Lifestyle Changes and Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Abstract This chapter presents findings from a study analyzing occupational therapy intervention outcomes to elucidate the relationship between lifestyle changes and pressure ulcer development. The complexities of lifestyle and behavior changes contributed to different patterns which impacted the development and progression of pressure ulcers. The four identified patterns included positive pressure ulcer changes accompanied by positive lifestyle and behavior changes, negative or no pressure ulcer changes accompanied by positive lifestyle and behavior changes, positive pressure ulcer changes accompanied by minor or no lifestyle or behavior changes, and negative or no pressure ulcer changes accompanied by minor or no lifestyle changes. Community-based occupational therapy practice provides an opportunity to comprehensively address important lifestyle factors impacting pressure ulcer development.