The relationship between pressure ulcer incidence and buttock-seat cushion interface pressure in at-risk elderly wheelchair users.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relation between pressure ulcer incidence and buttock-wheelchair seat cushion interface pressure measurements.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Skilled nursing facility.


METHODS
Thirty-two elderly patients (age, > or = 65 yr), with Braden score < or = 18 and Braden mobility and activity subscale score < or = 5, who used wheelchairs > or = 6 hr/d, were free of existing sitting-induced pressure ulcers, and weighed < or = 250 lb.


METHODS
Generic foam seat cushion or pressure-reducing seat cushion.


METHODS
The incidence of sitting-induced pressure ulcers over a 1- to 12-month period was compared with pressure measured between patients' buttocks and wheelchair seat cushions. A flexible pad with a 15 x 15 pressure sensor array was used to measure interface pressure.


RESULTS
Interface pressure measured on wheelchair seat cushions was higher (p < or = .01 for both peak pressure and average of highest 4 pressures) for patients who developed sitting-acquired pressure ulcers compared with those patients who did not.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that higher interface pressure measurements are associated with a higher incidence of sitting-acquired pressure ulcers for high-risk elderly people who use wheelchairs.
Brienza
D M
DM
Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. DBrienza@pitt.edu
Karg
P E
PE
Geyer
M J
MJ
Kelsey
S
S
Trefler
E
E
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002081:Buttocks; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000009:adverse effects*