Efficacy of three measures to relieve pressure in seated persons with spinal cord injury.

This study compares three methods of pressure relief in seated spinal cord injured patients. One method consists of tipping the wheelchair back to 35 degrees, the second, tipping the wheelchair back to 65 degrees, and the third, leaning the subject forward with chest toward thighs. We evaluated dynamic pressure changes in each position using a new pressure mapping system. The greatest pressure relief over the ischial tuberosities was seen in the forward-leaning position. Significant pressure relief was shown in the 65 degrees backward tip. Only a minimal drop in ischial pressure was observed with a backward tip of 35 degrees indicating that the 35 degrees backward-tip position probably provides little protection against ischial skin breakdown.