Smartfoam Based Pressure Mapping

Pressure injuries cause pain both physically and financially. By creating a comfortable and comparatively less expensive pressure mapping system, pressure injuries can more easily be prevented, and a large expenditure avoided. Before full body pressure mapping systems can be made, a smaller scale model provides proof of concept while filling a different need in the rehabilitation and physical therapy industry. Nano composite piezoresistive foam (NCPF) is an inexpensive foam that can be used to measure a static load while still providing a comfortable interface. As the foam compresses, the impedance changes, correlating directly to the change in strain. Using the NCPF enabled pressure mapping system a pressure measurement with an r-squared value of 0.9987 was shown. By using the physical rehabilitation system described in this paper, those with lower body injuries will gain a greater opportunity for faster healing and improved performance.