Creating personalized seating cushions to prevent pressure injuries for wheelchair users
Official title: Development of advanced personalized modular pressure relief seating cushion systems: Testing and user evaluation
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-11276825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about creating special cushions that help keep elderly Veterans and people with spinal cord injuries comfortable and safe in their wheelchairs by reducing pressure on their bodies, using smart materials and personalized designs based on what users need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2018 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX002434-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11276825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals and Veterans who use wheelchairs and are at risk for pressure injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use wheelchairs or have no risk of pressure injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced seating cushion systems designed to relieve pressure for individuals with reduced mobility, particularly elderly Veterans and those with spinal cord injuries. The project utilizes innovative materials and a cushion fitting algorithm to customize each cushion for optimal pressure distribution, enhancing comfort and reducing the risk of pressure injuries. By evaluating user experiences and the effectiveness of these modular cushions, the research aims to improve the quality of life for wheelchair users. The approach combines technology and user feedback to create a solution tailored to individual needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of pressure injuries among wheelchair users, improving their overall health and comfort.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using customized seating solutions to improve outcomes for individuals with mobility challenges, indicating a potential for success in this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bogie, Kath — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bogie, Kath
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.