Novel training machine for stimulation of blood circulation in feet

Abstract

The aim of the current work was to identify vibrational machine glass epoxy plate eigenfrequencies, numerically identify working regimes on different input parameters and investigate the blood flow in foot after vibrational excitation using high-sensitivity infrared thermal imaging camera. Novel training machine has been designed for this purpose. Two vibrating motors rotating on different revolution per minute value were used to induce beating phenomenon and create sufficient force. Comsol Multiphysics model was designed for eigenfrequency analysis of machines’ vibrating glass epoxy plate. Natural frequency of 3.28 Hz has been observed on loaded beam. Experiments with training machine were executed with the purpose of identification of beating phenomenon induction regimes on vibrating frequencies close to calculated eigenfrequencies values. Motors supplied by 16.9 V and 13.9 V respectively created beating frequency of 3.311 Hz and generated force to legs of 180.2 N. After that foot temperature was registered. Temperature raise of 0.7 C on Hallux toe, 1 C on Long toe, 0.9 C on right foot point and 1.5 C on left foot point were noted.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.21.3.11758