Wheelchair seat comfort for the institutionalized elderly.

Abstract

Studies have reported many wheelchair problems faced by the institutionalized elderly. Because knowledge is limited regarding seat comfort in general and for the nursing home population in particular, we elected to investigate seat comfort in order to gain insight needed to solve seat discomfort problems. This study's primary objective was to identify quantifiable indicators of seat comfort. Seat comfort was investigated in relation to peak sitting pressure, asymmetry of sitting pressure distribution, and seat cushion type. Fifty nursing home residents who were able to reliably rate the comfort of their wheelchairs were surveyed. The survey consisted of several questions regarding wheelchair seat comfort, wheelchair use, and functional and cognitive abilities. Measurements included peak sitting pressures and parameters of sitting posture. This study failed to identify robust indicators of seat comfort. It failed to confirm the hypothesis that higher peak sitting pressures correspond to greater discomfort. No relationship was found between the asymmetry of sitting pressure and reports of seat discomfort. Although we were unsuccessful in achieving statistically significant results, we did identify seat comfort indicators that are not only statistically significant but are also of practical clinical usefulness. Further research with additional subjects is required to identify cushions that are both comfortable and pressure relieving.