Pressure ulcers or bed-sores develop when you're sitting or lying in one position for too long. If those sores become infected, they can become fatal. In 2004, actor Christopher Reeve died after an infection from a bed sore shut down his system.
Now, here's what's new; high tech underwear from the University of Alberta. It's based on the theory that Americans can sit for hours every day in front of a computer with no threat of pressure sores because we don't sit still, we fidget. So this wheelchair underwear fidgets for those who can't.
Dr. Ming Chan said, "This is what we call the electrodes, and you need two of them to get a strong contraction." Patient Gem Hubert stated, "Every 10 minutes, these underwear give off a jolt to relieve pressure."
Right now, it's a pilot program. Researchers are planning a larger study, and they are hoping that someday the so-called "smarty pants" can prevent a very common and dangerous condition.
Copyright 2012 KCBD. All rights reserved
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and KCBD, a Raycom Media Station. 