Analyzing pressure distributions for individuals in wheelchair seating systems is necessary in order to assure proper pressure redistribution to avoid pressure ulcers. A new wheelchair seating system, developed by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN USA), aims to address pressure, friction and related shear forces, and microclimate factors (heat and moisture) which typically lead to discomfort and skin breakdown when insufficiently managed.

The FlexForm™ Seating System represents a paradigm shift in wheelchair seating technology; integrating a contoured strap-based seating system that allows seating specialists to achieve custom seating contours along with manual micro-adjustments to additionally address at-risk areas identified on pressure mapping software. The straps are locked down and unique molding tools are removed when the functionally optimized pressure redistribution is achieved; creating a definitive custom-contoured wheelchair seating system.

Published last week in volume 51 of the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and & Development (JRRD), the Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, in partnership with Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, released the results of a pilot study, analyzing the pressure distribution with multiple wheelchair users and therapists to establish repeatability of results.

Continue reading… Pilot study of a strap-based custom wheelchair seating system in persons with spinal cord injury.

Ferguson JE, Wittig BL, Payette M, Goldish GD, Hansen AH. Pilot study of a strap-based custom wheelchair seating system in persons with spinal cord injury. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2014;51(8):1255–64.

For a video overview of the FlexForm Seating System, visit http://youtu.be/XwXB8_I1gf4.

For more information about the FlexForm Seating System, contact Tamarack Habilitation Technologies directly:

+1-763-795-0057 phone

info[at]tamarackhti.com email