# Development of Technologies to Increase In-Seat Movement to Prevent Sitting-Acquired Pressure Injuries in Wheelchair Users

> **NIH NIH R01** · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · 2020 · $586,399

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Pressure injuries in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who use wheelchairs are one of the most
dangerous secondary health problems encountered during the lifespan. A key component for the prevention of
pressure injuries is education to increase in-seat movement to minimize prolonged pressure under the sacral,
ischial, and sacrococcygeal areas. However, the continued patient and health care system burden of pressure
injuries underscores a disconnect between education and the essential practice of movement-related health
behaviors. Movement is a modifiable risk factor in this population, but the field lacks effective strategies to best
motivate movement. New strategies that couple the use of pressure interface mapping and movement
detecting sensors, combined with existing smartphone technology can provide the right type of feedback to
improve in-seat movements. By providing the right tools, we can impact individual's self-efficacy, or confidence
in their ability, to perform the necessary movements to prevent pressure ulcers. Our ultimate goal is to reduce
the incidence of pressure injuries by providing an effective strategy so that individuals can better self-manage
their skin health. If successful, this could significantly reduce the related burden to the individual, caregivers,
and the healthcare system. The objective of this project is to further develop two novel personal-use
technologies (Aim 1) that provide effective feedback to increase movement to prevent pressure injuries. Next,
we will test the usability of the advanced systems (Aim 2). Finally, we will evaluate how well each separate
system plus a combined system impacts in-seat movement while also assessing self-efficacy related to
completing recommended weight shifts (Aim 3). By comparing self-efficacy scores with changes in movement,
we can begin to determine which system or combination of systems best meets individual needs. This
knowledge can directly impact clinical practice and facilitate individualized care for preventing pressure injuries
in wheelchair users. The central hypothesis is that compensatory feedback, provided through the right
personal-use technologies, will increase in-seat movement of wheelchair users. The rationale for this project is
based on solid evidence that when patients are engaged and empowered with the right tools and have
improved self-efficacy for health behaviors, they are able to manage their health with far greater success.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9908034
- **Project number:** 5R01AG056255-04
- **Recipient organization:** MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** MELISSA M. MORROW
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $586,399
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-15 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9908034

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9908034, Development of Technologies to Increase In-Seat Movement to Prevent Sitting-Acquired Pressure Injuries in Wheelchair Users (5R01AG056255-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9908034. Licensed CC0.

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