Article

AIM: To investigate the characteristics of elderly Japanese people sitting in a
wheelchair using pressure mapping and an objective method to classify sitting
patterns. This descriptive observational study was conducted in a senior
care facility and a geriatric hospital, with 107 elderly subjects (37 group A
(house-bound), 34 group B (chair-bound) and 36 group C (bed-bound)) and 36
able-bodied. Maximum pressure, total support area, distance from backrest to
coccyx and sitting pattern were collected by using a pressure mapping system.
RESULTS: Maximum pressure was significantly lower for able-bodied than groups B
and C (p < 0.001 and p = 0.024, respectively). Total support area was
significantly larger for able-bodied than each elderly group (group A p = 0.014,
group B p = 0.021, and group C p < 0.001). Distance from backrest to coccyx was
significantly longer for group C than able-bodied (p < 0.001). The occurrence of
proper sitting pattern significantly decreased as the degree of independence
reduced (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Elderly people with disabilities have high
interface pressure on a small support area, malposition, which is confirmed by
longitudinal and lateral supporting balance indices, and imbalance in a
wheelchair. The following concepts for developing cushions should be considered:
low interface pressure with large support area, individual adjustment of sitting
position and stability of body trunk.

Langue : ANGLAIS