Article

Results from applying the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 16840-2 test method for determining the impact damping characteristics of 35
wheelchair cushions plus a high resilience (HR70) polyurethane reference foam
sample are reported. The generation of impact forces when a wheelchair user
either transfers onto a cushion or the wheelchair encounters rough terrain or
bumps down a step can endanger the viability of tissues, especially if these
forces occur repeatedly. The results demonstrate significant differences in the
impact force dissipation characteristics of different cushion products but do not
reliably identify differences in performance that can be attributed to
descriptive information about cushion composition alone. Instead, these results
demonstrate that the materials, proprietary design, and construction features of
wheelchair cushions in combination dictate impact force dissipation properties.
The results of a cluster analysis are used to generate a model that can be used
to compare the impact damping properties obtained from the ISO 16840-2 test
method with those of a range of cushions and the reference cushion. Manufacturers
will therefore be able to provide users and clinicians with information about the
impact force dissipation properties of the cushions that will enable them to make
more informed product choices for achieving improved comfort and to protect skin
integrity.

Langue : ANGLAIS