Impact of Sitting Time on Seat-Interface Pressure and on Pressure Mapping With Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

Because no significant changes in interface pressure occurred after 4 minutes of sitting with the non-wheelchair users, 4 minutes may be a reasonable sitting time before interface pressure is recorded with this group. Significant changes in interface pressure continued up to 8 minutes with the wheelchair users, therefore 8 minutes or beyond may be a reasonable sitting time before recording with this group.

Evaluating the impact of WaterCell ® Technology on pressure redistribution and comfort/discomfort of adults with limited mobility

“…Data recorded is represented as colour coded maps of pressure distribution as well as peak and mean pressure readings at specific time stages. Three snapshot readings were taken for a full five minute period across the gluteal region (mmHg peak and average), with a settling time of eight minutes (Crawford et al 2005). Clinical observations of respiratory rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure were collated to gauge physiological responses in relation to comfort and discomfort.…”

Measuring the effect of incremental angles of wheelchair tilt on interface pressure among individuals with spinal cord injury

“…A six minute settling period was enforced to allow for creep in the buttocks and cushion, as recommended in the literature. 15 The participant was asked to sit as motionless as possible and a pressure reading was obtained over a 10 s period at the 6-min mark. The wheelchair was then tilted back 101 and another pressure reading was taken after a 1-min settling period.…”

Optimizing Seating in the Intensive Care Unit for Patients With Impaired Mobility

“…Pressure mapping is a visual tool that maps the distribution of interface pressures that occur in a selected position and can help optimize seating and positioning to minimize the risk of pressure ulcers. Research that has used pressure mapping for seating has primarily been focused on persons in wheelchairs (eg, patients with spinal injuries), 5 persons with multiple sclerosis, 6 and residents in care facilities, 4 but the benefit of pressure mapping to facilitate clinical management and minimize risk for pressure ulcers has not been examined among critically ill patients sitting out of bed.…”

“…Some studies have used phantom rather than human participants, 7 or healthy volunteers in laboratory settings, 8 or disabled patients. 6 The use of volunteers, with or without impairment, is likely to introduce selection bias. 9 Less-mobile individuals are at most risk of pressure ulcers developing, and therefore, samples of healthy persons are often not representative of these patients.…”

“…Study sample sizes are often too small to show an effect, and results may not be generalizable to other settings. 6 Selection of participants has varied. Some studies have used phantom rather than human participants, 7 or healthy volunteers in laboratory settings, 8 or disabled patients.…”