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TylerFreetoETD.pdf (1.06 MB)

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Abstract Header

Development and Preliminary Assessment of a Modular Pressure-Relieving Wheelchair Cushion

Freeto, Tyler J.
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8168-9601
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1427894141

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Sciences (Engineering), Case Western Reserve University, Biomedical Engineering.
Commercially available performance wheelchair cushions use a variety of materials and designs to relieve seating interface pressure, as well as keep the interface cool and try to prevent pressure ulcers. This thesis describes the design and assessment of a novel, modular wheelchair cushion which utilizes readily-available, low cost materials. The modular cushion design consists of individual, removable gel-filled polymer spheres which can be easily removed and changed. Using different viscosities of gel filling, interface pressure data taken from the user, and a specially designed fitting algorithm allows the modular cushion to be fitted specifically to the user to best relieve seating pressure. The modular cushions were compared to three commercially available wheelchair cushions using ISO 16480-4 mechanical tests, a novel assessment of interface microenvironment conditions, and a preliminary clinical satisfaction survey. It was found that the modular cushions performed as well as or better than the commercially available cushions.
Kath Bogie (Advisor)
Jeffery Capadona (Committee Chair)
Patrick Crago (Committee Member)
Joseph Mansour (Committee Member)
80 p.
Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering
wheelchair cushion; pressure ulcer

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Freeto, T. J. (2015). Development and Preliminary Assessment of a Modular Pressure-Relieving Wheelchair Cushion [Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1427894141

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Freeto, Tyler. Development and Preliminary Assessment of a Modular Pressure-Relieving Wheelchair Cushion. 2015. Case Western Reserve University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1427894141.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Freeto, Tyler. "Development and Preliminary Assessment of a Modular Pressure-Relieving Wheelchair Cushion." Master's thesis, Case Western Reserve University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1427894141

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1427894141
580
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.