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Related Experiment Videos

Sitting forces and wheelchair mechanics.

P Gilsdorf1, R Patterson, S Fisher

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.

Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|January 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Wheelchair users can reduce sitting forces by leaning forward after reclining. Adjusting leg height can also decrease ischial tuberosity pressure when using firm cushions.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Human Factors

Background:

  • Wheelchair use necessitates understanding forces on the body.
  • Back angle and leg height significantly influence sitting posture and pressure distribution.
  • Cushion properties also affect force transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of wheelchair back angle and leg height on sitting forces.
  • To quantify normal and shear forces on the wheelchair seat.
  • To assess pressure under the ischial tuberosities.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a force plate mounted on a wheelchair seat to measure normal and shear forces.
  • Varied wheelchair back angle and footrest (leg) height.
  • Measured pressure under ischial tuberosities.

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  • Included testing on a hard surface and with ROHO and Jay cushions.

    • Main Results:

    • Returning the back to upright after recline increased normal and shear forces significantly across all surfaces/cushions.
    • Leaning forward reduced measured forces to baseline levels.
    • Lowering leg height reduced ischial tuberosity pressure via a pelvic-lifting lever action.

    Conclusions:

    • Wheelchair users should momentarily lean forward after reclining to mitigate high forces.
    • Optimizing leg height, especially with firm cushions, can reduce pressure on the ischial tuberosities.
    • Findings inform strategies for improving wheelchair seating comfort and reducing pressure injury risk.