The effect of wheelchair cushion properties on the microclimate at the cushion-user interface: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IF 1.6 4区医学 Q2 REHABILITATION

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal Pub Date : 2024-01-31 DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.12932

Lisa Couzens, Benjamin Peterson, Ev Innes, Christopher J. Stevens

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Pressure injuries are a preventable yet highly prevalent health concern. Wheelchair cushion prescription can have significant implications for wheelchair users' risk of pressure injury development, which can impact functional abilities and quality of life. The efficacy of a wheelchair cushion to redistribute pressure has been well-researched, but the efficacy to manage the microclimate is less clear, particularly in warm-hot environments. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies examining the effect of wheelchair cushions on temperature, moisture and thermal perception to determine which cushions are superior to improve these responses.

Method

A systematic review with meta-analyses of randomised cross-over and randomised control trials of wheelchair cushion interventions on measures of temperature, moisture, and thermal perception was conducted.

Results

Eight studies were identified that met the eligibility criteria and six meta-analyses were conducted. Pooled analyses identified a significantly lower temperature on foam-gel cushions compared to air cushions (MD = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.31, 1.29; p = 0.002) and a significantly lower temperature on foam-gel cushions compared to foam cushions (SMD = 0.76, 95%CI; 0.45, 1.06; p < 0.00001). Pooled analyses also demonstrated significantly lower relative humidity (i.e., moisture) on foam cushions compared to foam-gel cushions (p = 0.02). Differences in thermal perception were inconclusive due to limited data found.

Conclusion

It is clear that not one cushion is ideal in managing all aspects of microclimate, as foam-gel cushions were the superior cushion to manage temperature and foam cushions were the superior cushion to manage moisture. This article provides occupational therapists and other health professionals with evidence-based information to assist with wheelchair cushion prescription that minimises the temperature and moisture accumulation, and associated risk of pressure injury for wheelchair users.

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查看原文本刊更多论文

轮椅坐垫特性对坐垫-用户界面微气候的影响：系统回顾与荟萃分析

压伤是一种可预防但却非常普遍的健康问题。轮椅坐垫的处方对轮椅使用者发生压伤的风险有重大影响，会影响其功能能力和生活质量。轮椅坐垫在重新分配压力方面的功效已经得到了很好的研究，但在管理微气候方面的功效却不太明确，尤其是在暖热环境中。本研究旨在系统回顾有关轮椅坐垫对温度、湿度和热感影响的研究，以确定哪些坐垫在改善这些反应方面更胜一筹。

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来源期刊

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal 医学-康复医学

CiteScore

2.80

自引率

16.70%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal is a leading international peer reviewed publication presenting influential, high quality innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The aim of the journal is to be a leader in the dissemination of scholarship and evidence to substantiate, influence and shape policy and occupational therapy practice locally and globally. The journal publishes empirical studies, theoretical papers, and reviews. Preference will be given to manuscripts that have a sound theoretical basis, methodological rigour with sufficient scope and scale to make important new contributions to the occupational therapy body of knowledge. AOTJ does not publish protocols for any study design The journal will consider multidisciplinary or interprofessional studies that include occupational therapy, occupational therapists or occupational therapy students, so long as ‘key points’ highlight the specific implications for occupational therapy, occupational therapists and/or occupational therapy students and/or consumers.