Interface pressure and pelvic movement during wheelchair propulsion

A method to study the relationship between the pelvic movement and the pressure distribution at tissue/support interface during wheelchair propulsion is described. Five normal subjects were recruited for this study. Dynamic interface pressures were measured using a resistive type pressure mat. Pelvic tilt and the locations of the ischial tuberosities were calculated from the 3D positions of the pelvic anatomical landmarks: left and right anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS) and the mid-point between the two posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS). Pelvic tilt during propulsion was found to be in the range of 13.2±1.6 degrees. The peak pressures loci during dynamic condition apparently followed a movement trajectory in front of the ischial tuberosities (IT). The results indicated that dynamic pressure distribution might be another important parameter to consider in pressure sore prevention regime