Veneman, Jan F.Jung, Je HyungManterola Del Puerto, IraitzSeco Rodríguez, Maria LuzCamiruaga Zalbidea, IñakiCardoso Martin, SergioMendoza Arteche, LoreaAlemany Herrera, Jorge2016-04-07Veneman , J F , Jung , J H , Manterola Del Puerto , I , Seco Rodríguez , M L , Camiruaga Zalbidea , I , Cardoso Martin , S , Mendoza Arteche , L & Alemany Herrera , J 2016 , ' Clinical validation of a novel postural support device for hospitalized sub-acute post stroke wheelchair users ' , unknown , vol. unknown , no. 5 , pp. 526-534 . https://doi.org/10.3109/17483107.2016.1159739researchoutputwizard: 11556/189Publisher Copyright: © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Purpose: We present a novel wheelchair posture support device (WPSD) and its clinical validation. The device was developed in order to assure correct sitting posture and to reduce the time spent by caregivers for re-positioning of hospitalized, wheelchair-bound, post-acute stroke patients. Method: The device was validated with 16 subjects during a period of 5 days in which use of the device was compared with regular care practice. Results: The device was used for the five consecutive days in 69% of patients, while for 6% it was not suitable; 25% did not complete the 5 days for reasons unrelated to the device. Caregivers needed to re-position the patients that used the device for the full 5 days (n=11) on an average 52% less often when using the device, as compared to regular practice. Furthermore, the device was rated as usable and functional by the caregivers while significantly reducing perception of trunk and shoulder pain in patients during its use. Conclusions: The newly designed WPSD is a valuable system for the improvement of medical assistance to wheelchair-bound post-stroke patients by reducing pain and number of re-positioning manoeuvres. The WPSD might be applicable to any group of patients who need posture control in either wheelchair or common chair with arms support.9862740enginfo:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccessjournal article10.3109/17483107.2016.1159739Clinical validationVarstiffVariable Stiffness MaterialWheelchair supports and cushionsStroke RehabilitationClinical validationVarstiffVariable Stiffness MaterialWheelchair supports and cushionsStroke RehabilitationSitting-posture supportwheelchair supportBiomedical EngineeringOrthopedics and Sports MedicinePhysical Therapy, Sports Therapy and RehabilitationRehabilitationSpeech and HearingSDG 3 - Good Health and Well-beingFunding InfoThe FIK initiative; funding the development of the Varstiff material technology. _x000D_ Fundaci on Bot ın’s ‘‘Mind the Gap’’ program co-funding the design process of the WPSD. _x000D_ Spherium Biomed co-funding the study with the WPSD.The FIK initiative; funding the development of the Varstiff material technology. _x000D_ Fundaci on Bot ın’s ‘‘Mind the Gap’’ program co-funding the design process of the WPSD. _x000D_ Spherium Biomed co-funding the study with the WPSD.http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84964030258&partnerID=8YFLogxK