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

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 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

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

Monitoring Power Upright and Tilt-In-Space Wheelchair Use

Presented at the RESNA Annual Meeting. 2006. Atlanta, GA.This study examines the use of power upright and power tilt-in-space (TIS) wheelchairs. An occupancy detector, wheel revolution counter, and position sensor comprise the Wheelchair Activity Monitoring Instrument as used in this study. On average, subjects sat in their wheelchairs for 10 hours per day, spent 50 (±24) minutes wheeling with an average daily distance traveled of 0.84 miles. The majority of mobility bouts were less than 30 seconds and shorter than 25 feet. Subjects with TIS used their tilt feature (at least a 15° change in position) 16±10 times and spent between 0 and 108 minutes at a fully tilted (>40°) position daily.occupancy detector, wheel revolution counter, and position sensor comprise the Wheelchair Activity Monitoring Instrument as used in this study. On average, subjects sat in their wheelchairs for 10 hours per day, spent 50 (±24) minutes wheeling with an average daily distance traveled of 0.84 miles. The majority of mobility bouts were less than 30 seconds and shorter than 25 feet. Subjects with TIS used their tilt feature (at least a 15° change in position) 16±10 times and spent between 0 and 108 minutes at a fully tilted (>40°) position daily

A Case Study Comparing Activity and Participation Measurement in Two Subjects

Presented at the RESNA Annual Meeting. 2007. Phoenix, AZ.This case study compares the differences between complementary methodologies that measure activity and participation in two subjects who use wheeled mobility devices. Data collection consisted of 1) a self-report participation measure for people with mobility disabilities - the Community Participation and Perceived Receptivity Survey (CPPRS) - and 2) a passive instrumentation data-gathering methodology that includes a global positioning system (GPS) data logger, followed by a prompted recall interview (PRI) to confirm GPS data location and query activity purpose. Many of the destination types (e.g., grocery stores) named in the CPPRS were confirmed by GPS/PRI data. Issues affecting subject responses in both methods included ambiguous categories and researcher assumptions about the nature of activity. Differences between self-report and instrumentation data are discussed as they impact understanding activity and community participation among wheeled mobility users and the development of self-report participation instruments