ABSTRACT
Many studies have been devoted to the formation and prevention of pressure sores and different ways of pressure relief have been studied and tested. These studies (Engel, 1991) deal with severely disabled people. No results are reported on the seating comfort of patients taking part in light sporting activities or rehabilitation exercise. The movement of the body during such exercise can cause very unfavourable load distributions, which are exacerbated when we take into account the lack of sensitivity of immobilised people and the difficulties they experience in readjusting to their original position. This problem can be quickly resolved by a proper choice of material and depth of cushion. To do this the local pressure distribution should be known. The more comfortable seating provides a better opportunity for the disabled to keep a proper body posture and favourable pressure distribution helps to avoid unwanted complications as ischaemia, oedema and so on. Additionally it is well known that correct posture is of a crucial importance for the health and fitness level of these people.
