Smart seat cushion feasibility pilot study: automated interface pressure modulation of individuals with spinal cord Injury.

This study investigates the functionality and feasibility of a novel smart seat cushion system designed for wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries. The cushion, equipped with air cells that serve as both sensors and actuators, was tested on 24 participants for its real-time pressure mapping, automated pressure redistribution, and pressure offloading functions. A commercial pressure mat was concurrently used to validate the cushion's pressure modulation functions.

Development of Cyclic Pressure Offloading Insole for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention.

The likelihood of developing a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) during one's lifetime for individuals with diabetes mellitus is around 19% to 34%. Continuous and repetitive loading on soft tissues are the major causative factors for DFU. This paper introduces an air cell array insole designed for cyclically offloading pressure from plantar regions to reduce repetitive stress and loading on foot.

Clamping soft biologic tissues for uniaxial tensile testing: A brief survey of current methods and development of a novel clamping mechanism.

Biologic tissues are complex materials that come in many forms and perform a variety of functions. They vary widely in composition and mechanical properties, and determination of the mechanical properties of tissues is of interest to those trying to engineer tissues to restore missing function. In performing experiments to characterize the mechanical properties of biologic tissues, there is no single solution to clamping tissues or tissue engineered constructs for mechanical testing.