Functional Requirements of Textiles for Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Patients in Paediatric Hospitals

摘要

The paraplegic and quadriplegic patients in paediatric hospitals suffer from permanent paralysis of the body caused by diseases or injuries in their childhood or at birth. There have been a number of researches in areas of clothing for disabled users but not as far as paraplegic and quadriplegic patients are concerned. The research reported in this paper evaluated the importance of patients' characteristics affecting the existing bedding and garment materials and also their weaknesses by a comprehensive questionnaire survey distributed to medical staff and patients' parents. The results showed that general physical requirements were good moisture management, breathability, durability and comfort and thus useful ideas could be generated to design a new material for textiles suitable for children paraplegic and quadriplegic patients with optimum functions.