Wireless Seat Interface Pressure Mapping on a Smartphone: Feasibility Study in Users with SCI

Abstract

People with spinal cord injuries (SCI) undergo seat interface pressure mapping (IPM) as part of a comprehensive evaluation for correct positioning in a wheelchair. Currently, this mapping can only be performed in the clinic setting, limiting the ability of the client to make necessary adjustment at home on a day to day basis to prevent pressure ulcers. Monitoring seating pressures at home coupled with the ability to communicate results to providers has great potential to reduce ulcer development by implementing time-sensitive changes. Five subjects with spinal cord injuries used the prototype wireless IPM system at home for 5-7 days. They were able to successfully connect to the system through the Personal Hotspot on their smartphone. They then used an app on their smartphone to view their live pressure map and were able to take several recordings throughout the day. Therapists could then view the recorded maps remotely in the clinical setting by logging into the web-based application. Single subject case series. Subjects were seen in the outpatient clinical setting for initial set-up of the prototype IMP system and again at end of study period. During data collection, they used the map in their home or other routine daily environment for 5-7 days. Adults with spinal cord injury, aged 18-80, who are wheelchair users with no active pressure ulcers on their sitting surface. Subjects used the prototype pressure mapping system at home for 5-7 days. They were required to take at least 5 recordings throughout the day. A daily log was maintained to describe length of time in chair, skin check frequency and identification of any red areas. At the end of the study they returned to answer questionnaires related to usability and satisfaction with use of the device. A therapist visually examined the subject's skin at start and end of the study period. 1.Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST)2.Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS)3.Qualitative report via interview from subjects regarding perception of usefulness of pressure mapping data available to them in their home environment.4.Saved pressure map files for each subject will be available for access by researcher in the secure data base designated to contain the pressure map sessions.5.Visual skin examination by research investigator at start and end of study period. Users reported satisfaction with use of the device. They were able to access the map from their smartphones to take recordings consistently. Users provided excellent and useful feedback regarding usability of the web application and placement of the pressure mat on their cushion. There were no adverse skin problems identified following use of the pressure mapping system at home. Interface pressure mapping in the home environment, with ability to view it on a smartphone, allows people who use wheelchairs and are at risk for pressure ulcer development to have access to important feedback that can help them make positioning changes. The system tested is a prototype and there are plans to incorporate the user's feedback into the next iteration of software for improved indivualized customization of the interface for each user.