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Abstract
Seating problems are of daily concern for wheelchair users especially when the seat surface does not provide adequate pressure distribution and stability. Soft tissue trauma related to long term loading by external forces is one the most frequent problems. The aim of this master project was to develop an effective method to study and analyze wheelchair seat cushion designs.
The first objective consisted to develop a biomechanical computer model by the finite element method able to simulate the interaction between a seat cushion and the buttocks in seating conditions. The second objective of the project consisted to elaborate and evaluate new wheelchair seat cushion designs in order to find a cushion able to provide an adequate support, mainly in relation to pressure distribution (peak pressure, uniformity and pressure gradient) but also according to other aspects such as stability, functionality, manufacturing and cost. Seven different concepts were retained from which 26 seating cushions were modeled and included in the biomechanical model to be tested under load. The six most interesting cushion designs as well as two commercially available designs were retained to be put through a more extensive evaluation. Results showed that cushions with shapes provide a better seating surface than the flat type cushions regarding pressure distribution and stability.
This new evaluation method is an alternative to clinical studies involving extensive resources. However, it is recommended to complete the validation of the cushion designs which show the best potential with a clinical evaluation study. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
