A new computer-coordinated, sliding sled device has been developed to measure skin friction, usually caused by a combination of over-hydrated skin and hospital bed sheets, and the effects of topically applied barriers.

Based on Leonardo da Vinci's classic sliding sled experiments, the apparatus measures tension and pressure on the skin resulting from moisture by pushing and pulling the apparatus across the skin while data acquisition software takes coefficient measurements.

In an experiment, different topical barriers were tested showing that there are significant variances in how effective they can be. For instance, Barrier A dried quickly on top of the friction wound and was moderately smooth. Barrier B, however, took two minutes after application to dry and caused the sled device to judder as it tested the coefficiency of friction. Barrier B proved a 257% higher coefficient of friction compared to Barrier A, meaning that it is less effective in preventing skin friction.

To see this study, please click here to go to the Wounds International Virtual Poster Presentation page and download, A Motorized Sliding Sled Apparatus for Measuring the Coefficient of Friction of Human Skin in vivo.

Image:  Leonardo da Vinci self portrait, Chambord Castle, Loire Valley, France. Digitally altered. Credit: MAMJOHD on Flickr.