PAPAIOANNOU, G.; MITROGIANNIS, C.; FIEDLER, G.; HOSTENS, I.; SPAEPEN, A. Comparison of
several seating solutions designed for prolonged sitting and car driving with transportation-oriented
wheelchairs. Brazilian Journal Biomotricity, v. 3, n. 2, p. 194-207, 2009. The performance of a number of
existing foam and air based wheelchair and car seats was compared to that of a new wheelchair air-filled
seating system designed especially to minimize sitting discomfort during prolonged sitting and driving.
Analysis of variance was used to test the effects of five different seats on pressure gradients and their
performance in prolonged sitting and driving. Buttocks and back support pressure history were accessed
with the Tekscan sensor pressure measurement system during prolonged sitting and driving. Differences on
seat pressure effects on healthy subjects, between subject pressure effects and the performance of the new
seat with respect to maximum and mean pressures were also investigated. In all tests regarding static and
dynamic pressure distribution, prolonged sitting or prolonged driving, the new seating system performed
significantly better than other foam or air based seats resulting in considerable reduction of the maximum
pressure. The new modular air-cushion seat with its dynamic characteristics enhances wheelchair-and car
driving related comfort.
