Thoracic suspension: quantitative effects upon seating pressure and posture.

G F Harris; J E Coad; R Pudlowski; E A Abraham; E A Millar

doi:10.1038/sc.1987.77

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Thoracic suspension: quantitative effects upon seating pressure and posture.

G F Harris·J E Coad·R Pudlowski·E A Abraham·E A Millar

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Abstract

Seating pressure in 10 subjects using a thoracic suspension orthosis was studied quantitatively. Anterior, posterior, and ischial pressures were measured bilaterally both unsuspended and during a 90 to 120 minute interval while suspended. Significant decreases in seating pressure were noted following suspension, with a mean decrease of 59.8%. Significant changes in lateral support were noted with suspension, as was a reduction in both the absolute pressure and relative distribution of pressure to the ischial areas. Relative redistribution of pressure in the anterior-posterior direction was related to leg support condition. All subjects who presented with pressure sores healed subsequent to thoracic suspension. Those with spinal curvature showed a 10 to 20 degree correction immediately following suspension. This correction generally was not maintained, however, in a temporal analysis. The data indicates that thoracic suspension can effectively reduce seating pressure and alter lateral posture, while leg support condition has a greater effect upon anterior-posterior pressure distribution. The use of a seat cushion to prevent subject swinging while suspended did not adversely affect the overall suspended pressures in this study, although the subjects without seat cushions showed lower overall suspended pressures.

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Adolescent Adult Child Child, Preschool Female Humans Male Orthotic Devices Posture Pressure Pressure Ulcer Scoliosis Thorax Wheelchairs Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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G F Harris, J E Coad, R Pudlowski, E A Abraham, E A Millar. 1987. Thoracic suspension: quantitative effects upon seating pressure and posture.. https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1987.77

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