Virtual Seating Coach

People with both upper and lower extremity impairment are often provided electric powered wheelchairs with powered seat functions (PSF), especially if they cannot independently reposition themselves. PSF (elevation, tilt, recline) are used to increase independent function, to reduce risk of pressure ulcers, to manage pain, and to reduce swelling. Unfortunately, many individuals do not use them properly. For example, they don’t tilt far enough or long enough or they don’t use the controls in the proper sequence. Therefore, we invented an instrumentation package, called the Virtual Seating Coach (VSC), which is integrated along with a small handheld computer mounted to the user’s chair. We created software for this system that incorporates the guidance of clinicians combined with machine learning and expert system software to provide customized coaching. This should result in fewer injuries and secondary conditions.

The system is set up by a clinician, who uses an administrative interface to program the proper reminders according to the individual’s needs. The reminders are entirely customizable depending on the user’s preferences. The alerts that remind the user that it is time to change position can be texts, specific sounds, or a voice; the coaching reminder can be a cartoon animation, a realistic animation, a person talking, or voice or text explanations only. The coach program is also context-aware. The VSC includes sensors installed on the wheelchair that detect the user’s environment and tie into the system to ensure safety and comfort. For example, if the user is climbing a slope, the sensors will detect this and prevent the alert from sounding until the user is back on level ground. The sensors can also detect if the user is currently in a crowded or unstable location (for instance, on a bus) and will also prevent the alert from sounding in this instance.

Improving on the original design, we have created a specialized smartphone application that ties directly into the VSC that allows the smartphone to run the alert/reminder system. (As an added bonus, the wheelchair battery also charges the phone.) When the smartphone is attached to the wheelchair as part of the system, users also appreciate having their smartphone ready for any use – not just the VSC system. Finally, the app allows the VSC alerts to be sent as simple smartphone texts if the user prefers it.

The Virtual Seating Coach is currently being marketed by Permobil USA.