A study of wet friction between human skin and nonwoven fabrics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An in vivo study of wet and dry friction between elderly volar forearm skin and nonwoven fabrics of incontinence pads
IRAS ID
172217
Contact name
Sabrina Falloon
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Data Protection Registration Number, Z6364106/2015/05/49
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 7 days
Research summary
People who use sanitary towels or incontinence pads can often experience sore or damaged skin, partly because of friction (rubbing) against the surface of the pads. This damage can be exacerbated by the introduction of fluid (in this case, urine).
The Continence and Skin Technology Group (CSTG) and SCA Hygiene Products AB have worked for some years to develop ways to measure this friction on people; in order to deepen our understanding of how this friction works we need to conduct this study on human skin in vivo.
The aim of this study is to identify any potential relationship between wet friction forces and the deformation of the skin. The knowledge we gain should ultimately help pad manufacturers to develop pads that are kinder to the skin.
This study will involve performing some mechanical tests on a relatively hairless area of the forearm of volunteers with nonwoven coverstock fabrics (typically used on incontinence pads and sanitary towels). The friction occurring at the interface will be measured in wet conditions because the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) becomes more susceptible to damage when hydrated. Participants will be at least 70 years old in order to ensure that any skin deformation resulting from friction measurements will be clearly visible.
There will, of course, be interaction between the participants and investigator(s), but no identifiable information will be included in the published results of the study. All participants will have given informed consent before taking part in the study.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
15/WA/0208
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion