Research Project R3: Pressure Reliefs in SCI

Skin Microvascular and Metabolic Response to Sitting and Pressure Relief Maneuvers in People with Spinal Cord Injury

Pressure ulcers, also known as skin breakdowns, are one of the most common conditions among people with SCI. Pressure ulcers occur when there is a build up of moisture and friction, or pressure, on an area of skin. This is common among people who may be in a bed or wheelchair for long periods of time. If this pressure is not relieved, by turning or lifting, the skin can breakdown and lead to a serious infection and even death. To avoid pressure ulcers, people with SCI are encouraged to do pressure reliefs (lifting and moving their body often). However, there is very little research on pressure ulcer prevention, and different doctors and hospitals recommend doing pressure reliefs at different time intervals (e.g. once every 15 minutes, once every 30 minutes, etc.). This study will closely examine the skin and the effects of pressure reliefs to determine the best way to prevent pressure ulcers.

The research team, with the help of 46 participants with SCI, will develop a skin sensor that will be used to determine the effects of pressure relief on the skin. This research will help discover how often pressure reliefs should be performed. Finally, the research team will explore different ways of getting people with SCI to adopt the right behavior so to avoid pressure ulcers (e.g. a DVD peer tutorial, on-line demonstrations, motivational interviewing, weekly monitoring by a physical therapist or community health worker). This research study will provide doctors and people with SCI with the best information on how to avoid pressure ulcers.

If you live in the DC metropolitan area and would like to participate in this important study, or have questions or comments, please e-mail Alison Lichy, the project coordinator or leave a message on our toll free line: 1-877-278-0644.