AW-Shift

AW-Shift (Assisted Weight Shift) provides real-time pressure mapping feedback, weight shift reminders, and high pressure alerts for wheelchair users who are at risk for developing pressure injuries (also known as pressure sores) on their skin.

Pressure is measured by a mat that is placed on top of your seat cushion or other surface you are sitting on.

*Only those app users with access to the approved pressure mat and it’s accompanying control box can connect to this application using bluetooth. Without the accompanying components, the mobile app will not provide pressure-related information. Currently, this system is not commercially available; however, it is being used for clinical trials.

The Pressure Map View
The live view of the pressure map shows how pressure is distributed in fine detail (256 measurement points) so that it is easy to detect small areas of high pressure, such as under bony areas. This is especially helpful when the ability to feel pressure is impaired because we tend to move when we sense discomfort. Moving relieves pressure and helps keep the skin healthy. Without the ability to sense discomfort, we have to rely on other cues to remind us to move. Seeing the pressure through pressure mapping can provide feedback that shows how you relieve pressure when you move.

See your own pressure map whenever you want!

Reminders and Alerts
Reminders and alerts are delivered the way you want with full control over the timing and method of notification. The in-app settings allow you to select how often you want to be reminded to complete a weight shift. You can also decide how long you want to hold the weight shift and the countdown is provided on-screen for you. You can determine which hours of the day during which you would like to receive reminders.

Reminders are delivered as a notification message with sound and/or vibration. You can choose to start the weight shift, delay it for a specific amount of time, or you can ignore it and the notification will disappear.

Alerts are different and are provided as a notification and sound/vibration when the pressure mapping system detects pressure higher than the threshold you select. The system provides alerts if pressure increases across the entire mapping area (such as when a cushion deflates without your knowledge) or when high pressure is detected in a specific region. You have full control over the thresholds for both types of alerts. Some people want to be alerted to small changes right away, while others may only want to know when there are dramatic, unexpected changes in pressure.

Track Weight Shift Performance
AW-Shift also provides tracking of your own weight shift completion over time. You may learn that you perform weight shifts regularly on most days, but that weekends are more challenging. Using that information, you can make changes relevant to you and your routines that may help protect you from developing pressure-related skin problems.

Record and Save Pressure Maps
You can record and save pressure map sessions for any duration of time that could be used to compare pressure over time or to detect subtle changes in pressure that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. For example, if you slowly lose weight, you may sit slightly differently on your cushion over time. AW-Shift will help you be aware of these small changes as they happen.

Support to develop this mobile application was provided the Department of Defense (W81XWH-15-0484) and the National Intitutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging (5R01AG056255).