A SURVEY OF WHEELCHAIR USE BY PARAPLEGIC INDIVIDUALS IN JAPAN .1. CHARACTERISTICS OF WHEELCHAIR CUSHIONS

The characteristics of wheelchair cushions used by 218 paraplegic pati ents who lived independent lives were surveyed to clarify the present state of wheelchair cushioning for pressure sore prevention in Japan. Out of 586 cushions surveyed, 91.0% were ready-made and the rest were custom-made. The outstanding popularity of polyurethane foam ready-mad e cushions (76.3%) suggested that insufficient consideration was taken in the selection of cushions, Custom-made cushions displayed unique m odifications to relieve contact pressure or to stabilize sitting postu re, which should be systematically provided for all patients. The vari ety of cushion types and the frequent dissatisfaction with cushions se en in patients with current pressure sores suggested a strong demand f or the effective prescription of cushions. Furthermore, 30% of all cus hions had had an excessively prolonged use, indicating insufficient fo llow-up. A medical system including deliberate prescription and regula r follow-up of wheelchair cushions should be established for the effec tive prevention of pressure sores.