A comparison of sitting pressures on wheelchair cushions as measured by air cell transducers and miniature electronic transducers.

With increasing attention to cushion selection for patients subject to decubitus ulcers, greater efforts are being made to prescribe cushions based on individual need. Pressure measurements during sitting frequently are utilized as a clinical guide to the process of selection and fitting. To determine the relationship between pressure values recorded from different types of transducers, simultaneous measurements were made beneath the ischial tuberosities using a Scimedics air cell transducer on one side and a matrix of 5 Kulite electronic transducers on the other side of a subject while sitting on a series of 21 commercially available wheelchair cushions. Although these transducers are different in structure and function, statistically similar results were obtained. The air cell type of transducer appear to be more appropriate for routine clinical use, but caution is advised regarding interpretation of results in terms of absolute pressures due to the many variables involved -- these techniques are suitable primarily for comparative measurements to obtain the optimal seating support for a given patient.