Wheelchair cushion effect on skin temperature

Since a rise of 1.0 C in temperature causes a 10% increase in tissue metabolism, a wheelchair cushion which limits changes in skin temperature, and thus metabolic demand, might effectively reduce ischemic tissue damage. Skin temperature changes were measured under the ischial tuberosities and thighs of normal subjects while sitting on several types of support surfaces. The effect of commercially available wheelchair cushions on sitting surface skin temperatures was measured in five normal men and five normal women, age 20 to 30 years. The sitting surfaces studies were latex rubber cushions with nylon-vinyl and cotton polyester covers, two types of gel cushions, and a water flotation pad. Skin surface temperatures were recorded under both ischial tuberosities and both posterior thighs during each 30-minute test period. Increases in skin temperature averaging 2.3 C to 2.5 C under the ischial tuberosities and 3.2 C to 3.5 C under the thighs were noted when the subjects sat on either of the latex rubber cushions. A temperature drop of 3.1 C was noted under the ischial tuberosities and 2.2 C under the thighs when using the water flotation pad. The skin temperature remained relatively static while sitting on the gel cushions.