A Wearable Device to Inform Pressure Injury Prevention Support Surfaces Selection and Design

Abstract

Pressure injuries are a preventable but persistent medical challenge, with 2.5 million Americans developing pressure injuries each year. Pressure injuries are uniquely challenging to manage for wheelchair users, who have to sit for extended periods of time, up to 10-12 hours per day. Measuring the interface pressure between support surfaces and the body can assist in selecting surfaces that minimize the pressure to prevent pressure injuries from developing. However, pressure mapping systems are expensive and inaccessible for personal use outside of rehabilitation centers and hospitals. A prototype was developed to measure the interface pressure and movements of the user, using force sensing resistors and accelerometer data. Through this system, the interface pressure across surfaces can be compared to select appropriate sitting surfaces, inform repositioning habits, and prevent pressure injury development.