Measured at the terminal region of the wrist, radial pulses provide crucial health information. They have long been used to diagnosis internal diseases in Eastern Medicine. In recent years, wearable healthcare devices (such as wrist worn braces and smart watches) use radial pulses to track the wearer’s activities and vital signs. Thus, accurate measurements of radial pulses are crucial for their healthcare applications. However, several factors can affect the accuracy of radial pulse’s measurement, one of which being the skin surrounding the radial artery. Thus, research intends to study the dampening effects of skin on radial pulse measurement, specifically when the skin is under varying stretch rates (physically representing the level of bending of the wrist). To achieve this end, this research will develop a standardized model for fabrications of artificial skin samples and perform experiments on the samples under various stretch conditions using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. For testing, a pulse simulation system will be used to generate standard or reference radial pulse waveforms so that these pulses will be compared those with experimentally obtained with varying deformations (stretch). The data analysis will focus on how the skin stretch distorts or affects the radial pulse measurements to derive a mathematical model that can capture the stretch effect on the pulse measurements. The findings of this study will lead to the development of an advanced model that can estimate actual pulses by compensating the skin deformation effect. Beyond the research outcomes, this research will provide an excellent opportunity for the student investigator to experience scientific research procedures and gain crucial research skills for his future research career and education.
Author(s): Hoang Nguyen, Biomedical Engineering Major
Advisor(s): Jeong-Hoi Koo, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
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