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A method for designing tissue deformation minimizing seat surfaces was evaluated. Pressure and stiffness criteria were used to optimize surface shape. The method's efficacy for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and a comparison of cushion performance and interface characteristics with a group of 30 elderly patients are presented.

Repeated measures, prospective study.

University medical center.

SCI(n = 12), elderly (age 65+ years) (n = 30).

One flat and two custom foam seat cushions.

Interface pressure measured using a pressure sensing pad; tissue stiffness and pressure recorded on a rigid programmable seat surface.

Pressure distributions on contoured cushions for the SCI group contained lower values than distributions on flat cushions. A comparison of the pressure data between the elderly and SCI showed that significant …