Experimental evaluation of pressure distribution changes when using clinical support surfaces

The main objective of this study was to perform experimental evaluation of the human body-pad interface pressure distribution changes when using five different clinical support surfaces (pads). The studied pads included the support surfaces for: head, heel, hip, lower back, and multipurpose pad for relevant body segments. For each pad, experimental data from 44 independent trials were obtained using 22 participants (12 male and 10 female) who voluntarily participated in the study. To measure the human body interface pressure, an Advanced ClinSeat pressure measurement system was utilized. For pads of the head, heel, lower back, and shoulder, the participants were positioned on their back, while for the hip pad, the participants were placed on their side. The results showed that in all cases the recorded pressures were significantly lower when the participants used the comfort pads compared to the no-pad condition. Specific recommendations for improvements in the current pad design were provided.