Evaluation of wheelchair cushions by means of pressure distribution mapping.

We studied the seated buttock pressure distribution in six paraplegic patients by means of computerized pressure mapping. They were all male and their age ranged from 18 to 48 years old. Their level of paralysis varied from Th5 to L1. Five kinds of wheelchair cushions were studied: an air cushion, a contour cushion, a polyurethane foam cushion, a Cubicushion (which is made of polyurethane foams) and a silicone gel cushion. A tactile sensor consisting of 2064 matrices was used for measuring the buttock pressure distribution and the data was analyzed on a personal computer. Peak pressures measured for each cushion were as follows (in descending order): the Cubicushion, the polyurethane foam cushion, the contour cushion, the silicone gel cushion, and the air cushion. The areas of total contact measured for each cushion were as follows (in descending order): the air cushion, the silicone gel cushion, the polyurethane foam cushion, the contour cushion and the Cubicushion. Based on these findings, we conclude that the most advantageous cushion is the air cushion or the silicone gel cushion. Likewise, we conclude that the Cubicushion is not practical for pressure sore prevention.