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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Vol. 6, No. 1 Jan/Feb 1998

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Under Pressure

Michael Meyreles, ATP, New Castle ATRC

In a recent two-part article, The “Wheel Deal:” Wheelchair Considerations, written by Nancy Ranalli for the AT Messenger, she discusses the components that make up a wheelchair and the importance of receiving a proper wheelchair assessment. One area that needs to be assessed when a seating evaluation is performed is looking at whether the client is at risk for skin breakdown. One tool a clinician might use in determining whether a seating system is sufficient to protect against skin breakdown is a pressure mapping system called the Force Sensing Array (FSA) from Vista Medical. This article will focus on the FSA and its features, both as a diagnostic tool and as a biofeedback/client education tool.

The FSA is a computerized pressure mapping system that is made up of three components: the pressure sensing mat, the interface box, and the software. The pressure sensing mat is the interface between the FSA and the client. It is typically made up of a 15 x 15 array of pressure sensitive sensors. When pressure is exerted on these sensors, the resulting electrical information is sent to the interface box. The interface box takes in the electrical readings from the pressure sensing mat and sends these readings to the computer in a manner that the software can interpret them. The software allows the clinician to access the information gathered by the sensors. The software is available in both Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 versions, with the newest upgrade due out within the next month.

Typically, when using the FSA to gather information about a client’s seated position and pressure distribution, the clinician will obtain a baseline reading of the client’s typical seated position with his/her usual cushion. If skin breakdown is a concern, determining the proper seat cushion is essential. The clinician will then be able to try different cushions with the FSA to assess which seat cushion is best for the consumer.

There are other features that make the FSA an excellent tool for therapists. The FSA can also be configured to take remote readings. After some initial setup while the FSA is connected to the computer, the pressure sensing mat along with the interface box and a small power supply can be disconnected from the computer. The FSA will then take a series of “snapshots” at a time interval specified during the initial setup. The clients can go about their normal routine and the information gathered during this time can be downloaded and read at a later time. Another feature of the FSA is that a hard copy of the readings can be printed. This hard copy of the results of the assessment can be used as documentation to support recommendations for seating inserts or other equipment.

Another feature of the FSA, unrelated to seating and positioning, is that it can be used as a biofeedback/education tool since near instantaneous visual feedback is available on the computer screen. With the display on the screen, clinicians can determine if the client is getting enough pressure relief while they are doing weight shifts when sitting in their wheelchair. The FSA is also an excellent tool for therapists wishing to train clients in weight shift activities. Since the computer screen is readily visible, clients are able to shift their weight and get visual confirmation.

This is just a brief overview of the FSA. For more information about this system, contact your local ATRC or call Ray Whittenberg at Vista Medical 800-563-7676.

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