Effects of V-shaped and Conventional Seats in Reclining Wheelchairs for Stroke Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Huang Hsiu-Chen, Yeh Cheng-Hsin, Chen Chi-Myn, Lin Yu-Sheng, Chung Kao-Chi
Primary Institution: Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University
Hypothesis
Able-bodied elders and flaccid hemiplegic patients have different mechanisms of forward sliding and interface pressure when using the V-shaped seats.
Conclusion
V-shaped seats in reclining wheelchairs can help reduce forward sliding and sacral peak pressure of stroke patients with flaccid hemiplegia.
Supporting Evidence
- Stroke patients with flaccid hemiplegia experienced less forward sliding in V-shaped seats compared to conventional seats.
- V-shaped seats reduced sacral peak pressure for stroke patients.
- Able-bodied elders showed different sliding patterns compared to stroke patients in both wheelchair types.
- Significant differences in sliding and pressure were observed between the two groups.
Takeaway
Using special V-shaped seats in wheelchairs can help stroke patients sit better and avoid sliding forward.
Methodology
We recruited 13 able-bodied elders and 11 stroke patients, performing 5 reclining cycles in both types of wheelchair and measuring sliding and pressure.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with severe cognitive deficits.
Limitations
The small sample size may reduce the statistical power of the results.
Participant Demographics
24 participants, 10 men and 14 women, aged 60-85 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website