Center-of-pressure displacement during postural changes in relation to pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients

• Published in: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation Vol. 87; no. 3; pp. 177 - 182
• Main Authors: Karataş, Gülçin Kaymak, Tosun, Aliye Kapukran, Kanatli, Ulunay
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-2008
• Subjects: Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Buttocks; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Postural Balance; Posture; Pressure; Pressure Ulcer - etiology; Pressure Ulcer - prevention & control; Spinal Cord Injuries - complications; Spinal Cord Injuries - rehabilitation; Wheelchairs
• ISSN: 0894-9115
• DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e318164a99a

To evaluate the center-of-pressure displacement in spinal cord-injured patients, to investigate dynamic sitting stability and its relationship with pressure ulcers.
Sixteen spinal cord-injured patients and 18 healthy volunteers were included in the study. For the assessment of dynamic sitting stability, center-of-pressure displacement during maximum unsupported forward, backward, and right- and left-sided trunk leaning were measured with a seat sensor system, which was placed between the subject's buttocks and chair.
Center-of-pressure displacements in all directions in spinal-injured patients were smaller than healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). Center-of-pressure displacements for high- and low-thoracic spinal cord-injured patients were not significantly different. History of previous pressure ulcer was not different between high- and low-thoracic spinal cord-injured patients (chi = 0.90, P = 0.62). Mean center-of-pressure displacement during forward and backward leaning were smaller in patients with pressure ulcer history (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively).
The results of this study suggest that impaired dynamic sitting stability is associated with pressure ulcer development.