Insights from the 2026 DMGP Annual Conference
The DMGP abstract volume can be downloaded here. However, we are happy to provide you with a brief summary of the most important findings.
Measuring tissue oxygen supply at the body-cushion interface
The abstract titled “Tissue Oxygen Saturation at the Seat Interface: Initial Results of an Adaptive Cushion in Comparison,” presented by Tarcisi Cantieni, presents an initial evaluation of the first 20 of up to 30 participants in an ongoing randomized controlled crossover study. For the first time, tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) at the seat interface is being systematically measured using flexible near-infrared spectroscopy sensors developed by the University of Bern.
Despite numerous specialized seat cushions on the market, the rate of pressure ulcers among wheelchair users with paraplegia remains problematically high. This is where the study comes in: it aims not only to assess the clinical benefit of the LiVE One system, but also to establish, for the first time, a standardized measurement method for objective cushion comparison. The preliminary evaluation of the first participants shows that sitting on the LiVE One adaptive cushion resulted in significantly better tissue oxygen supply (p<0.001).
Key findings:
- The first systematic StO₂-measurement under seating pressure provides insight into how oxygen saturation behaves during sitting.
- The LiVE One showed better oxygen supply in the ischial area than the individual standard cushion in 17 of 20 participants.
- The newly developed flexible sensors will in future enable continuous, objective cushion comparison in everyday life.
This study creates a novel measurable basis for objectively comparing seat cushions in terms of their pressure-relieving effect, an important step toward evidence-based care for people at increased risk of pressure ulcers.
Qualitative analysis of the user perspective
The presentation “Clearing the Mind, Not Solving the Problem,” presented by Annika Baumgartner, uses qualitative interviews (conducted before and after a six-week trial period with the LiVE One) to report on the expectations wheelchair users with paraplegia have of an intelligent pressure relief cushion and how they experience it in everyday life.
The researchers report that users are not so much excited about the cool technical “solution” to the pressure ulcer problem, but above all about its simple integration into daily life and the mental relief it provides. Trust in the system develops through repeated experiences, such as the absence of visible signs of skin deterioration. It is important to emphasize that this desire for mental relief must not be mistaken for carelessness. Regular relief breaks, active relief routines, and consistent skin checks remain essential.
Key findings:
- Users pragmatically assess intelligent features: they are accepted when they provide relief, rejected when they create additional effort.
- Trust in the technology develops through repeated positive everyday experiences: the absence of redness and signs of skin deterioration.
These findings are important feedback for our engineering and communications teams: anyone developing a product for people with paraplegia must understand how they experience it in everyday life, while also ensuring that importance of proven prevention principles stays emphasised.
Wound healing under normal full day sitting load
The abstract “Healing of a Trochanter Pressure Ulcer under Sitting Load through Optimized Seating Adjustment and a Dynamic Pressure-Relief Concept,” presented by Dr. med. Simeon Berov, specialist physician at REHAB Basel, describes the case of a 66-year-old patient with complete paraplegia below Th6 for 43 years. She suffered from a second-degree pressure ulcer on the right trochanter, combined with a complex pelvic obliquity, low BMI, and a daily sitting time of around 14 hours.
Despite an initial reduction in sitting time, no improvement was seen over several months. After an occupational therapy assessment and targeted adjustments to transfer and bathroom arrangements, the patient agreed to switch to the LiVE One. The result, with unchanged everyday load: after three weeks the wound was significantly smaller, and after five weeks it had closed completely.
- In certain cases, wound healing can occur without prolonged relief periods when the a careful analysis of the cause, is combined with seating optimization, and an adaptive relief device.
- The benefits of avoiding long periods of lying down include a reduced risk of muscular and cardiovascular deconditioning and preserved participation for those affected.
Why these scientific findings matter
The three contributions show, from different perspectives (biomechanical, user-centered, and clinical), that the LiVE One pressure relief system can offer measurable added value for people with paraplegia.
Only through close exchange with medical professionals, researchers, and those affected can we develop relevant technologies. We continue to work in cooperation with medical institutions, universities, and our users on the further development of our products, and we already look forward to exchanging views on new research findings at future conferences.
See you at the next DMGP Annual Conference!