2023-12-23 16:00:00
At least half of veterans with spinal cord injuries develop sores on their skin due to the constant pressure of long periods of sitting in a wheelchair. These skin ulcers can greatly limit the mobility of patients. A team of researchers is working on an innovative solution that could be a game-changer.
The problem of pressure injuries
Pressure injuries are a constant concern for people in wheelchairs, especially for veterans with spinal cord injuries.
According to Kim House, a physician and medical director of the Spinal Cord Injury Clinic at the Atlanta Veterans Administration Health Care System, these injuries have a direct impact on veterans’ quality of life. This is because the healthcare provider may order the veteran to stay in bed for weeks or even months to allow the wound to heal.
An innovative solution in development
Materials engineersGeorgia Institute of Technology are working on a solution that could help prevent these injuries. They are developing new tissue sensors and a personalized wheelchair system that automatically assesses and relieves pressure at contact points to prevent injury from developing.
Professor Sundaresan Jayaraman, from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, explains that there are three key issues: continuous pressure, humidity and shear. When a person attempts to move, the skin experiences shearing. This perfect combination is what causes pressure injuries.
Sundaresan Jayaraman (left) examines pressure data from fabric sensors he developed with Sungmee Park, who sits in their wheelchair prototype. (Photo : Candler Hobbs)
The system developed by Prof. Jayaraman and lead researcher Sungmee Park includes a fabric with an integrated sensor array that covers the seat of a wheelchair. A conductive material is woven into the textile, and it is washable without degrading the sensors.
Pressure and humidity data from the sensors is fed into a processing unit that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to identify problem spots in real time and selectively raise or lower a series of actuators under the chair seat rolling to relieve pressure. This has the benefit of eliminating any shearing forces on the skin that come from sliding against the seat.
At the same time, a series of fans activates to eliminate humidity. A lab-developed smartphone app allows users to override the system to maintain comfort and stability, which is especially important for people with spinal cord injuries who may not be able to correct their body position through them -themselves.
Synthetic
The smart wheelchair system in development at the Georgia Institute of Technology represents a significant advance in preventing pressure injuries among people in wheelchairs. Using fabric sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms, the system is able to identify problem spots in real time and take action to relieve pressure and moisture.
For a better understanding
What causes pressure injuries in wheelchair users?
Pressure injuries are caused by a combination of continuous pressure, moisture and shearing of the skin.
The system uses fabric sensors to collect pressure and humidity data. This data is then processed by artificial intelligence algorithms which identify problem spots and take action to relieve pressure and humidity.
What are the advantages of this system?
The system could improve the quality of life of people in wheelchairs by preventing pressure injuries. It could also reduce costs associated with treating these injuries.
Is the system already available?
No, the system is currently under development at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Could the system be used in other contexts?
Yes, researchers are considering using the system in other settings, such as hospital beds or neonatal intensive care units.
References
Main illustration caption: A customized wheelchair system – including tissue sensors, actuators and fans – designed to prevent pressure injuries. (Photo: Candler Hobbs)
Georgia Tech College of Engineering. (2023).
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