System providing discomfort monitoring for people in wheelchairs

Abstract

This article describes a project that aims to develop a system that provides people in wheelchair a relief to the level of the sensitive perception of discomfort, assuring greater independence, welfare, quality of life and the prevention of illnesses/wounds. The project is based on the development of textile and polymer applications (cushions, mattresses and mattresses overlays) with functions of pressure and humidity monitoring in the body’s areas contacting with the support surfaces. The same principle used in this work can be applied to other situations, such as people with serious motor function limitations that condition their mobility and/or deambulation, bed rest patients or patients under effect of sedatives or anesthesia during long surgeries (intra and post operative).