Effect of model design, cushion construction, and interface pressure mats on interface pressure and immersion
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Pipkin, Leigh
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Abstract
Measuring interface pressure (IP) is one way to
characterize cushion performance in the clinic and laboratory.
This study explored how the presence of four commercially
available IP mats affected IP on and immersion of two buttocks
models. We loaded seven cushions with each buttocks model
and captured pressure data using FSA sensors (Vista Medical
Ltd; Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada). Analysis was performed
to compare pressure magnitude and immersion. Overall, both
pressure magnitude and immersion changed after mat introduction.
A significant interaction existed between cushion and mat
condition and cushion and model for all variables. Introducing
an IP mat to the model-cushion interface alters the loading on
the cushion. The mats bridged the contours of the model, causing
a change in IP at the locations studied. Although immersion
was statistically different between mat conditions, the
magnitude of the difference was less than 1 mm once we
accounted for the thickness of the mats. The significance of the
cushion-mat interaction indicates that the mat effect differed
across cushion design. Clinical and research users of pressure
mats should consider the effect of mat presence, the effect of
model design, and mat and buttocks interactions with cushions
for successful use.
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Date
2008
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