Ecuador (2023-25): Wheelchair Pressure Mat
DESCRIPTION
Wheelchair cushions are critical for patients so that they do not develop pressure wounds which can be dangerous. Many wheelchair users can use simple cushions. However, some wheelchair users are high-risk and need to have cushions that are adaptable. An important component of cushion use is the minimization of pressure wounds since the patients are sitting for an extended period of time. A low-cost sensor mat has been developed to measure the pressure observed by patients as they sit on the cushions.
IMPLEMENTATION
The wheelchair pressure mat has been implemented for testing at the Cielo de Amor clinic in Ibarra, Ecuador. During the visit to the clinic in 2025, the design team explained the mat’s construction, including the removable waterproof cover, and showed how to set the sensor mat up and connect it to the computer with the GUI. A wheelchair employee at the clinic helped evaluate the sensor mat. The clinicians applied varying amounts of pressure to different areas of the mat and were pleased with its responsiveness and accuracy. One challenge of using the current mat is that 5 of the 32 sensor columns were not functioning properly. Ideas were discussed with the clinicians for further development. This project is currently on hold.
