Pressure-activated, colour-changing and flexible material for aiding lymphedema patients in performing the MLD massage

An explorative design study

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

L.F.J. Koudstaal Technology, Policy and Management

Contributors

F. Trauzettel Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
A. Sakes Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
J. Jovanova Transport Engineering and Logistics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (coach)
K.M. Lussenburg Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (coach)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2023 Loulou Koudstaal
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Published Date

03-11-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

The MLD massage is a key component of a lymphedema patient’s treatment. Currently, research is ongoing manifesting a transition from system care to self-care by designing robotic sleeves that are able to perform an effective and safe MLD massage enabling the patient to gain a sense of empowerment and ownership over their treatment and time. This research presents an innovative approach towards the MLD treatment by introducing an intermediate step: the bio-inspired design of the patient training education tool (PTET), a tool which aids the patient in performing the MLD massage safely and efficiently by themselves. The PTET is a pliable and slim sheet that easily adapts to the contours of the limb. Exerting manual pressure onto this sheet induces a colour change at a specific pressure threshold, giving the lymphedema patients a visual sign they have reached the required amount of pressure for this type of massage. The mechanism of colour change is inspired by the cephalopod’s dispersion and aggregation of its chromatophores. This study presents the design and validation of the working mechanism of a bio-inspired flexible colour-changing sheet, and first insights into the adaptability of the design variables and their relation to the threshold pressure, threshold indent and degree of colour change.