Microclimate evaluation of strap-based wheelchair seating systems for persons with spinal cord injury: A pilot study

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 and methods: 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 degrees C. (95% CI -2.11 to -0.30, p = 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 degrees C. (95% CI -1.59 to - 0.30), p = 0.01, as was the solid-strap-based seat, -1.66 degrees C. (95% CI -2.69 to -0.63), p = 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.