Evaluating the impact of WaterCell® Technology on pressure redistribution and comfort/discomfort of adults with limited mobility

Bartley, CA; Stephens, M

Abstract

Aim of the study


The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of WaterCell® Technology on pressure redistribution and self-reported comfort and discomfort scores of adults with mobility problems who remain seated for extended periods of time.


Methods


Twelve participants, were recruited and ranged in gender, age, height, weight, and body mass index. Five were male, seven were female, and five were permanent wheelchair users. Each participant was randomly allocated a chair, whose seat comprised of visco-elastic memory foam, high-elastic reflex foam, and watercells, to trial for a week. Data collected at day one and day seven included: interface pressure measurements taken across the gluteal region (peak and average); physiological observations of respiratory rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure; skin inspection and comfort and discomfort scores.


Results


Watercell® technology was found to offer lower average pressures than those reported to cause potential skin injury. Peak pressure index findings were comparative to other studies. No correlation was found between discomfort intensity rating and pressure redistribution. Discomfort intensity rating was low for all participants and general discomfort ranged from very low to medium. Physiological observations decreased for 50% of participants over the seven days.


Conclusion


From our study we have found that WaterCell® technology offers comparable pressure redistribution for people with a disability who need to sit for prolonged periods of time and the chairs were found to be comfortable.

Citation

Bartley, C., & Stephens, M. (2017). Evaluating the impact of WaterCell® Technology on pressure redistribution and comfort/discomfort of adults with limited mobility. Journal of Tissue Viability, 26(2), 144-149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2016.11.001

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 2, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Nov 5, 2016
• Publication Date: May 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 13, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 5, 2017
• Journal: Journal of Tissue Viability
• Print ISSN: 0965-206X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 144-149
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2016.11.001
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2016.11.001
• Related Public URLs: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-tissue-viability/
• Additional Information: Funders : CareFlex