Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Intermediate Strain Rate Material Characterization with Digital Image Correlation
Published on: March 1, 2019
Measuring systolic ankle and toe pressure using the strain gauge technique--a comparison study between mercury and
Rikke Broholm1, Niels Wiinberg, Lene Simonsen
1Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen , Denmark.
Background:
Measurement of the ankle and toe pressures are often performed using a plethysmograph, compression cuffs and a strain gauge. Usually, the strain gauge contains mercury but other alternatives exist. From 2014, the mercury-containing strain gauge will no longer be available in the European Union. The aim of this study was to compare an indium-gallium strain gauge to the established mercury-containing strain gauge.
Methods:
Consecutive patients referred to the Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine at Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospitals for measurements of systolic ankle and toe pressures volunteered for the study. Ankle and toe pressures were measured twice with the mercury and the indium-gallium strain gauge in random order. Comparison of the correlation between the mean pressure using the mercury and the indium-gallium device and the difference between the two devices was performed for both toe and ankle level.
Results:
A total of 53 patients were included (36 male). Mean age was 69 (range, 45-92 years). Mean pressures at toe and ankle level with the mercury and the indium-gallium strain gauges were 77 (range, 0-180) mm Hg and 113 (range, 15-190) mm Hg, respectively. Comparison between the mercury and the indium-gallium strain gauge showed a difference in toe blood pressure values of - 0.7 mm Hg (SD: 7.0). At the ankle level, a difference of 2.0 mm Hg (SD: 8.6) was found.
Conclusion:
The two different devices agree sufficiently in the measurements of systolic ankle and toe pressure for the indium-gallium strain gauge to replace the mercury strain gauge.
More Related Videos
02:15Predictive Measurement for Windlass Change in Length and Selected Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Published on: March 1, 2024
07:59A Strain Gauge Monitor SGM for Continuous Valve Gape Measurements in Bivalve Molluscs in Response to Laboratory Induced Diel-cycling Hypoxia and pH
Published on: August 1, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
Measurements of Strain
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Design Example: Strain Gauge Bridge or Wheatstone Bridge
Pressure Gauges