The effect of seat shape on the risk of pressure ulcers using discomfort and interface pressure measurements.

Background: It is clinically known that shape is important when selecting or designing a wheelchair support surface for the prevention of pressure ulcers (a £ 2 billion annual cost to the National Health Service, UK); however, the effect of different levels of shape contouring has not been adequately studied.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of seat shape on the risk of pressure ulcers using discomfort and interface pressure measurements.

Study Design: Randomised, repeated trial.