Nonnegative matrix factorization for the identification of pressure ulcer risks from seating interface pressures in people with spinal cord injury

This study explores a new way to predict pressure ulcer risks in people with spinal cord injury by using a math technique on seating pressure data. The method, called nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), helps to simplify complex pressure data and highlight important patterns related to ulcer risk. The goal is to improve how we assess and prevent pressure ulcers by identifying key pressure areas and distributions that may currently be underestimated in clinical practice.

• 1
  NMF basis images encapsulated pressure concentration and pressure dispersion.
• 2
  Higher ulceration risk was associated with higher activation of the first NMF basis (i.e., higher ischial pressure) and lower activation of the second NMF basis (i.e., lower pressure dispersion).
• 3
  Clinical practice may be underestimating the importance of coccygeal pressure in response to wheelchair tilt and recline.