Interface Pressure using iPUPc

Mechanism : iPUPc periodically switches wheelchair user’s sitting posture between Normal and WO-BPS.

Finding: iPUPc periodically redistributes the concentrated pressure over the ischia to less vulnerable locations, such as thighs and back.

The average interface pressure on the seat cushion for the Normal and WO-BPS postures. Results are from the average data of the 20 subjects in the control group. The method dividing the seat cushion for interface pressure data processing is also shown. The posterior portion of the seat cushion is from the rear edge of the seat to the buttock- thigh fold (posterior seat). The middle portion (middle seat) and the anterior portion (anterior seat) of the seat cushion are equal divisions of the area between the buttock-thigh fold to the front edge of the seat.

 

Representative results of the alternate and normal plus pushup sitting protocols. Data are from 1 subject in the paraplegic group. (A) Average pressure (AP) and TCA on the posterior portion of the seat cushion during a trial of the alternate protocol. (B) Average pressure and TCA on the posterior portion of the seat cushion during a trial of the normal plus pushup protocol. NOTE. The horizontal lines indicate the average value over the entire 1-hour sitting trial.

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

The Pressure Parameters (mean±SE) for total contact area (TCA), average pressure (AP), and peak pressure (PP) calculated from the Alternate and Normal+Pushups protocols, for the whole seat cushion, and anterior, middle and posterior portions of the seat cushion for Control, Paraplegic, and Quadriplegic subjects. PNA: P value of difference between 2 protocols. A bold font of P indicates a statistical significance.