Dispositivo para Medição da Espessura de Pregas Cutâneas

• Type: Patent
• Date: 2010

Authors

Manuel Rodrigues Quintas (Author) FEUP; Carlos Moreira da Silva (Author) FEUP; Tiago Andrade (Author) FEUP; Maria Teresa Restivo (Author) FEUP; Maria de Fátima Chouzal (Author) FEUP; Teresa Amaral (Author) FEUP

Patent

No. 105187 PT

Scope: National

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Biomedical enginnering

Other information

Abstract (EN): Background: Measurement of body composition has nowadays huge relevancy in health. For instance, it is an established protocol in the assessment of individual nutritional status, in the evaluation of body growth, in the analysis of the impact of disease and in body monitoring in sports. However, existing calipers have experienced insufficient progress, suffering several pitfalls, namely inconsistency in the data collecting process. In addition, since many reference calipers still require manual data registration, their operation is time consuming and may demand a second technician, possibly increasing even further the evaluation error. This novel wireless skinfold caliper was developed in order to address these issues. The device is based on the use of low cost and portable equipment. <br><br> Benefits: The device consists of a pair of jaws maintained at a constant force between the opposing clamping surfaces. The device provides a uniform and constant pressure on the subcutaneous tissue, increasing the consistency of the collected data. The new constant force actuator also allows the measurement of thicker subcutaneous fat tissue. The measurement range is increased by more than 30% when compared to existing apparatuses, broadening the skinfold caliper target population, namely to include obese individuals. A wireless communication system was also integrated, working together with dedicated software in a remote computer. This system allows prompt processing and storage of the collected data. This award winning technology is lighter and more user friendly than existing calipers (for example, it is suitable for left/right handed users) and has an ergonomic design. <br><br> Proof of Concept: The prototype has been manufactured, laboratory tested and evaluated in test groups. A comparison was done with other products on the market and a higher efficiency rate was observed with this technology. Public and private health clinics and individual health professionals have been testing the equipment, and expressed interest in ordering the finalized product. <br><br> Potential Commercial Use / Applications: The skin fold calliper is suitable for health professionals, for example in nutrition and medicine. It is also recommended in sports, veterinary and livestock industry.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific