ABSTRACT
In our previous paper [M. Repalska et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 90, 024103 (2019)], a new method for measuring the growth of children based on the measurement of the lower leg length during foot movement was described. This current paper presents more measurements being conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the proposed arrangement. The study was carried out at weekly intervals with a research group amounting to 20 participants. The presented results show that the method allows for the identification of even a weekly increase in the lower leg length at different velocities of growth. In addition, the method enables the estimation of the trend characterizing each individual and can distinguish the periods of time during which perturbative factors in the process of growth may arise. A metrological analysis was also conducted, allowing a qualitative evaluation of the results, which are presented together with the measurement uncertainties.
Subject(s)
Growth and Development , Child , Female , Foot/growth & development , Foot/physiology , Humans , Male , Movement , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A new method for measuring the growth of children is presented, based on the measurement of the lower leg length during foot movement. This is a touch measurement, but the obtained characteristic of the measured lower leg length, as a function of the pressure force, is reduced to a non-contact measurement. A setup prototype is built and preliminary research conducted. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the method allows the observation of increases in child lower leg length at frequent intervals (e.g., weekly). The developed measurement method has a high accuracy, and the results allow for differentiation between periods of child good health and indisposition.
