Development of Measuring Device for Lower Leg Swelling Using a Strain Gauge

The purpose of this study is to develop a measuring device (SWELL) for lower leg swelling of the human during standing work tasks. The device consists of a flexible wire, a coil spring, and a flat spring with a strain gauge. It is demonstrated to be accurate enough for practically from the results of calibration test and heat test. The wire of the device is to be wound around the lower leg with proper tension and the strain that the flat spring produces is measured as the leg swelling develops. For a verification test, experiments were carried out to measure the swelling of the lower leg for thirteen subjects during prolonged standing. The results showed that the magnitude of the swelling increased almost linearly for 30 min and the relationship between the magnitude of the swelling and the subjective complaint of the leg was significant.