To test the hypothesis that, in comparison with a tilt-in-space (TIS) wheelchair, a manual wheelchair equipped with a new rear anti-tip device (Arc-RAD) provides equivalent reductions in seating pressures in the upright and tilted-back positions, we studied 8 able-bodied participants. Within-participant comparisons were used to analyze the mean sitting pressures, using a force-sensing array on top of the seat cushion, in both the upright position and tilted back to a comparable angle (38-39 degrees). There were no significant difference in the mean pressures between the two wheelchairs in the upright position (p=0.57) or when tilted back to a comparable angle (p=0.63). In both wheelchairs, the mean pressures in the fully-tilted-back positions were significantly lower (by 20-26%) than in the upright positions (p<0.01). A manual wheelchair with Arc-RADs provides a comparable reduction in seating pressures to a representative TIS wheelchair; this has implications for wheelchair design.
rehabilitation, wheelchair, ischial tuberosity pressure, sitting pressure
Blair MacDonald, c/o Dr. R. Lee Kirby
Dalhousie University, Room 206
Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre
1341 Summer Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3H 4K4.
Email: Kirby@dal.ca
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