Listen to "What is Pressure Mapping" Click here to listen to a podcast on "What is Pressure Mapping". This podcast aired on February 25, 2009 in conjunction with Rehab Management.

Interface pressure mapping involves using sensors to quantify the pressure between two contacting objects, such as a person and their support surface. Pressure mapping has many wide spread applications, but in assistive technology it is commonly used by clinicians to determine the suitability of a wheelchair cushion and by researchers investigating support surfaces, risk factors for ulceration, and ulcer prevention protocols. Pressure mapping systems can be made in many configurations for different uses but the most commonly encountered clinically are the thin mats used by seating specialists. These mats are approximately 18” by 18” and are composed of a matrix of small sensors and a cover. When a person sits on such a mat, the sensors read pressure at individual locations on the thigh or buttock. This data is transferred to a computer where a clinician can analyze it. Evenly distributed pressure is preferred.

How It Works (Technical Description)

The FSA pressure mapping system is based on Piezo Resistive Technology. This means that the resistance changes with applied pressure.

FSA has a proprietary piezo resistive semi conductive polymer sandwiched between two layers of highly conductive rip stop nylon fabric. The floating sandwich allows conformability to the compound curved surfaces of the seating environment as the slippery layers move freely and minimize hammocking.

The changes in resistance which result from the different pressures on the semi conductor are interpreted by the Interface module and relayed to the computer where they are displayed as an array of colors and digital pressure values. Corrections are made along the way for hysteresis (direction of loading) and creep (changes with time) and individual sensor variations.