Padding the seat of a wheelchair reduces ischial pressure and improves sitting comfort

In this study, we aimed to examine whether a wheelchair cushion placed directly atop a sling seat or deflection of the sling seat compensated by a pad along with the placement of a wheelchair cushion changed sitting pressure. Additionally, we examined whether these additions changed sitting comfort. For twenty healthy adults who consented to participate, measurements were taken for three types of cushions, each with and without padding, under six conditions. The cushion types tested included air (cushion A), urethane foam (cushion U), and three-dimensional thermoplastic elastomer (cushion T). A pressure distribution measurement equipment was used for the measurements. Following the measurement, the comfort of the wheelchair cushion was measured. The ischial area pressure of the cushion A pad was significantly lower than that without the pad. Cushions U and T were for ischial area pressure with a pad, resulting in a decreasing trend in ischial area pressure with a pad compared to that without a pad; however, the difference was insignificant. For all cushions, sitting comfort was significantly better in all groups with padding than in those without. In conclusion, ischial pressure can be dispersed by placing a pad on the seat surface of a wheelchair cushion, and pads were suggested to improve sitting comfort for all cushions.