Validation of the Pliance X System in measuring interface pressure generated by pressure garment

Introduction: Pressure monitoring is crucial for effective pressure therapy. Precise and reliable interface pressure measurement system, however, remains unavailable in current practice. Methodology: This is a validation study on the application of a recently developed device, the Pliance X System, for static interface pressure measurement. Sensor properties were evaluated through series of laboratory tests in the first phase of the study. Phase II was a clinical study using the Pliance X system to differentiate the loading generated on the patients' scars through additional inserts and pressure garment. Results: Results showed high test-retest and inter-rater reliability (ICC >= 0.995) with good linearity (adjusted R-square = 0.997) by measuring standard weights. The maximum deviation between the measurement generated by the sensor and the sphygmomanometer cuff was +/- 1.451 mmHg. Results in the clinical trial revealed its discriminant ability in distinguishing different levels of pressure loading on patients with scars (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The commercially available pressure measurement system was found to be a reliable tool for measurement of low interface pressure under static condition. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.