ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some of the less conventional methods used by various investigators in pressure sore prevention. From their series of experiments, S. Levine and R. L. Kett observed that larger pressure variations was obtained for larger stimulation rates. In addition, their studies with various seating surfaces indicated that pressure changes were maximal with the standard sling, and minimal with the roho cushion. Besides the immediate noticeable effects of functional electrical stimulation (fes), chronic use of fes can increase vascularization, which helps improve the oxygen delivery and metabolite removal process. More importantly, fes increases bulk of atrophied muscles and improves muscle tone—which are generally agreed to be factors necessary in reducing the risk of pressure sores. However, the negative effects of fes must also be considered. These include increased intramuscular pressure, muscle oxygen requirements, fatigue, heat, and sweat production. No investigators have yet reported clinical findings that explicitly relate the use of fes to pressure sore prevention.
