title: Effects of a continuous lateral turning device on pressure relief.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the pressure-relieving effects of a continuous lateral turning device on common pressure ulcer sites. [Subjects] Twenty-four healthy adults participated. [Methods] The design of our continuous lateral turning device was motivated by the need for an adequate pressure-relieving device for immobile and/or elderly people. The procedure of manual repositioning is embodied in our continuous lateral turning device. The interface pressure and time were measured, and comfort grade was evaluated during sessions of continuous lateral turning at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°. We quantified the pressure-relieving effect using peak pressure, mean pressure, and pressure time integration. [Results] Participants demonstrated pressure time integration values below the pressure-time threshold at 15°, 30°, and 45° at all the common pressure ulcer sites. Moreover, the most effective angles for pressure relief at the common pressure ulcer sites were 30° at the occiput, 15° at the left scapula, 45° at the right scapula, 45° at the sacrum, 15° at the right heel, and 30° at the left heel. However, angles greater than 30° induced discomfort. [Conclusion] Continuous lateral turning with our specially designed device effectively relieved the pressure of targeted sites. Moreover, the suggested angles of continuous lateral turning can be used to relieve pressure at targeted sites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Nam Ho
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Do
authors.affiliation: Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Deog Young
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Construction Robot and Automation Laboratory, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: So Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Joo
authors.affiliation: Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Na Kyung
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Yoon Su
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Baek
keywords: Continuous lateral turning; Pressure time integration; Pressure ulcer