfaces. Pressure ulcers were believed to affect over five percent of all hospital in-patients, and many others in the community. Devices such as specialized beds, mattresses, chairs, and cushions that distribute pressure evenly have proven to be effective in managing and preventing ulcers. These devices must be evaluated periodically for effectiveness in pressure relief. An instrumented articulated anthropometric phantom was developed with simulated soft body "tissues" in the gluteal and sacral areas. The phantom consists of an articulated body, which is segmented into head, torso, upper legs, and lower legs. Each segment has an adjustable mass at its center of gravity to mimic different body weights and pressure distributions. The weight of the phantom is adjustable between 50 and 90 kilograms. Data obtained using the device were compared to data obtained from a live healthy volunteer. Results indicated that the phantom represented realistic physiological conditions.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
ISBN: 0-932101-42-9
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number O13708
