LAUSR

AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the effect of three sling fabrics on gluteal interface pressure whilst sitting in a population of wheelchair users and to compare these to data previously collected in a pilot study with a healthy population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A repeated measures experimental design was used with 32 adult wheelchair users (15 women, 17 men). Healthy population pilot study consisted of 61 participants (51 women, 10 men) recruited from staff and students at The University of Salford. METHODS Gluteal pressures at six pressure zones were recorded using the X-sensor PX100 pressure sensor at 30 s intervals for 10 min. Data were collected in 4 conditions with participants seated in a standardised chair, followed by the chair with slings made of three different fabrics. RESULTS The spacer fabric reduced the mean gluteal pressure more effectively than slipfit and polyester (p = 0.014 and p = 0.01 respectively, 95%CI) and reduced peak pressure at the left ischial tuberosity and coccyx when compared to the slipfit (p = 0.003 and p = 0.005) with the wheelchair users. When comparing data with the pilot study, the mean gluteal pressure and peak pressures at the ischial tuberosities and coccyx were significantly higher in the wheelchair user group (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION The fabric identified as the most effective in reducing mean and peak pressures in both groups was the spacer fabric, suggesting that a spacer fabric sling is more likely to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.