Turkey faces many problems with its rapidly ageing population. Physical and emotional problems may increase with advancing age, for example, dementia can lead to bio‐psycho‐social…
Abstract
Turkey faces many problems with its rapidly ageing population. Physical and emotional problems may increase with advancing age, for example, dementia can lead to bio‐psycho‐social care problems of patients, as well as stress and burnout of caregivers. Elders with dementia who have complex care needs appear to be especially at risk of abuse and neglect. Research into elder abuse in Turkey has shown that abuse has been found to occur in low proportions: physical abuse 1.5%, financial abuse 2.5%, and psychological abuse/neglect 3.5% (Keskinoğlu et al, 2004).
The purpose of this paper is to develop a user friendly, wearable pain management system by optimizing CAD embroidery parameters for manufacturing high performance dry…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a user friendly, wearable pain management system by optimizing CAD embroidery parameters for manufacturing high performance dry transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) electrodes.
Design/methodology/approach
User-centered design methodology is employed to identify user needs related to TENS devices. Optimization of CAD embroidery parameters was done by measuring and calculating resistance and signal-to-noise values for electrodes manufactured with different conductive thread, stitch pattern, and stitch density types.
Findings
Characteristics of the conductive thread such as thickness and irregularity, embroidery stitch pattern, stitch density therefore the amount of conductive thread used all effect resistance values and signal-to-noise values of TENS electrodes. Low resistance of TENS electrode surface does not mean high signal-to-noise ratio and high TENS signal quality. Satin stitch type with low stitch density provides the best resistance and signal-to-noise ratio for a TENS electrode.
Originality/value
This study reported the design process of a wearable pain management system with a focus on optimization of embroidery manufacturing parameters for development of TENS electrodes. The design process not only required technical optimization but also understanding user problems related to use of conventional TENS devices. Proposed end product is a user friendly, electronic textile based, wireless wearable pain management system in different forms suitable for major pain areas such as knee, elbow and neck.