Pressure Relief Behaviors and Weight Shifting Activities to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Persons with SCI
Abstract
Pressure ulcers (PU) are the most costly secondary complication following an SCI. In addition to the medical costs, the development of a pressure ulcer adversely impacts activities of daily living, employment and overall quality of life. Research into pressure ulcer etiology has demonstrated that the damaging effects of pressure are related to both its magnitude and duration. Based upon this and related work, clinical interventions have been based upon the premise that both the magnitude and duration of loading are important. All persons with SCI are taught to relieve pressure on their buttocks regularly. While this is prudent training, it is based upon inference rather than direct evidence. This project is the first to monitor pressure relief maneuvers and weight-shifting activities during the first year after injury. The project has been designed to fill two significant gaps in the current state of knowledge: 1) accurate measurement of dedicated pressure reliefs and other weight shift activities and 2) the relationship between activities that redistribute weight on the buttocks and the occurrence of pressure ulcers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1005812
Entities
People
- Sharon Sonenblum
- Stephen Sprigle
Organizations
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation