Quantitative Pressure Measurement in Areas at High Risk of Pressure Ulcers in Different Positions: Pilot Study

Abstract

This study aimed to quantitatively analyze pressure parameters in different high-risk areas depending on the position. We reviewed the clinical records of trials of 20 healthy adults on a multi-actuated bed accompanied with pressure sensor mat. We collected average, maximal, minimal pressure, and area in the supine and bilateral side-tilt positions. Also, we analyzed the difference between each at-risk area, depending on positions. In the supine position, pressure parameters of the head, shoulders, sacrum, coccyx, and heels showed significant differences, except between the right and left heels. In the right side-tilt position, all pressure measurements of the ear, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and lateral ankle were significantly different. In the left side-tilt position, most of the pressure parameters of the ear, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and lateral ankle were significantly different, except between the elbow and ankle. We found that frequent position changing is more important than achieving optimum positioning.