Work

Accuracy of a Multiplexed Piezoresistive Mat Sensor in Dynamic Center of Pressure Estimation During Simulated Chest Compressions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive mats (PSM) made from multiplexed piezoresistive arrays are used in various load scenarios where thin, flexible pressure sensor arrays are needed. However, their performance in estimating center of pressure (CoP) on compliant, organic surfaces like the human body is not deeply quantified in literature. Accurately locating compression position during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one such case. This information is desirable in training and research scenarios. To assess usability of a piezoresistive PSM, the study evaluated a widely adopted design with a 20mmsensor grid resolution in three simulated CPR scenarios of increasing complexity: a flat surface, a simulated human torso, and a healthy volunteer. CoP was estimated from light calculations. For the flat surface and simulated torso, calculated CoP was compared to CNC coordinates. 882 compressions were performed at 441 grid points. MAExfor the flat surface was 1.48 mm and MAEywas 3.08 mm, giving a MAE of 3.41 mm. For the simulated torso, MAEx= 7.58 mm, MAEy= 3.78 mm, MAE = 8.47 mm. Repeated light compressions on the same site of a healthy volunteer showed a mean standard deviation of 8.02 mm. The PSM was able to determine the center of a dynamic pressure load in both simulated and real torso, though with less precision than on the flat surface. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using flexible PSMs for CoP estimation on organic surfaces with potential to improve feedback systems in simulated CPR.

Source: IEEE Access

DOI: 10.1109/access.2026.3679710