Center-of-Pressure Displacement During Postural Changes in Relation to Pressure Ulcers in Spinal Cord-Injured Patients.

Karataş GK, Tosun AK, Kanatli U: Center-of-pressure displacement during postural changes in relation to pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2008;87:177-182. OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the center-of-pressure displacement in spinal cord-injured patients, to investigate dynamic sitting stability and its relationship with pressure ulcers. DESIGN:: 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.



Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Mar;87(3):177-182.

Karataş GK, Tosun AK, Kanatl U.
From the Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (GKK) and Orthopedics (UK), Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey; and (2) Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kırıkkale University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey (AKT).