Measurement system for the evaluation of alternating pressure redistribution mattresses using pressure relief index and tissue perfusion – a preliminary study

Twiste, M; Rithalia, S

Abstract

Clinicians who are selecting dynamic support surfaces such as alternating pressure redistribution mattresses (APRMs) for the
prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are faced with commercial literature that predominantly reports on magnitudes of
interface pressures, rather than on additional parameters. The aim of this preliminary study was to generate a pressure relief
index (PRI) to evaluate dynamic support surfaces using the magnitude of interface pressures as well as their duration. Data for
generating a PRI were captured from 11 subjects on two different dynamic support surfaces using three different, arbitrarily
selected, interface pressure thresholds. Tissue perfusion measurements were used to evaluate the reliability of the calculated PRI.
The results demonstrate a good relationship (r=0.7) between PRI and tissue perfusion values. The generated PRI appears to be a
reliable indicator of the recovery time allowed below a given interface pressure and is therefore a useful parameter for selecting
appropriate dynamic support surfaces.

Citation

Twiste, M., & Rithalia, S. (2008). Measurement system for the evaluation of alternating pressure redistribution mattresses using pressure relief index and tissue perfusion – a preliminary study. Primary intention, 16(4), 192-198

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Dec 21, 2010
• Journal: Wound Practice and Research
• Print ISSN: 1323-2495
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 192-198
• Publisher URL: http://www.woundpracticeandresearch.com.au/