ISO Testing

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global network that publishes standardized procedures, processes, and test methods.   

ISO Standards are internationally agreed upon by experts and can be considered a formula that describes the best way of doing something.  

Permobil strives to not only meet the ISO standards but exceed them when designing and innovating for individuals. ISO standardized tests are voluntary and Permobil chooses to participate in these standards to ensure our products are supported by science. 

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh’s Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) has been involved in the development of ISO standards for wheelchairs and wheelchair seating. 

The Wheelchair and Cushion Standards group at RERC applied a subset of test methods (from the ISO 16840) and created a tool to explore the cushion performance data of their research. Of approximately 50 cushions from multiple manufacturers, the RERC researchers selected 10 cushions that are manufactured or distributed by Permobil Americas, to be included in the study.

Permobil Cushion Performance

At Permobil, we believe that a seating solution can only be successful when the individual’s needs are understood. One performance test or measure should never be used as a cushion selector tool.  

Permobil’s Scientific Report on Cushion Performance Metrics uses data collected from the University of Pittsburgh’s RERC study and NPIAP’s Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG). With these results and expert consensus, the cushion materials can be related to the individual’s needs and can help guide the seating solution choice. 

Permobil's ten cushions included in the RERC data set are listed below for Skin Protection and Stability & Balance ISO tests. 

NPIAP's Clinical Practice Guideline

Skin protection and preventing pressure injuries is important to every person with limited mobility. 

The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel's (NPIAP) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries was published in 2019. Over 250 international experts reviewed evidence of over 3500 peer reviewed research studies. 

The CPG provides a clinical perspective that can be applied to the development and application of ISO tests. The CPG also includes recommendations on: 

• prevention and treatment of pressure injuries

• the etiology of the wounds 

• patient risk factors

• clinical care recommendations

• interventions and healing strategies

• the role of support surfaces including mattresses, overlays, and wheelchair cushions 

Based on the CPG, Permobil created The Pressure Management Guide, an extensive resource to better understand the role of support surfaces and wheelchair systems for pressure management. Short on time? Check out the The Wheelchair Seating Pocket Guide, a condensed resource to help select wheelchair seating components for pressure injury management.