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

- Interface pressure measurements should not be used as a sole indicator of comfort in seating assessments.
- Lowest interface pressures do not equate to the most comfortable chair.
- Specialist chair design should involve collaboration with end users to corroborate marketing claims.
- Comfort is important factor in end user concordance with specialist seating equipment.

Aim of the studyThe 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.MethodsTwelve 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.ResultsWatercell® 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.ConclusionFrom 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.