Effects of contact force on Near Infrared Spectroscopy measurements of human muscle tissue

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Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) devices are capable of non-invasively measuring hemoglobin, both oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb), by emitting near infrared light into tissue and measuring the diffuse reflectance. These data are relevant to academic researchers, clinicians and athletes who are interested in monitoring hemodynamics. All NIRS devices are influenced by contact force and calculated values of O2Hb and HHb change when more or less force is used to fix a NIRS optode in place. Presumably, these changes result from changes in relative amounts of light absorption and scattering in the tissue. The effects of contact force are acknowledged in scientific literature, but only compensated for by avoiding excessive external force or applying a similar contact force. Currently, the exact changes in NIRS data resulting from varied force are unknown. We believe that repeatability and reliability will be improved if contact force is measured and incorporated into NIRS devices. Repeatability and reliability are extremely important and useful for any monitoring device, and particularly critical for clinical or sports monitoring devices. In this project, we will design and construct a measurement system capable of measuring force applied through the NIRS device and we will use the device to quantify the effects of contact force on NIRS data.