The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD), a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal published by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, has released Volume 48, Issue 3, which contains the following manuscripts:
Assessing evidence supporting redistribution of pressure for pressure ulcer prevention
This article reviews the literature supporting magnitude- and duration-based interventions for the prevention of pressure ulcers. Magnitude-based interventions discussed include support surfaces, positioning devices, and posture. The duration-based interventions include repositioning and weight shifting.
Interface shear and pressure characteristics of wheelchair seat cushions
This study measures the interface shear and pressure characteristics of 21 commercial wheelchair seat cushions to better understand the formation of pressure ulcers. Interface shear results from force applied parallel to the skin surface, and interface pressure results from force applied perpendicular to the skin surface. The results show that cushions made with viscous fluid produced the lowest interface shear stress, and cushions made with air cells had the lowest interface pressure.
Relationship between muscle strength and functional walking capacity among people with stroke
This study used the 6-minute walk test to evaluate the association between muscle strength and functional walking capacity in 63 patients with stroke. This study demonstrates a large difference in the percentage of muscle weakness in patients’ affected sides compared with the less affected sides, supporting the need for task-specific training to increase walking distance and muscle-strength training in different positions for patients with stroke.
[Source: JRRD]
