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Related Experiment Videos

Wheelchair cushion effect on skin temperature.

S V Fisher, T E Szymke, S Y Apte

    Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
    |February 1, 1978
    PubMed
    Summary

    Wheelchair cushions impact skin temperature, affecting tissue metabolism and potential damage. Gel cushions maintained stable skin temperatures, unlike latex or water flotation pads, suggesting their potential for reducing ischemic tissue damage.

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    Area of Science:

    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Rehabilitation Science
    • Materials Science

    Background:

    • Elevated tissue metabolism, linked to temperature increases, can exacerbate ischemic tissue damage.
    • Wheelchair cushions significantly influence skin temperature and pressure distribution.
    • Understanding cushion effects on skin temperature is crucial for preventing pressure-related injuries.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the impact of different wheelchair cushion types on skin temperature.
    • To determine which cushion materials minimize detrimental temperature fluctuations.
    • To assess the potential of temperature-regulating cushions in reducing ischemic tissue damage.

    Main Methods:

    • Measured skin temperature changes under ischial tuberosities and thighs of normal subjects.

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  • Tested various wheelchair cushions: latex rubber, gel, and water flotation pads.
  • Recorded temperatures over 30-minute sitting periods.

    • Main Results:

    • Latex rubber cushions caused significant skin temperature increases (2.3–3.5 C).
    • Water flotation pads led to notable temperature drops (2.2–3.1 C).
    • Gel cushions demonstrated minimal skin temperature fluctuations, remaining relatively static.

    Conclusions:

    • Gel wheelchair cushions effectively minimize skin temperature changes during sitting.
    • Stable skin temperatures provided by gel cushions may reduce metabolic demand and ischemic tissue damage.
    • Cushion material plays a critical role in thermal regulation and pressure injury prevention.