Pressure distribution at the seating interface of custom-molded wheelchair seats: effect of various materials.
OBJECTIVE
To identify which of 4 materials has the most favorable pressure distribution when used in custom-molded seats (CMSs) to assist clinicians in providing appropriate seating for wheelchair-bound individuals who are prone to develop pressure ulcers.


METHODS
Repeated-interface pressure measurements for all materials, followed by statistical analysis.


METHODS
The general community and referral centers.


METHODS
Seven subjects, 5 with cerebral palsy, 1 with Schilder's disease, and 1 with postmeningitis effects. All subjects were seated in a CMS and had spinal deformities.


METHODS
Viscoelastic polyurethane foams (Pudgee, Sunmate) and gels (Floam trade mark, Jay) were used as inserts in the CMSs. Evazote foam was used as a control material.


METHODS
Pressure readings were taken at the seat interface with pneumatic pressure sensors and the Talley Pressure Monitor. Peak pressure readings, mean pressure ratio, and peak pressure ratio for the different materials were compared.


RESULTS
Foams, Sunmate in particular, produced lower peak-interface pressures and also showed better pressure distribution than did gels.


CONCLUSIONS
Foams are the preferred insert material with CMSs when increased tissue breakdown risk is present.
Apatsidis
Dimitrios P
DP
Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. dimitrios.apatsidis@strath.ac.uk
Solomonidis
Stephan E
SE
Michael
Shona M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control; D014910:Wheelchairs