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Development and Pilot Evaluation of a Sensor-Infused Monitoring and Training System to Prevent Pressure Injuries in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Approximately one-third of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience a pressure injury and complications contribute to a leading cause of death. Currently, there is a lack of adoption and evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of technologies aimed at preventing pressure injuries. This study presents and evaluates a new monitoring and feedback system to facilitate pressure relief activity performance in 22 manual wheelchair users with SCI. After a two-week baseline, participants received pressure injury education, set goals, and were instructed on how to use the system. Data were then collected using the system for 8 months, and a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire was used to assess usability, with 10 participants identified as Responders. Immediately following goal setting and system biofeedback activation, Responders showed a four-fold increase in pressure relief activity (4.48±4.24 vs. 23.37±14.85 s/h, p=0.004) but activity eventually declined to Baseline levels by Month 8 (4.26±5.78 s/h). Recorded sitting time also dropped significantly (5.62±3.30 h/day at Baseline vs. 1.81±2.08 h/day at Months 6-8, p=0.013). Thirty-six out of 40 questionnaire items scored above the acceptability threshold (>5/7). The system demonstrated good acceptability and effectively promoted short-term increases in pressure relief activity. Its greatest value may be as a short-term training tool during rehabilitation or re-training. Future iterations of the system must address limitations associated with promoting long-term adherence.

Source: Journal of Engineering and Science in Medical Diagnostics and Therapy

DOI: 10.1115/1.4071026

Authors: Jack Janett, Nathan Pineda, Maurizio Macagno, Davide Vigano, Jeffery Wade Rankin

Institutions: Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Rancho Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research