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The microclimate: can wheelchair cushions really impact this pressure injury risk factor?
Conference poster

The microclimate: can wheelchair cushions really impact this pressure injury risk factor?

Lisa Couzens, Kate Giles, Rachelle McNally, Ev Innes and Chris Stevens
OT Exchange 2026 (Brisbane, Australia, 23/06/2026–24/06/2026)
24/06/2026

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Abstract

Microclimate Pressure injury Disability Occupational therapy
Research and development of wheelchair cushions has focused on pressure redistribution; however, the cushion microclimate is also an important risk factor for pressure injury. To date, the microclimate responses to different wheelchair cushions have not been assessed in warm environments where they are potentially most problematic. A cooling wheelchair cushion has been developed to minimise temperature and moisture accumulation; however, no independent research has been conducted on this cushion. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of commonly used wheelchair cushions and a novel cooling wheelchair cushion on temperature, moisture and perception during sitting in a warm environment. A randomised crossover study was conducted to determine microclimate responses to three wheelchair cushions: air, foam-gel and cooling cushions. Eighteen able-bodied participants sat on each cushion for two hours in 28-30°C. Tympanic temperature, skin and groin temperature, relative humidity and thermal perception were measured. The novel cooling cushion was effective in reducing temperatures in the areas closest to the cooling element. The air cushion effectively reduced the temperature at the posterior thigh, where there was no body contact with the cooling element. The cooling and air cushions may be beneficial for wheelchair users living in warm environments.

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