Original Article
Spinal Cord advance online publication 27 October 2009; doi: 10.1038/sc.2009.138
Effects of dynamic sitting interventions on tissue oxygenation in individuals with spinal cord disorders
J Reenalda1, P van Geffen2, G Snoek1, M Jannink1,2, M Ijzerman3 and H Rietman1,2
- 1Roessingh Research and Development, Rehabilitation Centre het Roessingh, Enschede, The Netherlands
- 2Laboratory of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- 3Department Health Technology & Services Research, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
Correspondence: Dr J Reenalda, Roessingh Research and Development, Postbus 310, 7500 AH Enschede, The Netherlands. E-mail: j.reenalda@rrd.nl
Received 25 March 2009; Revised 21 August 2009; Accepted 10 September 2009; Published online 27 October 2009.
Abstract
Study Design:
An explorative cross-sectional study.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of imposing dynamic sitting behavior on individuals with spinal cord disorders by using the Dynasit chair and to investigate its effect on the (sub-)cutaneous tissue oxygenation.
Setting:
Rehabilitation Centre het Roessingh, Enschede, the Netherlands.
Subjects:
Ten male subjects with a spinal cord disorder.
Methods:
The Dynasit chair, an experimental simulator chair, containing mechanical concepts for postural adjustments, regulation of tuberal load and pelvic rotation, was developed to allow individuals with a spinal cord disorder to sit in a dynamic way. An experiment was carried out in which a dynamic sitting pattern was imposed. The sitting pattern consisted of series of actuated changes in posture, tuberal load and pelvic orientation. Effects of these changes on (sub-)cutaneous buttock tissue oxygenation were investigated by transcutaneous measurement of tissue oxygenation.
Results:
Nonparametric statistical analyses were carried out on nine subjects that completed the study. Results showed significant positive effects (P<0.05) of actuated changes in tuberal load on the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue oxygenation.
Conclusion:
The Dynasit chair is effective in imposing dynamic sitting behavior in individuals with a spinal cord disorder and consequently might reduce the chance of tissue degradation.
Keywords:
dynamic sitting, pressure ulcers, deep tissue injury, tissue oxygenation, O2C
