Microclimate evaluation of strap-based wheelchair seating systems for persons with spinal cord injury: A pilot study.
J Tissue Viability
; 27(3): 181-187, 2018 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30008299
ABSTRACT
STUDY PURPOSE:
The purpose of this pilot study was to assess microclimate characteristics of two versions of a strap-based wheelchair seating system (perforated and solid straps) and to conduct preliminary microclimate comparisons of subjects' current wheelchair seating systems. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
In this pilot study, the microclimate properties of two variations (solid and perforated) of a strap-based seating system were compared with two commonly used seating systems. Six subjects sat on three different seating systems each for 100-min test periods, while temperature and relative humidity were measured with a single sensor adjacent to the skin-seat interface. Additionally, thermal images of the seat interface were collected before and after each test period.RESULTS:
The thermal images revealed that the maximum surface temperature of the solid-strap-based seating system was significantly lower than the other seating systems, -1.21⯰C. (95% CI -2.11 to -0.30, pâ¯=â¯0.02), immediately following transfer out of the seat. Five minutes after transferring out of the seat, the perforated-strap seat was significantly cooler than the other seats -0.94⯰C. (95% CI -1.59 to -0.30), pâ¯=â¯0.01, as was the solid-strap-based seat, -1.66⯰C. (95% CI -2.69 to -0.63), pâ¯=â¯0.01. There were no significant differences in interface temperature or relative humidity measured with the single sensor near the skin-seat interface.CONCLUSION:
This pilot study offers preliminary evidence regarding the microclimate of the strap-based seating systems compared with other common seating systems. Clinically, the strap-based seating system may offer another option for those who struggle with microclimate management.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal
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Silla de Ruedas
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Sedestación
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Microclima
Límite:
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Tissue Viability
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
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FISIOLOGIA
Año:
2018
Tipo del documento:
Article