Thoracic suspension: quantitative effects upon seating pressure and posture.
Seating pressure in 10 subjects using a thoracic suspension orthosis was studied quantitatively. Anterior, posterior, and ischial pressures were measured bilaterally both unsuspended and during a 90 to 120 minute interval while suspended. Significant decreases in seating pressure were noted following suspension, with a mean decrease of 59.8%. Significant changes in lateral support were noted with suspension, as was a reduction in both the absolute pressure and relative distribution of pressure to the ischial areas. Relative redistribution of pressure in the anterior-posterior direction was related to leg support condition. All subjects who presented with pressure sores healed subsequent to thoracic suspension. Those with spinal curvature showed a 10 to 20 degree correction immediately following suspension. This correction generally was not maintained, however, in a temporal analysis. The data indicates that thoracic suspension can effectively reduce seating pressure and alter lateral posture, while leg support condition has a greater effect upon anterior-posterior pressure distribution. The use of a seat cushion to prevent subject swinging while suspended did not adversely affect the overall suspended pressures in this study, although the subjects without seat cushions showed lower overall suspended pressures.
Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, Chicago, Il. 60635.
G F
GF
Harris
J E
JE
Coad
R
R
Pudlowski
E A
EA
Abraham
E A
EA
Millar
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011187:Posture; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000628:therapy; D013909:Thorax; D014910:Wheelchairs