Performance Assessment of a Humidity Measurement System and Its Use to Evaluate Moisture Characteristics of Wheelchair Cushions at the User–Seat Interface

Z. Liu; H. Cheng; Z. Luo; V. Cascioli; A.I. Heusch; N.B. Nairn; P.W. McCarthy

doi:10.3390/s17040775

Back

Performance Assessment of a Humidity Measurement System and Its Use to Evaluate Moisture Characteristics of Wheelchair Cushions at the User–Seat Interface

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Performance Assessment of a Humidity Measurement System and Its Use to Evaluate Moisture Characteristics of Wheelchair Cushions at the User–Seat Interface

Z. Liu, H. Cheng, Z. Luo, V. Cascioli, A.I. Heusch, N.B. Nairn and P.W. McCarthy

Sensors, Vol.17(4)

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s17040775

Files and links (2)

pdf

sensors-17-00775-v2.pdfDownload View

Published (Version of Record)CC BY-NC V4.0, Open Access

url

Free to Read *No subscription requiredView

Abstract

Little is known about the changes in moisture that occur at the body–seat interface during sitting. However, as increased moisture can add to the risk of skin damage, we have developed an array of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) humidity sensors to measure at this interface. Sensors were first evaluated against traceable standards, followed by use in a cross-over field test (n = 11; 20 min duration) using different wheelchair cushions (foam and gel). Relative humidity (RH) was measured at the left mid-thigh, right mid-thigh and coccyx. Sensors were shown to be unaffected by loading and showed highly reliable responses to measured changes in humidity, varying little from the traceable standard (<5%). Field-test data, smoothed through a moving average filter, revealed significant differences between the three chosen locations and between the gel and foam cushions. Maximum RH was attained in less than five minutes regardless of cushion material (foam or gel). Importantly, RH does not appear to distribute uniformly over the body–seat interface; suggesting multiple sensor positions would appear essential for effectively monitoring moisture in this interface. Material properties of the cushions appear to have a significant effect on RH characteristics (profile) at the body–seat interface, but not necessarily the time to peak moisture.

Details

Title: Performance Assessment of a Humidity Measurement System and Its Use to Evaluate Moisture Characteristics of Wheelchair Cushions at the User–Seat Interface
Authors/Creators: Z. Liu (Author/Creator) - Harbin University of Science and Technology
H. Cheng (Author/Creator)
Z. Luo (Author/Creator) - Harbin University of Science and Technology
V. Cascioli (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
A.I. Heusch (Author/Creator) - University of South Wales
N.B. Nairn (Author/Creator)
P.W. McCarthy (Author/Creator) - University of South Wales
Publication Details: Sensors, Vol.17(4)
Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Identifiers: 991005544581107891
Copyright: © 2017 by the authors
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Health Professions
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites

Metrics

118 File views/ downloads

35 Record Views

8 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.266 Wounds & Ulcers; 1.266.1068 Pressure Ulcer
Web Of Science research areas: Chemistry, Analytical; Engineering, Electrical & Electronic; Instruments & Instrumentation
ESI research areas: Chemistry