Article

Accurate plantar pressure measurements are mandatory in both clinical and
research contexts. Differences in accuracy, precision and reliability of the
available devices have prevented so far the onset of standardization processes or
the definition of reliable reference datasets. In order to comparatively assess
the appropriateness of the most used pressure measurement devices (PMD)
on-the-market, in 2006 the Institute the author is working for approved a
two-year scientific project aimed to design, validate and implement dedicated
testing methods for both in-factory and on-the field assessment. A first testing
phase was also performed which finished in December 2008.
Five commercial PMDs
using different technologies-resistive, elastomer-based capacitive, air-based
capacitive-were assessed and compared with respect to absolute pressure
measurements, hysteresis, creep and COP estimation.
The static and dynamic
pressure tests showed very high accuracy of capacitive, elastomer-based
technology (RMSE<0.5%),
and quite a good performance of capacitive, air-based
technology (RMSE<5%). High accuracy was also found for the resistive technology
by TEKSCAN (RMSE<2.5%), even though a complex ad hoc calibration was necessary.
CI - Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS