Developing evidence-based wheelchair cushion prescription using interface pressure and postural stability measurements - the rehabilitation engineering and applied research lab at the georgia…

Developing evidence-based wheelchair cushion prescription using interface pressure and postural stability measurements - the rehabilitation engineering and applied research lab at the georgia institute of technology, in partnership with ohio state's wexner medical center, craig hospital and shepherd center, propose to improve the evaluation for and selection of wheelchair cushions. The objective is to develop a valid clinically-useful and feasible wheelchair cushion evaluation protocol to empower clinicians and wheelchair users to make more informed decisions about cushion selection. To meet this objective, this 3-year project will measure interface pressure and postural stability parameters during a large number of seating evaluations. Cushion outcomes, focusing on tissue health and function will be collected after a period of use. Predictive modeling will be deployed to establish key interface pressure and postural support parameters that clinicians can use to predict cushion acceptability. Once research analysis is complete, a user-center design process will be used to engage clinicians in the development of a useable and feasible clinical protocol that measures the most predictive parameters. The outcome will be a clinically-feasible cushion evaluation protocol that has demonstrated the ability to predict cushion outcomes. This clinical protocol represents the resulting product of the project and will be made freely available to all.