Comparison of peak pressure in flexible cushions in spinal cord injured and normal subjects: an interface pressure evaluation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5935/0104-7795.20040005Keywords:
Pressure Ulcer/prevention and control, Spinal Cord Injury/ComplicationsAbstract
Pressure sores are frequent complications of spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. Preventive strategies aim at reducing the intensity or duration of pressure, friction and splitting forces between the skin and the supporting surface. The aim of the study is to determine indexes of interface pressure in flexible cushions for SCI patients. A cross sectional study with 103 and 101 able-bodied persons was carried with the mapping of pressure peaks by means of a sensible interface system, with patients seated in a standard wheelchair and using flexible cushions. Antropometric data obtained during physical to determine the body mass index (BMI). Our results confirm that the elevated levels of interface pressure in SCI patients. The increase in BMI in non SCI individuals resulted in reduction of interface peak pressure, indicating a better distribution of force. Those SCI patients showed increased levels of interface peak pressure in the seated position, despite the values of BMI. It is not possible to contest the results of other studies that relate pressure peaks, SCI and body weight, because there were few overweight or obese patients in the studied sample.
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