Comparative analysis of sitting pressures in individuals with spinal cord injury: static vs. dynamic air cushions

Pressure injuries (PIs) significantly affect the health and social participation of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Anti-decubitus cushions help prevent these injuries by distributing weight and reducing peak pressures. Evidence supports air cushions as the most effective solution for pressure relief during sitting. In recent years, in order to enhance their effectiveness, these cushions have incorporated dynamic and intelligent systems.

To analyse and compare sitting pressure values while using a commercially available dynamic intelligent air cushion-specifically the Nubolo®|Med-versus other high-end air cushions. Methods: The sample comprised 41 individuals with chronic, complete traumatic SCI, presenting various risk factors for pressure injuries. Measurements were conducted using the Nubolo®|Med cushion, participants' usual high-end air cushions, and a CONFORMatSYSTEM mat for pressure recording. Outcome variables were peak pressure (PP), normalized peak pressure (PP/CA), average pressure (AP), and contact area (CA), measured on the Nubolo®|Med and on participants' usual cushion. A comparative analysis was subsequently carried out between the two conditions.

No significant differences were found between the two conditions in the AP and CA variables. However, statistically significant differences were observed in the PP [static cushion: 38.04(12.46) mmHg vs. Nubolo®|Med: 31.81(9.57) mmHg; z = 4.38, p < 0.001, r = -0.73] and PP/CA [static cushion: 0.080(0.024) mmHg/mm² vs. Nubolo®|Med: 0.065(0.016) mmHg/mm²; z = -3.99, p < 0.001, r = 0.67] variables.

The findings indicate that the Nubolo®|Med cushion showed lower peak sitting pressures compared to high-end static air cushions in individuals with complete SCI.