E-textile for non-invasive control of the body movement of bedridden patients

Abstract

Decubitus ulcers or bedsores are skin injuries that are a serious medical problem, difficult to treat. They are usually the result of some tissue nutrition disorder, the most common cause being lying down. The main principle for the prevention of this disease is the frequent change of body position of the person or the use of an anti-decubitus mattress. Our study aims the creation of an e-textile for non-invasive control of the body movement of bedridden patients. The use of sensors to monitor body pressure on the mattress would provide information not only on the areas with the most active wearing for each individual but on the current state of the patient: i.e. when it is necessary to change the orientation of the mattress or change the position of the body. It is expected the product to be easy to use and low in price so as to be widely applied and to have a large social impact.