Procedure to Categorize Wheelchair Cushion Performance using Compliant Buttock Models Dataset

The dateset contains the raw data and calculated pressure management parameters from a cohort of wheelchair cushions evaluated using a new testing protocol. The protocol is described in an accompanying open-access publication: Sprigle S and Deshpande Y (2022) Procedure to categorize wheelchair cushion performance using compliant buttock models. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 10:1006767. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1006767Wheelchair cushion prescription often seeks to address tissue integrity in addition to other clinical indicators. Because hundreds of wheelchair cushion models are available, a benefit would result if cushions were classified in a more valid manner to help guide selection by clinicians and users. The objective of this research was to develop an approach to evaluate and classify wheelchair cushion performance with respect to pressure redistribution.National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR Grant Number 90REGE0001-01-00) thr

Wheelchair Use in Everyday Life

Presented at the International Seating Symposium. 2009. Orlando, FL

Does the setting matter? Observing wheelchair transfers across different environmental conditions

The setting in which wheelchair transfers are performed can affect difficulty and the risks associated with completion. This article presents results from an observational study involving 13 wheelchair users performing independent transfers across four settings. The aim is to understand how the environment affects how different types of independent transfers are performed. Descriptive analysis was performed alongside an objective assessment using the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI). The perceived difficulty reported after each transfer was also collected. Two participants exhibited radically different transferring techniques in different scenarios. Additionally, the transferring scenario was found to significantly affect the perceived difficulty of sitting transfers (toilet 2.17 ± .88; bed 1.47 ± .65, p = .001; car 1.63 ± .82, p = .012) and standing transfers (car 3.5 ± .71; bed 1 ± 0, p = .03; toilet 1 ± 0, p = .03), and the TAI score attributed to sitting pivot with use of a transfer board (couch 4.3 ± .88; bed 6.93 ± 1.29, p = .022; car 7.13 ± 1.32, p = .018) . Overall, environmental constraints, can lead to major technique changes and, more often, to different positioning of hands and feet which could impact the transfer’s biomechanics

Wheelchair in-seat monitoring design considerations

Wheelchair in-seat activity trackers are developed to monitor and provide feedback about the pressure redistributing movements of wheelchair users, including weight shifts and other postural shifts that redistribute buttocks pressures. From a design perspective, in-seat activity trackers reflect myriad design decisions that impact performance, function, and usability. Many, if not all, of these decisions involve interconnections across system components, and can have significant impact on tracker operation and user-experience. Technology developers will have to manage many benefits and trade-offs that accompany design of each subsystem. Two documents were created based upon real-world use of in-seat trackers to briefly identify design criteria and constraints that should be considered.U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Spinal Cord Injury Research Program, Translational Research Award W81XWH-17-1-022

Procedure to categorize wheelchair cushion performance using compliant buttock models

Purpose: Wheelchair cushion prescription often seeks to address tissue integrity in addition to other clinical indicators. Because hundreds of wheelchair cushion models are available, a benefit would result if cushions were classified in a more valid manner to help guide selection by clinicians and users. The objective of this research was to develop an approach to evaluate and classify wheelchair cushion performance with respect to pressure redistribution. Materials and methods: Two anatomically-based buttock models were designed consisting of an elastomeric shell that models overall buttock form and a rigid substructure that abstracts load-bearing aspects of the skeleton. Model shapes were based upon elliptical and trigonometric equations, respectively. Two performance parameters were defined, pressure magnitude and pressure redistribution. The pressure magnitude parameter compared internal pressure values of the test cushion to a flat foam reference material, resulting in three classifications, superior, comparable, and inferior. Surface sensors were used to distinguish cushions with high, moderate or low pressure redistribution performance. Ten wheelchair cushions were evaluated by both models using two loads that represent a range of body weights expected for 41–43 cm wide cushions. Results and Conclusion: A classification matrix is proposed using both models and performance parameters. Two cushions met criteria for the highest level of performance, and one cushion was deemed to have inadequate performance for therapeutic value. The proposed method has a sensitivity to discern differences, compatibility with different sized cushions, and a versatility in classification. As such, it stands as an improvement over existing classification approaches.This project was supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR Grant Number 90REGE0001-01-00) through a subcontract with the University of Pittsburg

Wheelchair Cushion Degradation During Everyday Use

Presented at the BMES Annual Meeting. 2009. Pittsburgh, PA

Measuring Activity and Participation in Outcomes Research

Presented at the RESNA Annual Meeting. 2006. Atlanta, GA