Custom moulded seating and temperature regulation

Some clients require a highly contoured seating system to support body structures where muscle weakness, fixed deformities or a high level of tone exists. Contoured systems can promote improved postural alignment, pressure distribution and functional abilities; however this type of seating can result in increased heat production, as it sits closer to the person's skin over a larger surface area. The impact of increased heat, moisture and sweat upon the individual's comfort, health, quality of life and function, and the lifespan and integrity of the seating systems is considerable, however limited evidence exists for interventions that address this. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. Firstly, it will outline the process undertaken by a seating team to trial and investigate the affects of attaching a breathable product (Supracor) to contoured seating to aide temperature regulation. This will include a demonstration of the practical technologies employed and a summary of trial results, showing that the intervention was successful in improving temperature regulation. Secondly, it will illustrate that the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) was an effective tool for objectively measuring the trial outcomes. This paper will be of relevance to those with an interest in custom moulded seating, temperature regulation and evidence based practice.

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