Seating-Related Pressure Injury Prevention in Spinal Cord Injury: A Review of Compensatory Technologies to Improve In-Seat Movement Behavior.

A PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review was to (1) assess the factors related to the occurrence of pressure injuries in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI), (2) review methods of pressure injury prevention, and (3) examine compensatory technologies developed to promote in-seat movement to reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

B RECENT FINDINGS: Risk factors for seating-related pressure injuries are well documented, yet, ulceration remains a daily concern for individuals with SCI. While prompts and alarms have been shown to be effective at increasing in-seat movement, the devices thus far were not designed for long-term use. Wheelchair users will benefit from continued development of novel technologies designed to help them self-manage pressure injury prevention.

C SUMMARY: Optimized feedback about pressure and movement will help wheelchair users with SCI perform more effective movements to relieve pressure, perform movements more frequently and consistently, and maintain effective and frequent movement behaviors over time while feedback is available.