Affiliations: [a] Clinical Rehabilitation Research, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea | [b] Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea | [c] Division of Nursing, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea | [d] Healthcare and Public Health, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Young-Hyeon Bae, Department of Healthcare and Public Health, Rehabilitation Research Institute, Korea National, 58 Samgaksan-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea. E-mail: researcher2018@korea.kr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: An electric bed can easily change posture from a lying position and was effective in preventing pressure ulcer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the optimal posture for the prevention of pressure ulcers by analyzing pressure changes applied to the pelvic region. METHODS: Pressure changes resulting from lateral rotations of the body using an electronic adjustable bed and changes in the posture and angles of the trunk and knees were assessed. Twelve conditions with varying angles of the trunk and knees (15–35∘ in 5∘ increments) and varying lateral angles (20–35∘ in 5∘ increments) were tested. The pressure (maximum and average) and contact area in the pelvic region of 20 individuals without disabilities were calculated. RESULTS: The conditions in which the average and maximum pressures did not increase according to the increase in angle were 25∘ for the upper body and knee angles and 35∘ for the side. CONCLUSIONS: The body pressure changed according to the posture rather than according to physical characteristics. Lateral rotation combined with changes in the angles of the trunk and knees effectively prevented pressure ulcers. Changes in the posture at various angles prevented an increased pressure on the body.
Keywords: Pressure ulcer, body posture, positioning bed, body pressure, pressure area
