Contact pressure distribution in the supine position in low-birth weight infants analyzed by a photoelastic method.
BACKGROUND
Contact pressure distribution patterns in the supine position in low-birth weight (LBW) neonates were analyzed by the use of a photoelastic method.


METHODS
A total of 61 subjects (LBW neonates, mature (bodyweight > 2,500 g at birth) neonates, normal infants and Down syndrome (DS) infants) were selected for the study. Infants were placed on a photoelastic measuring table. Photoelastic images generated in the contact regions of the body were photographed with a camera and printed on monochrome paper. The coefficient of variation in the pressure distribution value (PcV) and the top and bottom ratio (mu) of the trunk at the center of pressure were calculated.


RESULTS
The Pcv value was significantly lower in DS than LBW (P < 0.001), mature (P < 0.002) and normal infants (P < 0.01). The mu value in LBW and mature neonates was 48.9 and 50.2%, respectively. Normal infants had a mu value of 44.0%, which was significantly lower than that in LBW neonates. However, there was no significant difference between LBW and DS infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurological impairment specifically affects the data obtained by photoelastic analysis.
Fujimatsu
M
M
Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Second Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan. azusa2go@nms.ac.jp
Fujita
T
T
Hashimoto
K
K
Nakagawa
H
H
D001835:Body Weight; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D004314:Down Syndrome; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D011312:Pressure; D016683:Supine Position / Q000502:physiology*