Wheelchair cushion effect on pressure and skin temperature

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Wheelchair cushions are crucial for pressure sore prevention in individuals with mobility impairments.
• Objective and subjective factors influence wheelchair cushion effectiveness and user satisfaction.
• Spinal cord injury (SCI) populations often require specialized seating solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate eight wheelchair cushions made from five material types.
• To assess objective factors (pressure, temperature) and subjective factors (cosmesis, handling, purchase intent) in able-bodied and SCI individuals.
• To provide recommendations for optimal wheelchair cushion selection and use.

Main Methods:

• Twenty subjects (10 able-bodied, 10 SCI) aged 16-35 participated.
• Objective measurements included area of first light, pressure (using Pressure Evaluation Pad), and ischial tuberosity/thigh temperatures.
• Subjective assessments covered cosmesis, handling ability, and purchase intent.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found among cushions for area of first light, cosmesis, handling, or purchase intent.
• Alternating pressure and foam cushions showed consistently higher temperatures.
• All SCI subjects indicated willingness to purchase the air-filled cushion.
• Significant individual variations in pressure were observed despite non-significant overall differences.

Conclusions:

• Standardized pressure measurement devices like the Pressure Evaluation Pad are recommended.
• Wheelchair cushion use should be individualized based on objective and subjective assessments to mitigate pressure sore incidence.
• While no single cushion excelled across all metrics, specific cushions showed user preference and temperature variations.