Evaluation of cushions using dynamic pressure measurement

Abstract

Reduction of pressures generated in the tissues overlying the ischial tuberosities is an important measure for predicting a cushion's effectiveness. In particular, the pressure-time relationship is significant in the prevention of pressure sores. In this study a dynamic pressure monitoring system was used to obtain pressure-time profiles for 25 spinal cord injured subjects. Each subject tested three types of cushion (Foam, Gel (Aberdeen) and Roho) for periods of two hours each during which routine activities were performed. Results obtained were broadly comparable with previous studies. Average pressures were: Foam 87.6mmHg (11.6kPa); Gel 68.6mmHg (9kPa) and Roho 54.6mmHg (6.7kPa). Pressure-time histograms are presented for three subjects for each cushion. These show inter-subject variability on the same cushion as well as intra-subject variability on different cushions. Therefore individual patient assessment is important in providing the most appropriate cushion. Dynamic pressure monitoring allows the pattern of pressure variation to be determined and hence the potential effectiveness of the cushion.