A wireless lingual feedback device to reduce overpressures in seated posture: a feasibility study

TL;DR

This study explores a wireless tongue-based biofeedback device designed to help seated individuals, including paraplegics, reduce pressure over time to prevent pressure sores, demonstrating initial feasibility in healthy subjects.

Contribution

Introduces a novel wireless lingual feedback system that detects overpressure and guides postural adjustments to reduce pressure in seated individuals.

Findings

Subjects successfully used the tongue feedback to decrease overpressure.

The system shows potential for preventing pressure sores in at-risk populations.

Further testing on paraplegic individuals is needed.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pressure sores are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissues and are mainly resulting from overpressure. Paraplegic peoples are particularly subjects to pressure sores because of long-time seated postures and sensory deprivation at the lower limbs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we report outcomes of a feasibility trial involving a biofeedback system aimed at reducing buttock overpressure whilst an individual is seated. The system consists of (1) pressure sensors, (2) a laptop coupling sensors and actuator (3) a wireless Tongue Display Unit (TDU) consisting of a circuit embedded in a dental retainer with electrodes put in contact with the tongue. The principle consists in (1) detecting overpressures in people who are seated over long periods of time, (2) estimating a postural change that could reduce these overpressures and (3) communicating this change through directional information transmitted by the TDU. Twenty-four healthy subjects voluntarily participated in this study. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest that, in this trial, subjects were able to use a tongue tactile feedback system to reduce buttock overpressure while seated. Further evaluation of this system on paraplegic subjects remains to be done.