Poster 208: A Wheelchair Seating System for Spinal Cord Injury Individuals With Decubitus Ulcers

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a seating system that would allow people suffering from decubitus ulcers to sit up while encouraging the ulcers to heal. Design: The alternating pressure relief wheelchair seating system (APRWS) consists of 6 slats that can completely remove seating pressure sequentially at all points of the seat every 3.5 minutes for a period of 8 seconds. In every cycle, the pressure relief starts in the front of the seat and moves sequentially to the rear removing the physical contact and therefore seating pressure at every point of the cushion. In addition to providing pressure relief, it also provides a massaging action in the direction of the ulcer, which is believed to stimulate blood flow toward the pressure ulcer allowing it to heal with the patient seated. Participants: The system was tested on 1 tetraplegic and 1 paraplegic individual living in a skilled nursing facility. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: The pressure drops below the 32mmHg required to improve healing and allow for blood flow. Results: The seating system was tested on a 60-year-old diabetic tetraplegic with stage 4 ulcer measuring 5.3×1.6×4cm under ischial tuberosity. His ulcer healed completely in 700 cumulative hours. A 2.0×0.5×2cm wound under ischial tuberosity in a 40-year-old paraplegic individual with healed with approximately 190 hours of sitting. Conclusions: The alternating pressure relief wheelchair seating system appears to promote healing while giving the SCI patient an opportunity to sit up and thus preventing the adverse effects of prolonged bed rest.