Analysis of Gluteal Pressure Distribution: A Data-Driven Approach to Detecting Deformities

Pressure ulcers, arising from sustained pressure on bony prominences, pose a critical healthcare challenge. Investigation of gluteal pressure distribution was done to optimize seating design and reduce tissue damage. Using the Tekscan CONFORMat-1 system, 20 participants (aged 22–74 years; BMI 20.3-41.3) were assessed across four chair types: cane, plastic, visitor, and student chairs. Key metrics included peak pressures (96–256 units, mean 170.67 ± 65.32 units on the left and 173.33 ± 54.88 units on the right), distances between peak pressures (3.5-9.92 cm, mean 5.75 ± 2.64 cm), and quadrant-wise pressure distributions (6.4-20.9<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">%</sup>, mean 14.4 ± 5.47%).The visitor chair demonstrated the most uniform pressure distribution, with quadrant values closely balanced between 24.3% and 26.1%, and lower peak pressures, ensuring enhanced comfort. Conversely, the plastic chair exhibited uneven load distribution, with higher pressures concentrated in the front quadrants (28.1%-29.2%). These findings underline the significant impact of chair design on pressure variability and posture.The proposed work highlights the importance of integrating pressure mapping techniques and ergonomic principles in seating design to prevent pressure ulcers and enhance user comfort. It offer valuable insights for clinical, ergonomic, and industrial applications aimed at improving seating solutions.