Customising wheelchair seating for elite athletes could significantly enhance performance, improve comfort and support, and create lasting benefits for grassroots sports.
Griffith University researchers, with support from the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Research and Innovation Unit, have partnered with athletes to co-design and test custom wheelchair cushion inserts tailored to individual needs.
Currently, wheelchair cushions used in sport are often generic and not designed to meet the diverse requirements of athletes or the varied nature of disability.
Researchers took prototype inserts to the basketball court to trial them with QAS-supported wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby athletes, comparing the new custom-fit designs with commercially available cushions.
Project Coordinator and two-time Paralympian, Matthew McShane PLY, from Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, said the inserts could offer wide-ranging benefits from elite competition to community sport.
“The Para-athletes we’re working with are competing in custom-built chairs worth more than $15,000, yet they’re still using basic foam cushions you could buy off the shelf,” Mr McShane said.
“This project brings athletes and researchers together to design fit-for-purpose inserts that replace generic cushions and better support performance.
“At the grassroots level, custom inserts could make a real difference.
“Not everyone can afford a custom-built wheelchair, but a tailored cushion could improve access, comfort, and participation in sport.”
Mr McShane said the inserts had the potential to:
- Optimise athlete performance
- Improve comfort and trunk control
- Increase training capacity
- Reduce injury and pressure sores
- Enhance wheelchair mechanics and responsiveness
“Our goal is to develop effective support for professional wheelchair basketball and rugby athletes, with maximum collaboration throughout the process,” Mr McShane said.
Australian Rollers squad member Hayden Siebuhr said having a moulded cushion and custom-fit setup could make a huge difference for wheelchair athletes.
“For able-bodied athletes, you might just be able to try some new shoes on, it’s just not that easy for wheelchair users,” Mr Siebuhr said.
“It’s a great concept and it’s really cool that you’re able to have something moulded for yourself, for every different chair, so you’re able to try out all different setups.”
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Matthew McShane
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