Wheelchair Tilt-in-Space and Recline Functions: Influence on Sitting Interface Pressure and Ischial Blood Flow in an Elderly Population.

Wheelchair Tilt-in-Space and Recline Functions: Influence on Sitting Interface Pressure and Ischial Blood Flow in an Elderly Population. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:4027976 Authors: Zemp R, Rhiner J, Plüss S, Togni R, Plock JA, Taylor WR Abstract Pressure ulcers (PUs) result from localised injury to the skin and underlying tissue and usually occur over a bony prominence as a result of pressure, often in combination with shear forces. Both pressure magnitude and duration are thought to be key risk factors in the occurrence of PUs, thus exposing wheelchair-bound subjects to high risk of PU development. As a result, wheelchairs that incorporate tilt-in-space and recline functions are routinely prescribed to redistribute pressure away from their ischial tuberosities. The goal of this study was to analyse the role of full-body tilt and recline angles in governing sitting interface pressure and blood circulation parameters in elderly subjects and thereby investigate the efficacy of tilt-in-space wheelchairs for aiding pressure relief activity. Sitting interface pressure and ischial blood flow parameters were examined in 20 healthy elderly subjects while seated in a tilt-in-space and recline wheelchair. Five different angles of seat tilt (5°, 15°, 25°, 35°, and 45°) were assessed in combination with three different angles of backrest recline (5°, 15°, and 30°). The results of the study show that when compared to the upright reference...
Source: Biomed Res - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Biomed Res Int Source Type: research