Electric Undergarments to Ward Off Bed Sores

Now undergarments called Smart-e-Pants can ward off potentially fatal bed-sores. This underwear which stimulates muscles with an electric current to help prevent pressure ulcers has been developed by researchers at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta.

This underwear is made out of a wicking, anti-bacterial material common in gym wear. The briefs are supposed to be worn like an underwear, directly on a person's behind. The Smart-e-Pants have four electrodes attached to a portable battery-operated stimulator that sends a tiny electric current to contract the buttocks (gluteal muscles) every 10 minutes for 10 seconds to stimulate blood circulation. These undergarments can be easily washed, opened at the front for catheterization and look like regular form-fitting briefs.

So far, 25 people have used the Smart-e-Pants during 1 month trials at the Allen Gray Continuing Care Centre in Edmonton. The research team is looking forward to conducting clinical trials to test the Smart-e-Pants on a larger group.

Source: Medindia