Abstract
To minimize body collapse due to repetitive reclining and repositioning when using a reclining wheelchair, reclining wheelchairs with a sliding backrest function have been developed. This study compared the differences in body-slip and buttock pressure according to the presence or absence of the sliding function of the backrest during reclining and repositioning motions in 10 patients with spinal cord injury. When reclining from 100° to 130°, backrest sliding and total body-slip in the double-sliding wheelchair were significantly decreased by 21.4 mm and 16.4 mm, respectively, compared to a non-sliding wheelchair, and the peak pressure on the ischial tuberosity was significantly decreased by 8.7 kPa. Upon comparison of the buttock pressure between the initial upright position before reclining and the return upright position after repositioning, the force and mean pressure with the double-sliding wheelchair were significantly reduced compared with those with the non-sliding wheelchair. It was confirmed that the double-sliding system improved body-slip and buttock pressure more effectively than the non-sliding system. This study’s results are expected to provide the basic data necessary for the prescription and selection of wheelchairs in clinical practice and to be utilized in the development of related devices.
Highlights
In patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), prolonged sitting in a wheelchair increases the risk of pressure sores in the gluteal muscles due to loss of mobility and sensation
The significant difference in backrest sliding (BS) change between the two conditions confirmed that the double-sliding system is effective in preventing upper body-slip
Our study showed that both BS and SS showed a tendency to increase during repositioning, and the difference between the BS with double-sliding (1.5 mm) and that with non-sliding (18.5 mm) was 17 mm, indicating a significant increase in non-sliding
Summary
In patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), prolonged sitting in a wheelchair increases the risk of pressure sores in the gluteal muscles due to loss of mobility and sensation. Sitting for long periods on a surface such as a wheelchair seat creates localized stress on the buttock, causing the compression and deformation of soft tissues. This mechanical environment reduces local blood supply and lymph circulation, and prolonged exposure to these conditions results in tissue destruction and pressure sores with cell necrosis [1,2]. To maintain gluteal tissue variability while seated in a wheelchair, wheelchair users lift their torso with their arms, tilt their torso to the side or forward [3,4], and use methods such as active cushioning or repositioning to relieve pressure on the buttock [5]. Wheelchairs with tilt and recline functions are effective in reducing gluteal pressure, especially pressure and swelling under the ischial tuberosity, and are beneficial for comfort, postural control, stability, sitting tolerance, mobility, respiration, and digestion [6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
