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Development of an Alleviating Pressure Cushion

The Mobility RERC (Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center) at CATEA is developing an Alleviating Pressure Cushion (AP cushion). This is a joint project with our Industry Partner, Z Development, that involves the redesign of this company's pre-existing technology - the Pressure Alleviating Seat Cushion (PASC) (US Patent 6,367,106). This battery-operated dynamic wheelchair seat cushion contains three foam and air-filled bladders in the pelvic region corresponding to the ischial tuberosities (sitting bones) and the coccyx/sacrum (tailbone). Using electronic components, the bladders can be programmed to deflate and re-inflate in various sequences, thereby off-loading the corresponding bony prominences and creating a 'pressure relief'. The cushion is targeted to people who are at risk for sitting-acquired pressure ulcers, especially those who are unable to independently perform a traditional pressure relief such as a sitting push-up or forward lean. CATEA researchers are currently working to optimize multiple design features in preparation for clinical testing scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2007. Testing will occur both at CATEA and at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

Demonstration of bladders deflating under ischial tuberosities and coccyx/sacrum



Wheelchair users who are currently free of pressure ulcers and would like to volunteer to participate in clinical testing are invited to contact the project manager, Kim Davis. Volunteers must be able to travel to CATEA or the Shepherd Center. A small stipend is provided in appreciation of each subject’s time. This clinical test will normally last 1-2 hours.

This study is funded by the Dept of Education, NIDRR through the RERC on Wheeled Mobility (H133E030035)

Contact

Kim Davis, MSPT
Clinical Research Scientist
Phone (CATEA):404-894-0561
Phone (Shepherd): 404-350-3082
Email: kim_davis@shepherd.org