Wheelchair seat prototype features shifting pressure points to avoid bedsores

For those of us who spend hours upon hours in front of the computer daily, whether it’s for work or for gaming, you’ve probably been told and have probably come across articles which attempt to educate us on the perils of sitting in one spot for too long. Fortunately for most of us, we have the ability to get up from our seat and take a walk and stretch our limbs, but what about our friends in wheelchairs who may face limited mobility? Thanks to Swiss research group, Empa, in collaboration with ergonomics company, r going, a new type of wheelchair seat is being developed that would force those in wheelchairs to constantly shift their positions.

Why is this important? The constant movement will help ensure that those wheelchair bound will not develop deformities or bedsores which could lead to health complications. In order to avoid such a scenario from happening, the prototype wheelchair seat features an articulated backrest and a pressure mat on the seat which will help detect where the user’s highest points of pressure are located.

The articulated backrest features “ribs” and “joints” that can be moved via a motorized system and can be adapted to match the user’s body contours. The backrest can also move backwards and forwards 22 degrees and 40 degrees respectively. The idea here is for a therapist to program the seat in such a way that shifts the backrest in different positions throughout the day. This would force the user to shift their pressure points and could potentially avoid said deformities or bedsores. The chair is currently being tested and no word when it is expected to be made available for the public.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Medical