Ergonomic alternating pressure relief seating system for the rehabilitation of patients with decubitus ulcers

Gerry Leisman, Arthur Ezra, Lee Jacknow, Thomas Pobre, Mahendra Shah, Lyn Weiss

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Disabled people suffering from decubitus ulcers under their ischial tuberosities are usually unsuccessfully treated by continuous bed rest. This can lead to depression, loss of muscle strength, as well as respiratory and venous compromise. The aim of our study was to allow disabled persons suffering from decubitus ulcers under their ischial tuberosities to sit up as long as they wish, every day, while accelerating the healing process. Methods: The alternating pressure relief wheelchair seating system relieves seating pressure completely for 8 s, every 3.5 min at every point in the seat, progressing sequentially from the front of the seat to the rear, and starting again repeatedly from the front and progressing to the rear. This seat was intended as a supplement to the normal medical treatment of decubitus ulcers, with the difference that continuous bed rest was eliminated. Results: Even though their ulcers had persisted for several months (in some cases 4 - 5 years) before the patients began sitting on the alternating pressure relief wheelchair seating system, they began to heal, and exhibited accelerated healing to complete closure. Conclusions: This seat allows disabled people suffering from decubitus ulcers under their ischial tuberosities to sit up as long as they wish every day while their ulcers heal more rapidly. Because ulcers can heal while sitting on this seat, they are not likely to recur while using this seat. More tests are needed to compare ulcer healing rates with and without this seating system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)349-356
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal on Disability and Human Development
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

Keywords

  • Decubitus ulcer
  • Ergonomics
  • Pressure relief
  • Rehabilitation seating

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Sensory Systems
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing
  • Speech and Hearing

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