Effects of seating education and cushion management for adaptive sitting posture in spinal cord injury: Two case reports

Medicine, 2019 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000014231 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Dermatology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how training patients with spinal cord injuries to manage their sitting posture and air cushions can help prevent pressure ulcers. The patients received training on posture control and how to adjust the air in their cushions to minimize pressure on their buttocks, using a sensor to measure pressure. The results showed that measuring body pressure and providing visual feedback through a sensor can be effective in preventing pressure ulcers. Regular monitoring of sitting pressure and training on air cell cushion management are recommended.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Two patients with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Clinical Case Report

Key Findings

1
In Case 1, adjusting the air in the cushion increased the contact area and decreased the average pressure on the buttocks.
2
In Case 2, using a ROHO Low Quardtro cushion decreased the average body pressure compared to the initial stage.
3
Visual feedback from pressure sensors during posture training and cushion adjustment is effective in preventing pressure ulcers.

Research Summary

The study demonstrates the methods of controlling contributing factors of decubitus ulcer by measuring the pressure changes while controlling the air of the cushion and correcting the seating posture to prevent the occurrence of decubitus ulcer in spinal cord injured patients. In Case 1, adjusting the air pressure in the cushion helped to achieve proper air pressure for preventing decubitus ulcers, as high air pressure can reduce the contact surface and increase average pressure. In Case 2, using a dual-compartment air cushion was more effective than a honeycomb cushion in preventing decubitus ulcers and relieving gluteal pressure.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Regularly measure and control sitting pressure in clinics to prevent pressure ulcers in spinal cord injured patients.

Patient Education

Provide management training on air cell cushions, including how to adjust them properly.

Assistive Technology

Utilize pressure measurement sensors that provide visual feedback during posture training.

Study Limitations

1
The research type was a case report type, so it could not be performed on many research groups that showed homogeneity.
2
Only the change of the pelvic area was measured by measuring the pressure of the cushion in the sitting position of the wheelchair.
3
it is necessary to measure pressure changes in the backrest region as well as the buttocks in the sitting position of the patient.

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