Quiz 31.5B
Quiz 31.5B: Developing a process for assessing equivalency of wheelchair cushion pressure
redistribution performance
ABSTRACT: For wheelchair users who are
at risk for developing pressure ulcers, cushion prescription seeks to address
tissue integrity. Because many designs of wheelchair cushions exist, a need
exists to estimate their performance in supporting the body. The objective of
this research was to develop an approach to assess the equivalency of cushions
with respect to their pressure redistribution performance. Two instrumented
compliant buttock models, differing in form, were used in the evaluation.
Stress and strain parameters were used to characterize load-bearing
performance. A cohort of 8 wheelchair cushions was compared to a standard
reference material, HR45 foam. Each cushion was measured using both models
under two loading conditions. The use of compliant buttock models that are
capable of measuring both stress and strain parameters offer greater capability
in measuring load-bearing performance compared to previously described methods.
The proposed approach was able to evaluate cushion performance and use a
logic-based approach to define whether or not a cushion was equivalent to the
HR45 material. Additional study is needed to further validate the approach and
to define the thresholds and criteria used to define cushion equivalency.
Completion of all required components earns .2 IACET CEUs.
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