PEAK PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION OF SEAT CUSHIONS

Presenter Information

Megan WoodsFollow

Presenter Type

UNO Undergraduate Student

Major/Field of Study

Biology

Other

Molecular and Biomedical Biology

Advisor Information

Biomechanics Department

Location

MBSC Ballroom Poster # 905 - U

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

24-3-2023 1:00 PM

End Date

24-3-2023 2:15 PM

Abstract

Decubitus ulcers, commonly referred to as pressure ulcers, pose a significant challenge for patients with restricted mobility. Annually, 2.5 million individuals in the US develop pressure ulcers, and a staggering 60,000 fatalities can be attributed to these ulcers. The most effective way to address pressure ulcers is by using support surfaces such as air-fluidized beds, alternating-pressure beds, chair cushions, and low–air-loss beds. Unfortunately, there is a limited number of effective cushion options. Thus, it is imperative to find an effective cushion solution for individuals with limited mobility who need to sit in a chair or wheelchair for extended periods of time. This study compared the peak pressure distribution between a standard office chair (OC) and a custom-designed cushion (ISO cushion) while seated. Written informed consent was obtained from 10 healthy participants (age: 34.10±13.83 years, body mass: 82.37 ±12.57 kg, and BMI: 27.26 ± 4.13 kg/m2). The study was approved by the University of Nebraska Medical Center IRB. Participants were seated on an OC and an ISO cushion in two separate trials. A pressure mat (BodiTrack2) was placed over the OC and ISO cushion. Pressure data was collected for three different positions including upright, reclined, and forward leaning for each of the two cushions. The conditions were randomized and three trials for each condition were collected. Pressure data was collected after participants have been seated for 4 minutes. The average pressure for the ISO cushion for upright, reclined and forward leaning conditions are 39.01 ± 34.64 mmHg, 40.38 ± 37.42 mmHg, 41.63 ± 37.48 mmHg respectively. The average pressure for the standard OC for upright, reclined and forward conditions are 35.74 ± 39.78 mmHg, 31.61 ± 38.17 mmHg, 35.67 ± 37.57 mmHg respectively. The maximum pressure for the ISO cushion for upright, reclined and forward leaning conditions are 159.16 mmHg, 178.68 mmHg, 152.22 mmHg respectively. The maximum pressure for the standard OC for upright, reclined and forward leaning conditions are 195.45 mmHg, 192.31 mmHg, 171.31 mmHg respectively. The results indicated that the average pressure was lower for the standard OC than the ISO cushion for all three conditions. Importantly, the maximum pressures were lower for the ISO cushion than the OC. The preliminary results indicated that ISO cushion was able to reduce maximum pressure intensity. Future studies will investigate specific locations of interest, rather than just peak pressure points as visual inspection demonstrates fewer high-pressure regions with the ISO cushion.

Scheduling

9:15-10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-Noon, 1-2:15 p.m.

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COinS
 
Mar 24th, 1:00 PM Mar 24th, 2:15 PM

PEAK PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION OF SEAT CUSHIONS

MBSC Ballroom Poster # 905 - U

Decubitus ulcers, commonly referred to as pressure ulcers, pose a significant challenge for patients with restricted mobility. Annually, 2.5 million individuals in the US develop pressure ulcers, and a staggering 60,000 fatalities can be attributed to these ulcers. The most effective way to address pressure ulcers is by using support surfaces such as air-fluidized beds, alternating-pressure beds, chair cushions, and low–air-loss beds. Unfortunately, there is a limited number of effective cushion options. Thus, it is imperative to find an effective cushion solution for individuals with limited mobility who need to sit in a chair or wheelchair for extended periods of time. This study compared the peak pressure distribution between a standard office chair (OC) and a custom-designed cushion (ISO cushion) while seated. Written informed consent was obtained from 10 healthy participants (age: 34.10±13.83 years, body mass: 82.37 ±12.57 kg, and BMI: 27.26 ± 4.13 kg/m2). The study was approved by the University of Nebraska Medical Center IRB. Participants were seated on an OC and an ISO cushion in two separate trials. A pressure mat (BodiTrack2) was placed over the OC and ISO cushion. Pressure data was collected for three different positions including upright, reclined, and forward leaning for each of the two cushions. The conditions were randomized and three trials for each condition were collected. Pressure data was collected after participants have been seated for 4 minutes. The average pressure for the ISO cushion for upright, reclined and forward leaning conditions are 39.01 ± 34.64 mmHg, 40.38 ± 37.42 mmHg, 41.63 ± 37.48 mmHg respectively. The average pressure for the standard OC for upright, reclined and forward conditions are 35.74 ± 39.78 mmHg, 31.61 ± 38.17 mmHg, 35.67 ± 37.57 mmHg respectively. The maximum pressure for the ISO cushion for upright, reclined and forward leaning conditions are 159.16 mmHg, 178.68 mmHg, 152.22 mmHg respectively. The maximum pressure for the standard OC for upright, reclined and forward leaning conditions are 195.45 mmHg, 192.31 mmHg, 171.31 mmHg respectively. The results indicated that the average pressure was lower for the standard OC than the ISO cushion for all three conditions. Importantly, the maximum pressures were lower for the ISO cushion than the OC. The preliminary results indicated that ISO cushion was able to reduce maximum pressure intensity. Future studies will investigate specific locations of interest, rather than just peak pressure points as visual inspection demonstrates fewer high-pressure regions with the ISO cushion.