Analysis of pressure distribution at the body–seat interface in able-bodied and paraplegic subjects using a deformable active contour algorithm

In this paper, a semi-automatic method for segmenting pressure distribution image-based data at the body–seat interface is presented. The purpose of this work was to estimate the surface and the load supported by the ischial tuberosity (IT) region. The proposed method involves three steps: (1) detec...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical engineering & physics 2001-07, Vol.23 (6), p.359-367
Main Authors: Aissaoui, R., Kauffmann, C., Dansereau, J., de Guise, J.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active contour algorithm
Adult
Algorithms
Biological and medical sciences
Body Mass Index
Body Weight
Computer Simulation
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Image analysis
Image processing
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Image segmentation
Interfaces (materials)
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Ischial tuberosity
Ischium - physiopathology
Iterative methods
Male
Medical sciences
Osteoarticular system. Muscles
Paralysis - etiology
Paralysis - physiopathology
Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques
Posture
Pressure
Pressure distribution
Spinal Cord Injuries - complications
Spinal-cord injury
Stress, Mechanical
Transducers, Pressure
Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
Weight-Bearing
Wheelchair seating
Wheelchairs
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Summary:In this paper, a semi-automatic method for segmenting pressure distribution image-based data at the body–seat interface is presented. The purpose of this work was to estimate the surface and the load supported by the ischial tuberosity (IT) region. The proposed method involves three steps: (1) detecting the IT region using a pressure-distribution image gradient; (2) estimating the contour of the IT region by an iterative active contour algorithm and finally (3) estimating the percentage of the surface and the weight-bearing of the IT region in a group of able-bodied (AB) and spinal-cord injury (SCI) subjects. It was found in this study that the weight bearing on the IT for the spinal-cord injured group is distributed on half the surface in comparison with the AB group or the powered wheelchair users groups. The findings of this study provide insights concerning pressure distribution in sitting for the paraplegic and able-bodied.
ISSN:1350-4533
1873-4030
DOI:10.1016/S1350-4533(01)00052-2