Evaluation of pelvis postural systems in spinal cord injury patients: Outcome research.

OBJECTIVES: Compare three commercially available postural systems to determine the best for treatment of patients suffering from spinal cord injury lesion below the cervical spine.

DESIGN: Outcome Research.

SETTING: Ambulatory.

PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen patients were recruited for this study between March 2016 and July 2016 from the Occupational Therapy clinic of "Policlinico Umberto I" hospital in Rome and Occupational Therapy of "CPO" hospital in Ostia. The patient samples consisted of eleven men (84.6%) and two women (15.4%). All the patient are suffering by SCI with a lesion below the cervical spine.

INTERVENTION: We evaluate postural systems customized by three different companies. Patients tried each pelvis device for a duration of one week, after which they have been asked to fill in questionnaire concerning static stability, temperature, movement adaptability, transfers and dynamical stability during the activities of every-day life. The impact on the health status has been evaluated by means of a further questionnaire (Health Status Scale SF-12) submitted to the patients.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life and daily life activities.

RESULTS: The analysis of the data from the questionnaire, along with those of objective nature associated with the mapping of the pressure due to weight distribution, has allowed the selection of the most appropriate clinical solution.

CONCLUSION: This study has allowed two significant conclusions: the central role of the interplay between the patient and occupational therapist in the decision role and the clear evidence that patients with spinal cord injury felt definite differences between cushion stability and were able to indicate a specific typology providing the best satisfaction.