Objectives: To discuss the methodologic challenges related to pressure mapping in seating and to present a new approach to the analysis and interpretation of results: the frequency analysis approach.
Design: Pressure mapping was performed on 3 prototypes of a newly developed foam and gel seat cushion.
Setting: Data collection was done in a private laboratory.
Participants: Eight nondisabled men.
Interventions: Not applicable.
Main outcome measures: Average pressure, peak values, and the size of the contact area were measured continuously for 74 minutes on each cushion prototype. A supplementary frequency analysis provided information on the number of times each value occurred during the measurement period.
Results: Average pressure and peak values showed only very small, nonsignificant changes over the measurement period for all variants. The frequency analysis, however, showed significant differences that enabled the manufacturer to select the prototype best suited for further development.
Conclusions: Verifying significant differences in pressure-relieving properties between products has to date been difficult. Findings from this study indicate that a frequency analysis approach may enable more adequate and precise ways to perform such studies.