Tissue shape and deformation as a characterization of the seating interface

A review of pressure measurements and previous studies that have utilized shape and deformation measurement for analysis of the seating interface is presented. A conceptual model is then developed which provides a rationale for using tissue shape and deformation as opposed to interface pressure as the primary parameterization of the seating interface. It is shown that measurement of interface pressure distribution alone cannot predict tissue distortion since in addition to the loading and boundary conditions (seating surface or cushion), mechanical properties of skin, fat, muscle, and bone contribute to the resultant tissue configuration from a particular pressure distribution