Viewers of the Paralympics could be forgiven for thinking disabled athletes are less inclined to suffer sports injuries. However, Paralympians suffer injuries just like their able-bodied counterparts.

For boccia players competing in wheelchairs, they are prone to shoulder injuries and can also get pressure sores from their wheelchair due to friction, uneven pressure distribution and poor blood circulation.

Harder than it looks

Head Coach of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled Kwok Hart-wing said boccia is a game of strategy which requires a high level of strategic analysis. However, it can also require strenuous physical effort, so players must be as comfortable as possible in their wheelchairs.

The quality of the wheelchair cushion seating the athlete is paramount.

"For disabled athletes, each movement requires strong effort. For example, for an athlete serving with their left hand the pressure will be distributed to their left.

"Friction between the player and the cushion will be very strong. Simple cushions will not meet the athletes' needs."

To give boccia athletes better protection from injury, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles & Apparel has developed a high performance wheelchair cushion.

Researchers analysed the movement of boccia athletes. They also conducted pressure mapping for the athletes and tested the air permeability, supporting force, scuff resistance and elastic recovery of different materials.

Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles & Apparel Project Development Director Gloria Yao said: "We wanted to improve the athletes' stability. We considered the manufacturing of the cushions in three aspects - the three-dimensional shape of the cushion, the matching of different materials and fabrics."

Tailor made

The research team measures the athletes' body shape to tailor make the wheelchair cushions. Three-dimensional imaging captures the athletes' body contour.

The data then allows the foam cutting machine to fabricate a custom cushion. The cushions can be covered in different materials to give athletes the smoothest movement.

Ms Yao said: "We want to provide the ideal friction for the top of the cushion that allows the athlete to slide easily. Material with little friction is used for the cushion cover. But after the athlete sits down, we want them to be stable. Material with better support is used at the bottom of the cushion.

"A denser material with good support is used on the left side of the cushion, as this is the most stressed part of it. It is tailor made for the athlete so when the body is high up in the air, the cushion can provide good support according to their body movements."

Sports support

Boccia athlete Cheung Yuen, who won a silver medal in the individual event at the 2017 Asian Youth Para Games, uses the high performance wheelchair cushion.

"This cushion provides good support for me with good elasticity. When my body leans to the left, I cannot feel the metal edge of the wheelchair. It has allowed me to be more comfortable.

"Also, my right thigh will be high up in the air when my body leans to the left. The cushion better supports my right thigh, making me more comfortable when serving."

The cushions are being used by the Hong Kong boccia team for training and competitions.

An Innovation & Technology Fund grant of over $1 million paid for the research, design and production of the cushions.