A method includes obtaining load-deformation data for a joint, the load-deformation data being gathered via joint testing implemented by robotic test equipment, the robotic test equipment being configured for movement of the joint and comprising sensors to gather the load-deformation data during the movement. A load-deformation curve function for the load-deformation data is generated, the load-deformation curve function defining a curve fitted to the load-deformation data. A feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function is quantified. A biomechanical characteristic of the joint is identified based on the quantified feature of the curve defined by the load-deformation curve function.

Systems include a plurality of sensors coupled to a person support apparatus, at least one moisture sensor configured to sense a moisture level between the person and the support surface, and at least one computing device coupled to the plurality of sensors coupled to the person support apparatus and the at least one moisture sensor. The at least one computing device receives data from the plurality of sensors coupled to the person support apparatus and the at least one moisture sensor, obtains data from an electronic medical record associated with the person supported by the person support apparatus, calculates a pressure injury score indicative of a likelihood that the person will develop a pressure injury based on the data from the plurality of sensors, the at least one moisture sensor, and the electronic medical record, and alters a treatment plan for the person based on the calculated pressure injury score.

A system and method for detecting a tissue property. The system comprises a first unit positioned outside a patient body and a second unit positioned inside the patient's body. The first unit includes a first housing, and a magnetic field source supported by the first housing. The second unit includes a second housing, a pressure sensor supported by the second housing, a localization module supported by the second housing, a controller, and a power source. The pressure sensor is configured to detect an indentation force applied to the tissue, and the second unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the indentation force data and localization data to a computer to generate a volumetric stiffness map for the tissue.

A method of analyzing a subject using a dynamo torque analyzer includes recording the force produced during an isometric contraction of the subject with a load cell, processing data associated with the isometric contraction, and calculating and displaying, via a microcomputer of the dynamo torque analyzer, peak torque, and rate of torque development values using the data associated with the isometric contraction. The dynamo torque analyzer calculates and displays the peak torque and rate of torque development values in real time.

A health management device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a weight of an occupant detected by a detector provided in a seat of a vehicle that transports the occupant or a value detectable using the weight as a characteristic value associated with a physical body of the occupant; and a display information generating unit configured to generate display information which is displayed on a display device which is visible to an occupant when the occupant sits on the seat based on the characteristic value, the display information varying according to a difference between the characteristic value detected at the timing at which the occupant sits on the seat and the characteristic value of the occupant detected in the past.

A biological information monitoring system (100) configured to monitor biological information of a subject (S) on a bed (BD) includes at least one load detector (11, 12, 13, 14) provided below the bed or legs of the bed and configured to detect a load of the subject on the bed, a waveform calculation unit (31) configured to calculate a waveform indicating a temporal variation in a detected value of the at least one load detector in accordance with respiration or a heartbeat of the subject, and a biological information calculation unit (32) configured to calculate a respiration rate or a heart rate of the subject by using the waveform. The biological information calculation unit includes a first calculation unit (321) configured to calculate the respiration rate or the heart rate of the subject by a first means based on the waveform, a second calculation unit (322) configured to calculate the respiration rate or the heart rate of the subject by a second means that differs from the first means and includes normalizing the waveform, and a calculation control unit (320) configured to cause the second calculation unit to calculate the respiration rate or the heart rate when an amplitude of the waveform is a threshold value or less.

A surgical circular stapler has a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. Firing the stapler causes the stapling head assembly to drive a plurality of staples in a circular array to secure two lumens of tissue together. The stapling head assembly may further drive a blade to sever any excess tissue interior of the circular array of staples. The stapler further includes one or more sensors that detect the degree to which the anvil is uniformly loaded when compressing tissue prior to firing the stapler. The one or more sensors can provide signals to a processor with various logic rules that can be used to signal to the user whether uniform loading is achieved. In some instances, the signal may be used in an automated fashion to determine if a uniform loading precondition is satisfied such that firing the stapler is enabled.

Shear force and pressure on a structure are simultaneously monitored using signals received from sensors with antennas on the structure. For example, sensors and systems for monitoring shear force and pressure have applications including ulcer prevention associated with structures including shoes, prosthetics, wheel-chairs, and beds of bed-bound patients.

A support pad, including a first cushion layer, a second cushion layer, and a sensing device, is provided. The sensing device is positioned between the first and second cushion layers. The sensing device includes a plurality of sensing elements and a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of tab portions and a plurality of expandable portions. The sensing elements are respectively mounted to the tab portions. The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto.

A method for monitoring an occupant of an occupant support comprises 1) establishing a lateral position history of the occupant, which history includes an assessment of how frequently the occupant's head undergoes a lateral transition on a head support, 2) establishing a vertical position history of the occupant which accounts for how frequently the weight of the occupant's head is applied to and removed from the head support, and 3) if the lateral position history indicates sustained repetitive lateral movement or the vertical history indicates other than sustained presence of the occupant's head on the head support, reporting that the occupant is in a state other than an acceptable state.