Do you feel pain and discomfort whenever you’re in your wheelchair? How often do you find yourself longing to switch back to your couch or bed just to feel some relief?
We feel you. Sometimes, the wrong wheelchair setup can lead you to develop pressure injuries making it more painful to stay seated longer.
This is where pressure mapping comes in. By providing real-time data on how pressure is distributed, it helps occupational therapists (OTs) and other clinicians make informed decisions on how to improve clients’ comfort, posture, and overall well-being.
What is pressure mapping?
Pressure mapping is a technique that measures the pressure distribution between the user and their seating or sleeping support surface, using a specialised pressure sensor pad. Whether you’re sitting in a wheelchair or lying in bed, pressure mapping gives valuable insights into preventing and managing pressure injuries.
Why is pressure mapping important?
A recent study in Australian public hospitals (Ngiem et. al, 2022) shows that 12.9% of patients suffer from pressure injuries. This costs an estimated $9.11 billion—most of which could have been prevented.
Another long-term study following people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) for over 13 years reveals that 73.4% developed a pressure injury at some point after their injury (Le Fort et. al., 2017).
That means the majority of those with SCI or mobility limitations will likely face pressure-related wounds at some stage. But what determines who is most at risk?
Here are three major contributors.
3 Major risk factors that increase the risk of pressure injuries
Certain factors can greatly affect the risk of developing a pressure injury over time and these are:
- Limited mobility
The ability to move plays a vital role in lowering the risk of a pressure injury. Studies show that individuals with partial motor function have a 50% lower risk, while those who can walk see an 80% lower risk of developing pressure injuries.
- Early-stage pressure injuries
If someone experiences a pressure injury soon after their initial injury, they are 2.7 times more likely to develop recurring wounds. This highlights the importance of early intervention and proactive management to prevent pressure injuries.
- Lack of social support
A strong support network can also make a huge difference. Research indicates that individuals without social support are 3.1 times more likely to develop pressure injuries. Regular check-ins, assistance with repositioning, and access to the right equipment can all help lower this risk.
These findings highlight the need for early intervention, proper seating support, and continuous follow-ups to reduce the risk of pressure injuries. This is exactly where pressure mapping plays a key role.
How does pressure mapping help?
How does pressure mapping help?You may be wondering how such technology applies in real life. Here’s how:
For people with existing pressure injuries, pressure mapping provides real-time feedback on how their wheelchair configuration or support surface may be affecting their overall well-being. By assessing and adjusting seating, cushioning, or positioning, OTs and clinicians can detect the factors that are delaying their patient’s recovery and promote healing.
But pressure mapping isn’t just for treating existing pressure injuries. It’s also a great tool for prevention of pressure injuries. By identifying high-risk areas before an injury develops, occupational therapists (OTs) and clinicians can make necessary adjustments to improve posture, redistribute pressure, and ultimately reduce the likelihood of future injuries.
What happens in a pressure mapping session?
A typical pressure mapping session follows a structured approach to make sure the most accurate and useful data is collected for effective recommendations.
1. Establish a baseline
The session begins by mapping the user’s current seating or sleeping setup to assess pressure distribution.
2. Assess configuration
An occupational therapist (OT) evaluates the current wheelchair setup, cushion, or mattress to identify areas of concern.
3. Make gradual adjustments
An OT makes one change at a time to assess how each modification impacts the pressure redistribution.
During a pressure mapping session, occupational therapists (OTs) make targeted adjustments to a wheelchair’s seating setup to see how different configurations impact pressure distribution.
Here are some key adjustments they assess:
a) Comparing various wheelchair configurations
- Does opening or closing the seat-to-back angle improve pressure redistribution?
- How does the position of leg rests affect overall pressure distribution?
b) Exploring the different changes in posture
- Using a MAT (Mechanical Assessment Tool), an OT evaluates a person’s postural tendencies or natural sitting posture.
- They also try and test different seat angles, tilt, recline, and forward-leaning positions to determine the most suitable pressure relief techniques.
c) Comparing a range of seating products
- The OTs check how a sling backrest compares to a contoured backrest for stability and even pressure distribution.
- They test various cushions and back support to know which offers the best pressure relief.
- They also assess the impact of seating accessories like lateral thigh supports, arm supports, and lateral trunk supports in improving positioning and enhancing overall comfort.
By thoroughly testing and tweaking the wheelchair setup, posture, and seating supports, the OTs gain actionable insights into how small changes can make a big difference in reducing pressure risks and improving the client’s long-term comfort.
How to use pressure mapping data effectively
While pressure mapping gives us insightful real-time data, it’s just one part of the puzzle.
It allows us to measure the downward pressure on seating and lying surfaces, but it’s not the only predictor of pressure injury risk. That’s why it should always be used alongside clinical reasoning to get the full picture.
Pressure distribution is important, but it’s not the only factor in finding the right seating solution. Comfort, functionality, ease of maintenance, and other situational factors all play a role. For example, a cushion that provides great pressure relief might not be the best option if it makes transfers more difficult or requires frequent adjustments.
By combining pressure mapping data with clinical knowledge, OTs can make informed recommendations that improve both comfort and long-term skin health.
Looking for a seating solution? We can help!
If you’re experiencing discomfort or are concerned about pressure injuries, our team at 24HP is here to assess your current setup and recommend the best solutions for your needs.
You may not even need new seating products—sometimes, small adjustments to your wheelchair setup or support surfaces can make all the difference.
Let us help you get the comfort and support you deserve. Book a pressure mapping session today!
