The study of pressure distribution in sitting position on cushions for patient with SCI (Spinal Cord Injury)

Pressure sore is a serious problem for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Many kinds of pressure-relieving cushions have been developed to distribute the weigh evenly and widely. We measured the buttock pressure distribution on five kinds of wheelchair cushions in six SCI patients using the Tekscan pressure measurement system. We calculated total weight, high-pressure area, and maximum and average pressure to evaluate the function of the cushions. As for pressure distribution, the air cushion is the best of the five cushions. In the air cushion, the maximum pressure is influenced by the total weight, contact area, and the quantity of air in the cushion. Further, we measured the buttock pressure distribution on the air cushion in 13 SCI patients. The maximum pressure is one of the most important parameters in the adjustment of the air quantity in the air cushion. After using the multiple regression analysis, it has been shown that the maximum pressure is influenced by both the total weight and the total area.