(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010-06)
Lopez, Ricardo A.; Sonenblum, Sharon Eve; Sprigle, Stephen
In this study, a method for the robust detection of manual wheelchair movement with accelerometer-based data logging is used to obtain metrics of wheelchair mobility that complement mean- and total-distance-only based measurements. It is found that these metrics, that include distance, time and number of activity bouts, provide better understanding of everyday use of manual wheelchairs by shedding more light into how users operate their wheelchairs in their daily lives.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010-06)
Kong, Linghua; Sprigle, Stephen; Davis, Kim; Wang, Chao
The alleviation pressure (AP) cushion is a dynamic
cushion system with
three bladders at the pelvic region. The bladders can be
deflated and inflated
in a certain sequence to relieve the pressure on the
ischial tuberosiites (IT) and coccyx/sacrum. The
design of the foam
base, bladder and
pneumatic and electronic system
of the AP cushion
is discussed in this
paper. And testing
is conducted to verify
the effectiveness of
the AP cushion.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010-06)
Sonenblum, Sharon Eve; Sprigle, Stephen
The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical responses to tilt in persons with SCI. Changes in
blood flow and loading at the ischial tuberosities (ITs) across different amounts of tilt were measured with Laser
Doppler flowmetry and interface pressure. Pressure reduction at the IT was not present at 15°, but did occur with
tilts to 30° and greater. Unlike pressure, blood flow increased with all tilts from an upright position. Only 4 of 11
participants had a considerable increase (≥10%) in blood flow at 30° tilt, whereas 9 participants did during
maximum tilt (i.e., 45°-60°). Based on the results of this study, tilting for pressure reliefs as far as the seating
system permits is recommended to maximize the potential for significant blood flow increases and pressure relief.
The use of interim small tilts is also supported, as they also provide some benefit.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010)
Nemeth, Michelle E.; Sprigle, Stephen; Gajjala, Anita
Monitoring wound size is an integral component to the assessment and treatment of chronic wounds. Conventional methods, such as ruler measures and transparency tracings, for measuring wound size often have low accuracy and reliability. Newer high tech methods, while more reliable and accurate, are often expensive and difficult to use. The objective of the study was to design a wound measurement device (WMD) with the following features: ease of use, low cost, non-contact, time-saving, hand-held, reliable, and battery operated.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010)
Sprigle, Stephen; Maurer, Chris; Kong, Linghua
Inventors of assistive technology
often lack resources to support
product development and this may
hinder their ability to develop useful and commercially viable devices. The purpose of this on‐going project is to support inventor and small company development of promising mobility-‐related technologies. Specifically, the process includes: 1) an informal brainstorming session
addressing technical, market and user issues; 2) formal screening of device potential and RERC capacity to assist in development; 3) invitation to engage inventors/companies with promising technologies; and 4) product testing and/or development of promising technologies. This paper describes
the project’s approach and reviews
activities over the past year.