BION Active Seating for Pressure Ulcer Prevention


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Overview
BION Active Seating (BAS) for Pressure Ulcer Prevention (PUP) intends to use neuromuscular stimulation to both shift paralyzed subjects' weights and build up gluteal muscle volume, in order to prevent occurrences and recurrences of pressure ulcers (see clinical trial).

Model 1: In order to determine the optimal BAS stimulation parameters for relieving surface interface pressures in seated paraplegic/quadriplegic patients, the effect of hip torques on pelvic seating pressures has been modeled. This rigid body analysis model is being developed in MSC.visualNastran 4D, and has been validated by surface stimulation experiments.

Model 2: While we can easily measure the effects of NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) on seated surface interface pressures, determining the resultant effects in the deep-tissue layers is non-trivial. We have therefore also modeled the internal pressures in the different layers of the buttock soft tissues, which result from the measured surface pressures. This finite element analysis model is being developed in MSC.AFEA, as an axisymmetric 2-D hemi-buttock; and has being validated by surface stimulation and pressurized meat experiments.

Our goal in tying these 2 models together is to determine optimal stimulation parameters and protocols for relieving internal tissue pressures in our seated paraplegic and quadriplegic patients.

Questions/Comments
For questions or comments regarding these PUP models, please contact Hilton M. Kaplan or Gerald E. Loeb.


Alfred Mann Institute University of Southern California