Pressure Distribution Comparison among Standard Seating Surfaces and Strap Seating System

AIMS: Pressure injuries (PIs) are common issues that can be minimized through the use of pressure-redistributing support surfaces. Cushions provide immersion and contour considered most effective for pressure relief; however, others readily available on market. The aim this study is to determine how a wheelchair equipped with Comfort Tension Seating®(CTS) compares standard sling seating, foam, high-end redistributing contoured cushion. 
 MATERIALS & METHODS: redistribution qualities as measured peak index (PPI) using mapping technology were gathered four different seating surfaces -standard seat, CTS, two cushion types flat cross-section contoured-cushion, CTS. Twenty non-disabled participants trialed each five minutes each. methods described outcomes analyzed by comparing PPI comfort cushions.
 RESULTS: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test, related samples Friedman’s two-way analysis variance ranks (ANOVA) was calculated. results show there significant difference between cushions in redistribution. There statistically mean three groups which CTS performed better than but not quite good (p <.001). CONCLUSION: While optimal M2 foam cushion, surface appears superior performance compared foam. This suggests could used many applications, except individuals high-level PI risk, without tilt recline features.