Using high-resolution imaging to study the impact of the Kalogon wheelchair cushion on blood flow in the gluteal area.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated how the air-bladder offloading mode of the Orbiter by Kalogon wheelchair cushion (Orbiter) affected blood flow in the gluteal region of non-disabled subjects. The hypothesis was that the cushion's offloading mode would improve blood flow, resulting in reduced reactive hyperemia when compared to the static setting, or Loaded Control (LC). Furthermore, the study proposed a technique using a high-resolution image laser speckle contrast system to measure blood flow in the gluteal area. METHODS: Two procedures were carried out, one with the participant sitting on a cushion in LC, and the second, the cushion was set to offloading mode. Blood flow was measured through data imaging after each procedure. Three trials were performed, starting and ending in different cushion bladders. Customized algorithms were used to select regions of interest on the images for calculations. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was conducted to compare the offloads and loaded control values of each region of interest. Results were considered significant at α = 0.05. RESULTS: Ten healthy, non-disabled adults participated in the study, seven females and three males. There were no significant differences among the participants. However, results showed that seven subjects tended to decrease reactive hyperemia in the offload sequence of trial when the last two bladders offloaded were the sacrum followed by the right ischial tuberosity. CONCLUSIONS: The high-resolution imager showed that the Orbiter Offloads helped reduce reactive hyperemia in seven subjects, potentially improving blood flow. More research is necessary to comprehend the mechanisms of these effects fully.

Effects on tissue oxygenation in the gluteal region with a smart pressure redistribution wheelchair cushion compared to a pressure relief manoeuvre.

OBJECTIVE: The study examines the effects of the air-bladder offloading mode of a smart pressure redistribution wheelchair cushion on tissue oxygenation in the gluteal tissue of non-disabled participants. The hypothesis is that the cushion's offloading mode, which involves sequentially deflating its five air-bladders one at a time for a specific duration, would improve tissue oxygenation during sitting. METHODS: Two procedures were conducted. The first compared the cushion's offloads to a loaded control (LC) with the cushion on static mode, and the second compared the cushion's offloading mode to a standard manual offload performed by the participant. Three trials of each procedure were performed in randomized order. Tissue oxygenation was continuously monitored with three oxygenation parameters analysed: oxygen saturation (SO2), oxygenated haemoglobin (OxyHb), and deoxygenated haemoglobin (DeoxyHb). Data recordings were segmented in each step of the offloading sequence for analysis. A paired t-test was performed for comparisons with significance considered at α = 0.05. Ten healthy adults participated in the study. IMPACT: Results showed that as the air bladders deflated over time, the three evaluated parameters changed, affecting oxygenation even when other tissue areas were offloaded. The results indicated that the cushion's sacral offload had the greatest impact on improving tissue oxygenation among the five air-bladders in all ten subjects (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SO2 during the cushion's offload in the sacral region was similar to a manual offload. The study results suggest that the cushion could benefit tissue oxygenation, especially for individuals unable to change positions independently. Further research is needed to determine its effectiveness for wheelchair users.

The cushion's offloads, which involved deflating its five air-cell bladders one at a time for a specific duration, improved tissue oxygenation in the gluteal region of non-disabled individuals while seated.The cushion's offload in the sacral region had the greatest impact on improving tissue oxygenation among the five air-bladders in all ten subjects.This cushion could be an alternative for users who have limitations in performing pressure relief manoeuvres for the prevention of pressure injuries.A cushion that enhances tissue oxygenation while the user remains seated allows longer sitting periods, improving their quality of life, regardless of their ability to perform pressure relief manoeuvres.