A dynamic seating intervention for wheelchair seating discomfort.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a new user-adjustable wheelchair seating system designed to relieve discomfort for long-duration wheelchair users.


METHODS
This objective was carried out using the newly developed Tool for Assessing Wheelchair disComfort (TAWC) as the primary outcome measure. Two wheelchair users each tested two different designs and feedback from the wheelchair users regarding the first design was used to guide development of the second design. A single-subject research methodology was used, allowing long-duration (up to 2 wks per test) evaluation of the wheelchair seating systems and comparison of subject discomfort levels with those experienced during a baseline period using their own wheelchairs. The experimental wheelchair seating systems employed existing automotive seating with embedded pneumatic bladders that allowed adjustment of the seat and back-support characteristics. The test wheelchair also had tilt, recline, and elevating leg rests.


RESULTS
The two subjects completed limited periods of testing with the first design, both finding poor results with either stable or increased levels of discomfort. Subject feedback was used to redesign the wheelchair seat. After redesign, both subjects tested the second design and found it substantially more comfortable.


CONCLUSIONS
The selected research methodology was a very positive method for a progressive wheelchair seating design and the second design provided improved comfort for both users when compared with that experienced using their own wheelchairs and the first test wheelchair. Future research of this type of user-controlled technology is recommended.
Crane
Barbara A
BA
University of Hartford, Physical Therapy Department, College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117, USA.
Holm
Margo B
MB
Hobson
Douglas
D
Cooper
Rory A
RA
Reed
Matthew P
MP
D002081:Buttocks / Q000503:physiopathology; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D013997:Time Factors; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000592:standards*