Some people move it, move it… for pressure injury prevention

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2016.1245806 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Dermatology

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) move in their wheelchairs and how it relates to pressure injuries (PrIs). It compares people who have had recurrent PrIs to those who haven't. The researchers monitored participants' movements in their wheelchairs, including pressure reliefs, weight shifts, and smaller in-seat movements. They wanted to see if there were differences in these behaviors between the two groups. The study found that people without a history of recurrent PrIs performed weight shifts more frequently than those with a history of PrIs. This suggests that weight shifting, even through small movements, might help prevent pressure injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

29 adults with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional cohort study

Key Findings

1
Weight shifts were performed significantly more often by the No PrI Group than the PrI Group.
2
In-seat movements were performed 46.5 (28.7–76.7) times per hour by the No PrI group and 39.6 (24.3–49.7) times per hour for the PrI group.
3
Pressure reliefs were performed less than once every 3 hours in both groups.

Research Summary

This study objectively measured and compared in-seat behavior between individuals with and without a history of recurrent pressure injuries (PrIs). The results suggest a difference in weight shifts between individuals with and without a history of PrI, highlighting the potential importance of functional activities that redistribute pressure. The study concludes that weight shifts and in-seat movements, produced by functional activities that partially unload the buttocks, should be considered an important addition to PrI prevention.

Practical Implications

Promote Weight Shifting

Encourage individuals with SCI to incorporate frequent weight shifts into their daily routines, even through small, functional movements.

Educate on Functional Movements

Educate individuals on how functional movements like reaching, leaning, and adjusting posture can contribute to pressure relief.

Further Research

Conduct prospective studies with larger populations to better understand the relationship between in-seat movement, individual characteristics, and PrI outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The surfaces to which they transfer, and their weight shift behaviors on these other surfaces may also contribute to tissue health or breakdown.
2
Small differences in gender and age between the two groups of participants.
3
Future work intended to better understand the relationship between in-seat movement, individual characteristics, and PrI outcomes should prospectively follow a larger population of wheelchair users for an extended duration.

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