What are the limitations to the use of pressure mapping?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Shannon Sproule | Published: 18 October 2017 | Updated: ~

Cartoon of a person sitting in a chair with a clock above

Pressure mapping can be influenced by many aspects of how the procedure is done. For example, how the person positions themselves at the time of the reading and how long the person sits on the mat before the readings are taken can change the findings. There are also different types of systems that collect information about pressure differently. These factors and other concerns have led to disagreement among experts about how to best understand and interpret the results of pressure mapping for clinical use.

In addition, pressure is just one factor that contributes to pressure sores. Friction, moisture, age, body composition, time spent sitting, and many other factors also contribute to pressure sores. These factors cannot be detected by pressure mapping, which limits the use of pressure mapping as a stand-alone tool.

Pressure mapping also requires special equipment and trained health providers which may not be available in settings outside of major rehabilitation centers.