Patients' choice of portable folding chairs to reduce symptoms of orthostatic hypotension

Abstract

Patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension may use portable folding chairs to prevent or reduce symptoms of low blood pressure. However, a concomitant movement disorder may limit the use of these chairs in daily living. In this prospective study, 13 patients with orthostatic hypotension, balance disturbance associated with motor disability, or both examined three commercially available portable folding chairs. A questionnaire was used to document the characteristics in chair design that were relevant for satisfactory use to these patients. Armrests, seat width, and an adjustable sitting height were found to be important features of a portable folding chair. One chair was selected by 11 of 13 patients to fit most needs.