Evaluation of wheelchair satisfaction with wheelchair initial-final sitting pressure

Background Wheelchair users spend a significant portion of their daily time sitting. This can lead to postural changes, imbalances in sitting pressure, and discomfort. Regulating sitting pressure and providing proper postural support is important not only for preventing pressure sores but also for increasing user satisfaction and quality of life. Objective This study aims to evaluate user satisfaction by comparing initial and final measurements of seating pressure in wheelchairs with postural alignment. Methods Seventeen wheelchair users with a mean age of 45 ± 10.7 years participated in the pilot study. Seating pressures were measured using pressure sensors at baseline and after intervention. User satisfaction was measured using a standard questionnaire assessing comfort, ease of use, and perceived safety. Findings Significant improvements were observed between baseline and final sitting pressures, particularly in the posterior regions ( p < 0.005; Cohen’s d = 0.59–0.78). Increases were observed in user satisfaction in the areas of comfort and perceived safety, but the changes were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Balancing seating pressure with a pressure-regulating wheelchair system may increase user comfort and satisfaction. Objective assessment of pressure distribution can help optimize wheelchair settings, thereby improving both safety and quality of life. Larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up studies are required.