Development of a device for mapping pressure exerted on the wheelchair seat to prevent pressure injuries.

• Grant number: 24/21556-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Gabriela Rezende
• Grantee: Danielle de Oliveira Barboza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Wheelchair users are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, a factor that directly impacts their autonomy and functionality. The use of sensors in healthcare has expanded today for numerous purposes, with the use of electronic technologies and devices increasingly explored as tools to improve effectiveness and prevention in the area of ¿¿healthcare rehabilitation. Objective: To develop a product with the aid of pressure sensors that map the surface of the wheelchair seat in order to prevent the onset of pressure injuries by observing critical pressure points. Proposed method: Product development according to Baxter and single-subject design experiment, which will be divided into 5 phases, namely: Recognition of the need; Specification, including all product specifications; Development of shape and design; Prototype manufacturing; Validation of prototypes through two types of tests: Test 1: Model validation to verify safety; Test 2: Model validation to verify the applicability/functionality of the developed product. Finally, all findings will be evaluated to understand the functionality and applicability of the product. Expected results: The development of a measuring device with predictions superior to the empirical view of health professionals, which helps the development of personalized adaptations and generates a better quality of development of adaptations for wheelchairs, thus preventing harmful results from inadequate adaptation.