Comparison of the pressure redistribution qualities of two air-filled wheelchair cushions for people with spinal cord injuries

Background/aim: People with spinal cord injuries are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers. Wheelchair cushions that redistribute pressure are one prevention strategy to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers in this population. Currently, therapists have only limited evidence concerning the pressure redistribution qualities of wheelchair cushions to guide their cushion selection in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to compare the pressure redistribution qualities of two air-filled cushions currently recommended for people with spinal cord injuries. Methods: A series of single case studies, based on the methodology used in a previous study, was undertaken on three inpatients with complete spinal cord injury. Interface pressure readings were compared between a Roho (R) and Vicair (R) cushion using the Xsensor (R) Pressure Mapping System. The Roho (R) cushion is comprised of a series of soft, flexible, inter-connected air cells, and the Vicair (R) cushion contains separate, sealed cells of air. Results: The Roho (R) cushion recorded significantly fewer cells with pressures >= 100 mmHg than the Vicair (R) cushion for the three participants. Conclusion: This study has provided evidence that the Roho (R) cushion has superior pressure redistribution qualities than the Vicair (R) cushion for a small sample of patients with complete spinal cord injury.