Acumar Complete Digital Inclinometer Kit
For healthcare professionals who specialise in joint conditions, having a full digital inclinometer kit can be hugely beneficial. Designed to improve the objectivity and efficiency of taking patient measurements, the Acumar Complete Digital Inclinometer Kit contains a main inclinometer unit, a companion inclinometer, a data storage unit and a ruler attachment, all of which can be used together to quickly and accurately measure the angles of a patient's joints. As a result, condition diagnosis and monitoring can be carried out with a reduced risk of human error.
What's Included In My Purchase?
- 1 x Main Inclinometer unit
- 1 x Companion Unit
- 1 x Connecting Cable
- 1 x Ruler Attachment
- 1 x USB IR Receiver Unit
What is an Inclinometer?
Inclinometers are devices for measuring the angle of an object or person in comparison to a pre-set reference point, or gravity. Medical professionals including orthopaedic, paediatric and chiropractic practitioners can use inclinometers to assess the range of a patient's movement in different parts of their body, including the flexion or extension of certain joints. This can help them determine the extent of a condition, and the next steps for intervention.
Why Choose the Acumar Complete Digital Kit?
This kit and the products within it were created with the intention of improving the reliability, objectivity and efficiency of taking patient measurements; a desirable solution according to healthcare professional themselves. This kit certainly delivers on this front, as it allows you to take measurements without the need for any manual calculation, then sends these directly to a chosen computer for display and storage, eliminating the risk of transcribing or other human errors in the measurement process and saving time for everyone involved.
What Is the Purpose of the Companion Unit?
The main inclinometer can be used on its own to take measurements of certain body parts like the arms, however combining the two allows you to measure two points on a patient's body simultaneously. It then uses these results to calculate the correct angle, which can yield more efficient, objective readings than if the inclinometer were used on its own. Additionally, both units will be required for measuring the angle of the spine.
How Does the USB IR Receiver Process Data?
When used together to take a reading, the main inclinometer and its companion unit calculate the angle of a patient's joint and stores this data, ready to send to a chosen computer. The USB IR Receiver then receives this via an infrared transmitter, and its software breaks this data down into a clear and comprehensive form, whilst also calculating statistical information about the data captured.
Measurements are sent directly to the selected 'yellow' cell on the software display
Key Features and Benefits of the Acumar Digital Inclinometer
- Kit allows you to efficiently calculate and store information about the angle of a patient's bent joint
- Ideal for measuring joints like the spinal subluxation and cervical spine flexion and extension
- Digital LCD screen on the Acumar is easy to see and read
- HOLD function on the Acumar freezes reading so you don't have to record them manually
- Inclinometer features large liquid crystal display readout
- Inclinometer has 360° measurement range (Displays this above or below 180°)
- Choice of gravity or reference based measurements
- Can be used to store a number of measurements
- Stored data can be retrieved manually or sent wirelessly to a computer
- USB Receiver captures data and displays it in a clear, concise and meaningful way
- Optional ruler attachment can be used for examining x-ray films or for assisting patient measurements
How Do the Companion Unit and Inclinometer Work Together?
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Take measurements and store readings with this dual system
The Dual Inclinometer has a main unit and a companion unit which are connected via a cable. When these are connected, it reads the angles of both units and uses these to automatically calculate the angle of a patient's joint by subtracting the value of the main unit from that of the companion unit, then saving this result. If the user desires, they can then send these results directly to the Receiver Unit so they can be displayed throughout the process.
How Do I Use the Companion Unit and the Inclinometer?
The inclinometer and companion unit are designed to provide accurate, objective readings of the angles of a patient's joints, and their range of movement. The main inclinometer unit can be used on its own for measuring certain body parts like the upper extremities, however for the spine, both the main and companion unit are required.
Below is an example of how to use both units together to take a measurement of the spine in flexion (bent forwards).
- Hold the main unit against the top of the patients head (specifically their calvarium) and the companion unit against the lower portion of the neck (specifically the T1 spinous process).
- Press the start button on the main unit.
- When neck of the patient is upright, or in a 'neutral' position, press the zero button.
- Wait until the individual bends their head as far forward as they can, then press the hold button to capture the maximum flexion angle (this angle is calculated by subtracting the main unit's value by the value of the companion unit).
- Allow the patient to return to an upright position, then repeat steps 3 and 4 between two to five times to ensure results are within the necessary validity criteria of ±5° or 10%.
How Do I Install the USB IR Receiver Unit?
There is no complicated set-up process required to install the USB IR Unit and its data capture software onto a computer. So long as your computer meets the necessary system requirements (more on this below), you only need to plug the USB cable into a compatible port on your computer, and the installation will begin immediately.
What System Requirements Are Needed to Install the Data Capture Software Onto My Computer?
Before installing the data capture software onto your computer, check that it meets the following requirements:
- One GHz processor or faster
- 512MB RAM
- Windows XP with Service Pack 3, or above
What Is the Ruler Attachment For?
The ruler attachment can be fixed onto your main inclinometer unit to during measurements of a patient's upper or lower extremities, both to provide a handle for practitioners to grip the inclinometer with, and to aid alignment. Additionally, it can be used to read joint angles on X-Ray negatives.
Are Replacement Devices Available?
If the inclinometer or companion unit in your kit become lost or damaged, you can find replacements for them by clicking the links below. They can be bought as a pair, or separately.
Specifications of the Acumar Digital Inclinometer
- Range: 360° (reads 0 to ±185°)
- Resolution: 1°
- Memory: Stores up to 6 readings
- Display: LCD
- Unit of measurement: Reads in degrees
- Auto Shut Off: Enters battery saving mode after 3 minutes
- Battery: 6V Alkaline (½ AA)
- Radio Shack 23-469
- Kodak K28A
- Energizer A544
- Duracell PX28A
- Panasonic 4LR44
- Additional battery life (optional): 6V Lithium (½ AA)
- Kodak K28L
- Energizer L544
- Duracell PX28L
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 4 x 3.3 x 0.8"
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