Cantilever optical fibre sensor for compression therapy applications

Compression therapy is a widespread clinical treatment requiring the application of therapeutic pressures to the lower limbs of patients using bandages or hosiery. The amount of pressure applied to the limb is critical in promoting patient recovery. Initial results from a fibre optic cantilever pressure sensor incorporating Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBGs) are reported. Calibration and bandaging experiments performed on a phantom leg model are presented, alongside a comparison to a reference sub-bandage pressure monitor. The proposed sensor shows increased pressure sensitivity in comparison to a previously reported design in which an FBG is encapsulated in a polymer and shows potential for application in the context of healthcare wearables.