Hideo Takechi

A survey of wheelchair use by paraplegic individuals in Japan. Part 1: Characteristics of wheelchair cushions

The characteristics of wheelchair cushions used by 218 paraplegic patients who lived independent lives were surveyed to clarify the present state of wheelchair cushioning for pressure sore prevention in Japan. Out of 586 cushions surveyed, 91.0% were ready-made and the rest were custom-made. The outstanding popularity of polyurethane foam ready-made cushions (76.3%) suggested that insufficient consideration was taken in the selection of cushions. Custom-made cushions displayed unique modifications to relieve contact pressure or to stabilize sitting posture, which should be systematically provided for all patients. The variety of cushion types and the frequent dissatisfaction with cushions seen in patients with current pressure sores suggested a strong demand for the effective prescription of cushions. Furthermore, 30% of all cushions had had an excessively prolonged use, indicating insufficient follow-up. A medical system including deliberate prescription and regular follow-up of wheelchair cushions should be established for the effective prevention of pressure sores.

Supporting system for prevention of pressure sores

Pressures sores are serious problem for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Many kinds of pressure-relieving cushions have been developed to distribute the weight evenly and widely. In rehabilitation medicine, the selection and the adjustment of the wheelchair cushion must be done very carefully by the medical staff to try to prevent pressure sores. In this paper, we calculate six parameters and represent these parameters on a hexagonal radar plot to evaluate the buttock pressure distribution. Using the radar plot, it is easy to select the best cushion and to adjust the air quality of the air cushion. Moreover, it is useful for the SCI patients to study their posture on the wheelchair and the prevention of pressure sores.

Transfection with the Proviral DNA of a Type D Retrovirus (Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus)

Chromosomal DNA was isolated from CMMT cells which were producing Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV), a type D simian retrovirus. Human embryonic cells were transfected with the DNA. About 2 weeks after transfection, 3 of 7 culture dishes began to produce M-PMV which could be detected by virus-mediated cell fusion in RSb human cells dually transformed by Rous sarcoma virus and simian virus 40, reverse transcriptase assay, and electron microscopy. Mock-transfected cultures did not produce virus.

Evaluation of Pressure Relieving Posture on Wheelchair and BED

Abstract Pressure sores are serious problem for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Many kinds of pressure-relieving cushions have been developed to distribute the weight evenly and widely. In this study, the buttock pressure measurements are carried out on the wheelchair and the Gatch bed. Six parameters are calculated and these parameters are represented on a hexagonal radar plot to evaluate the buttock pressure distribution on the wheelchair. Using the radar plot, it is useful for the medical staffs to instruct SCI’s posture on the wheelchair. The high pressure area is observed at the ischial tuberosities on the wheelchair but the high pressure area is observed at the sacro-coccygeal region on the bed.