ABSTRACT

Objective : The objective of this study was to examine a comparison of cushions for the prevention of pressure ulcers and of backrest angles on seated pressure. Methods : Five male and nine female subjects (mean age = 23.1 years, SD = 2.1) were tested. The subjects sat on a pressure mat placed over a cushion with different backrest angles for the prevention of pressure ulcers. Pressure readings were taken for five types of cushions and two backrest angles of the front of the seat relative to back. A repeated two-way analysis of variance was used for the data analysis. Results : Meaningful differences were found in the Average Index (AI), Standard Deviation (SD), Peak Pressure Index (PPI), and Dispersion Index (DI) measurements of the cushions and backrest angles of the seat. Conclusion : The data indicate meaningful evidence that air-filled type cushions with backrest angles of 110 degrees are the best choice for the prevention of pressure ulcers.