Why is pressure mapping used?
Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Shannon Sproule | Published: 18 October 2017 | Updated: ~
People with spinal cord injuries have an increased risk of developing skin lesions called pressure sores. Pressure sores occur for many reasons, including increased pressure on vulnerable areas of the skin. Bony areas that come into contact with support surfaces, like the sit bones and tailbone in sitting, are highly vulnerable to increased pressure.
Pressure sore on the side of the ankle.2
Pressure mapping is used to determine areas of increased pressure in certain postures on specific surfaces. It may be used to assess areas of pressure on various surfaces, such as chairs, beds, sofas, car seats, and toilet seats. This information can be used to develop strategies to reduce pressure and improve comfort in these situations.
Pressure mapping may be used as a tool to aid decision-making when selecting support surfaces and equipment, such as assessing which wheelchair cushions provide the best pressure relief for you. Pressure mapping is also used to assess the effectiveness of pressure relief techniques like weight-shifting by providing real-time feedback about the pressure during the performance of these techniques.