Development of an experimental bed for searching comfort semi-sitting position

• Published in: Ningen kogaku. The Japanese journal of ergonomics Vol. 42; no. 6; pp. 373 - 380
• Main Authors: SASAKI, Yuri, KAWAMOTO, Takashi, YAMAZAKI, Nobutoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Ergonomics Society 2006
• ISSN: 0549-4974; 1884-2844
• DOI: 10.5100/jje.42.373

Semi-sitting position on a bed is commonly used as load training and daily living posture during recuperative period, but often causes shear stress between body and mattress, and body pressure concentration on the buttocks. In this study, an experimental bed was developed for searching comfort-posture condition to reduce shear stress due to difference in stature and posture changes, and to disperse of the body-pressure compared to the conventional semi-sitting position. Support plate of this bed is divided into 7, of which 4 are adjustable lengths. Lengths and angles of the plates are adjusted by using 10 linear actuators. The bed in flat position is 400mm in height, 770mm in width, 1, 780-2, 230mm in length. For convenience of transportation, the bed divides into two units. RR intervals, parasympathetic activity, cutaneous blood flow, pressure distribution were compared under two conditions; adjusted semi-sitting position by the developed experimental bed, and the conventional semi-sitting position. These results show that uncomfortable state can be improved by supporting natural-body-flexion posture with this experimental bed.