An investigation into the effectiveness of a novel wheelchair seat-cover assembly for the reduction of forces exerted onto the buttocks

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.