Fear, Elise C.Garrett, David2018-10-042018-10-042018-09-21http://hdl.handle.net/1880/108732Dehydration is a prevalent condition which can have profound health consequences. If detected early, it can often be treated by oral fluid replacement. A variety of assessment techniques have been proposed, but none have yet emerged as convenient and accurate indicators. This thesis investigates the use of microwave measurements at the extremities to monitor human hydration, relying on the strong relationship between dielectric properties of tissues and water content. A model describing changes in tissue properties according to dehydration is first developed. We then report an empirical feasibility study in athletes undergoing exercise, demonstrating a relationship between estimated permittivity and weight changes due to water loss. Finally, improved property estimation techniques are introduced which are suitable for reliably detecting changes due to dehydration. This thesis provides a comprehensive initial assessment of how microwave measurements may be used to provide the clinically-demanded method of human hydration assessment.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.hydrationBiomedicalsensorBiophysics--MedicalEngineering--BiomedicalEngineering--Electronics and Electricalmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/33085