An investigation into the effectiveness of a novel wheelchair seat-cover assembly for the reduction of forces exerted onto the buttocks. (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kobara, Kenichi; Takahashi, Hisashi; Nagata, Yasuyuki; Osaka, Hiroshi; Suehiro, Tadanobu; Fujita, Daisuke
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 17:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 304
• Page End: 309
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Decubitus ulcers -- reclining wheelchair -- wheelchair seat-cover assembly -- horizontal force -- normal force; Rehabilitation technology -- Periodicals; Self-help devices for people with disabilities -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1780484
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-3107

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: This purpose was to investigate developed seat-cover assemblies' effect on decreasing the fluctuation of the shear force exerted onto the buttocks as the factors causing decubitus ulcers when the back-support was inclined. Materials and Methods: The participants were 10 wheelchair users. The force plate was used to measure the horizontal force as the shear force. The back-support was inclined at increasing angles, starting from the upright position (IUP), then proceeding to a fully reclined position (FRP), and returning to the upright position (RUP). The experimental conditions were two conditions; the seat-cover assembly conditions and without the seat-cover assembly as the control conditions. Results: The average values in the seat-cover assembly condition were 14.4 ± 3.3, 13.9 ± 2.3, and 17.3 ± 3.3% body weight in the IUP, FRP, and RUP, respectively. The average values in the control condition were 14.8 ± 2.6, 11.4 ± 1.7, and 24.0 ± 6.7% body weight in the IUP, FRP, and RUP, respectively. In the FUP and the RUP, there were significant differences between two conditions ( p < .01). Conclusion: These results suggested that the shear force exerted onto the buttocks may to be decreased by using novel seat-cover assembly. Implications for rehabilitation: It is possible to decrease the fluctuations in the shear force by moving the body up and down according the novel seat-cover assembly attached the back-support incline. Disabled, older individuals can be provided with a comfortable life on a reclining wheelchair while preventing decubitus ulcers.