Measurement of Post-Exercise Response of Local Arterial Parameters Using an Adjustable Microfluidic Tactile Sensor

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2021 Nov:2021:1284-1287. doi: 10.1109/EMBC46164.2021.9630432.

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate an adjustable microfluidic tactile sensor for measurement of post-exercise response of local arterial parameters. The sensor entailed a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstructure embedded with a 5×1 resistive transducer array. The pulse signal in an artery deflected the microstructure and registered as a resistance change by the transducer aligned at the artery. PDMS layers of different thicknesses were added to adjust the microstructure thickness for achieving good sensor-artery conformity at the radial artery (RA) and the carotid artery (CA). Pulse signals of nine (n=9) young healthy male subjects were measured at-rest and at different times post-exercise, and a medical instrument was used to simultaneously measure their blood pressure and heart rate. Vibration-model-based analysis was conducted on a measured pulse signal to estimate local arterial parameters: elasticity, viscosity, and radius. The arterial elasticity and viscosity increased, and the arterial radius decreased at the two arteries 1min post-exercise, relative to at-rest. The changes in pulse pressure (PP) and mean blood pressure (MAP) between at-rest and 1min post-exercise were not correlated with that of heart rate and arterial parameters. After the large 1min post-exercise response, the arterial parameters and PP all went back to their at-rest values over time post-exercise.Clinical Relevance- The study results show the potential application of an affordable, user-friendly device for a more comprehensive arterial health assessment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Pressure
  • Carotid Arteries*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microfluidics*
  • Viscosity