Abstract
Little is known about the changes in moisture that occur at the body–seat interface during sitting. However, as increased moisture can add to the risk of skin damage, we have developed an array of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) humidity sensors to measure at this interface. Sensors were first evaluated against traceable standards, followed by use in a cross-over field test (n = 11; 20 min duration) using different wheelchair cushions (foam and gel). Relative humidity (RH) was measured at the left mid-thigh, right mid-thigh and coccyx. Sensors were shown to be unaffected by loading and showed highly reliable responses to measured changes in humidity, varying little from the traceable standard (<5%). Field-test data, smoothed through a moving average filter, revealed significant differences between the three chosen locations and between the gel and foam cushions. Maximum RH was attained in less than five minutes regardless of cushion material (foam or gel). Importantly, RH does not appear to distribute uniformly over the body–seat interface; suggesting multiple sensor positions would appear essential for effectively monitoring moisture in this interface. Material properties of the cushions appear to have a significant effect on RH characteristics (profile) at the body–seat interface, but not necessarily the time to peak moisture.
Highlights
IntroductionAmong the sedentary life-style related chronic diseases, epidermal ulceration is one of the most painful, hardest to treat successfully and has the potential to create life-threatening complications [1]
Among the sedentary life-style related chronic diseases, epidermal ulceration is one of the most painful, hardest to treat successfully and has the potential to create life-threatening complications [1].This situation is made more serious for those wheelchair users who cannot reposition themselves because of their incapacity, inability or because they may not have sufficient sensory awareness to recognise when their skin integrity is threatened due to their immobility
We have previously reported use of discrete, small humidity sensors [8], placed at anatomically relevant locations to study the relative humidity (RH) changes when sitting on a standard foam cushion
Summary
Among the sedentary life-style related chronic diseases, epidermal ulceration is one of the most painful, hardest to treat successfully and has the potential to create life-threatening complications [1]. This situation is made more serious for those wheelchair users who cannot reposition themselves because of their incapacity, inability or because they may not have sufficient sensory awareness to recognise when their skin integrity is threatened due to their immobility. It is essential to understand more about the body–seat interface environment in order to establish strategies capable of preventing skin ulcer formation. The properties of cushions in relation to humidity control is becoming an aspect of greater importance for seat design as well as subjected to greater scrutiny for the purpose of ensuring healthy prolonged sitting
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