Effects of Real-Time Pressure Map Feedback on Confidence in Pressure Management in Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury: Pilot Intervention Study

BACKGROUND: Wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are at a high risk for developing pressure injuries (PIs). Performing weight shifts is a primary method of pressure management for PI prevention; however, individuals with SCI may lack confidence in their abilities to perform adequate pressure relief due to their lack of sensation. Real-time seat interface pressure mapping feedback may provide partial substitution for sensory feedback such that an individual’s confidence is improved. OBJECTIVE: We aim to examine how confidence for pressure management by wheelchair users with SCI was impacted by providing access to real-time, on-demand seat interface pressure mapping feedback. METHODS: Adults with SCI (N=23) completed self-efficacy questions addressing confidence around 4 factors related to performing weight shifts in this longitudinal, repeated-measures study. We evaluated the impact of providing standard PI prevention education and access to live pressure map feedback on confidence levels for performing weight shifts. RESULTS: Access to live pressure map feedback while learning how to perform weight shifts resulted in significantly higher confidence about moving far enough to relieve pressure at high-risk areas. Confidence for adhering to the recommended weight shift frequency and duration was not significantly impacted by in-clinic education or use of pressure map feedback. Confidence that performing weight shifts reduces PI risk increased most following education, with slight additional increase when pressure map feedback was added. CONCLUSIONS: Access to live pressure mapping feedback improves confidence about performing weight shifts that relieve pressure when provided in the clinical setting and demonstrates potential for the same in the home. This preliminary exploration of a smartphone-based pressure mapping intervention highlights the value of access to continuous pressure mapping feedback to improve awareness and confidence for managing pressure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03987243; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03987243