Patterns and associations of structural and functional cutaneous responses during loading at heel and sacral skin in aged females: A reanalysis of clinical study data.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to explore possible interrelationships and cutaneous response patterns at the heel and sacral skin due to prolonged loading.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin stiffness, elasticity, roughness and transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, erythema, and temperature of n = 20 aged females (mean age 69.9 years) were measured before and after 90 and 150 min loading in supine position. Delta values were calculated and correlated using Spearman's rho. Strengths and directions of associations and similar patterns were subsequently identified for the heel and sacrum areas.

RESULTS: At the sacral area decreased stiffness (Uf) was associated with increased TEWL and there was a positive relationship between mean roughness (Rz) and erythema. At the heel there was a positive association between TEWL and decreasing stiffness (Uf).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a dynamic interaction between skin changes during loading and different physiological response patterns for sacral and heel skin. There seems to be close association between transepidermal water loss and stiffness changes during loading.