Trunk Function and Ischial Pressure Offloading in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) often experience impaired trunk function, affecting their ability to manage pressure distribution.
• Ischial tuberosity pressure offloading is critical for preventing pressure injuries in the SCI population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between trunk function and ischial tuberosity offloading in individuals with SCI.
• To determine if trunk strength and reach ability influence pressure relief strategies.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cross-sectional study involving 15 non-ambulatory participants with SCI (AIS A-D).
• Trunk strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
• Reach ability was assessed with the multidirectional reach test.
• Ischial tuberosity offloading times were measured using a customized pressure mat.

Main Results:

• 'Reachers' (able to reach) demonstrated significantly higher trunk strength than 'Non-Reachers' (unable to reach).
• Non-Reachers showed significantly lower offloading times over the right ischial tuberosity compared to Reachers.
• No significant correlation was found between trunk strength and pressure offloading times in either group.

Conclusions:

• Trunk strength is associated with reach ability in individuals with SCI.
• Despite differences in trunk strength and reach ability, factors influencing ischial tuberosity offloading behavior require further investigation.
• Understanding offloading behaviors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to prevent pressure injuries in SCI.