EFFECT OF SEATING CUSHIONS ON PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION IN WHEELCHAIR RACING

This study investigated the efficacy of pressure mapping technology in quantifying athlete-wheelchair interaction at the seating interface, and the influence of foam inserts on pressure (peak and average), and contact area. An XSENSOR LX100 pressure mat was located at the seating interface of six nationally ranked wheelchair racing athletes, who performed regular propulsion on treadmill. Substantial inter-athlete variation was observed on resulting pressure distribution (area and magnitude) for all athletes. Implementation of a foam insert did not impede recording ability, however did alter seating characteristics, lowering seating pressure (peak and average), and increasing contact area. This increase may enhance athlete-wheelchair interaction, which will likely result in a more powerful technique, and increased probability of winning races