title: Center-of-pressure displacement during postural changes in relation to pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the center-of-pressure displacement in spinal cord-injured patients, to investigate dynamic sitting stability and its relationship with pressure ulcers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen spinal cord-injured patients and 18 healthy volunteers were included in the study. For the assessment of dynamic sitting stability, center-of-pressure displacement during maximum unsupported forward, backward, and right- and left-sided trunk leaning were measured with a seat sensor system, which was placed between the subject's buttocks and chair.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Center-of-pressure displacements in all directions in spinal-injured patients were smaller than healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). Center-of-pressure displacements for high- and low-thoracic spinal cord-injured patients were not significantly different. History of previous pressure ulcer was not different between high- and low-thoracic spinal cord-injured patients (chi = 0.90, P = 0.62). Mean center-of-pressure displacement during forward and backward leaning were smaller in patients with pressure ulcer history (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that impaired dynamic sitting stability is associated with pressure ulcer development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gülçin Kaymak
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Karataş
authors.forename: Aliye Kapukran
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Tosun
authors.forename: Ulunay
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kanatli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002081:Buttocks; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014910:Wheelchairs