Bioimpedance as an indicator in the distribution of interface pressure in vulnerable regions for pressure ulcers: A preliminary study

Aim To examine the influence of body mass index, bioimpedance, and skin folds on the distribution of body interface pressure in regions with the potential to develop pressure ulcers in contact with support surfaces. Design This was a descriptive and analytical study. Methods Twenty healthy volunteer adults were investigated in April 2017. Body mass index, skin folds, waist circumference, bioimpedance, and interface pressure on bony prominences were investigated. Descriptive statistics and correlations were analysed. Results Peak pressures in the subscapular region presented moderate and significant correlations with body mass index, waist circumference, total and extracellular body water, fat‐free mass, and lean mass per body segment. The peak pressure on the right heel showed a moderate correlation with total and extracellular body water, fat‐free mass, and lean mass per segment. Conclusion The need for multicenter research was evident, focusing on bioimpedance assessment as a risk factor for the development of pressure ulcers. SUMMARY STATEMENT What is already known about this topic? Despite technological advances, pressure injuries are still considered to be problems related to perioperative care. Extreme changes in body mass index are considered to be predisposing factors for the occurrence of injuries. There are gaps in the literature on the knowledge of the mechanisms of action of redistribution of pressure in bone prominences, which could modify according to the type of tissue to which this pressure is exposed. What this paper adds? This article adds an evaluation of the relationship of interface pressure to bone prominences with bioimpedance indicators, such as lean mass, fat mass, and body water. The indicators of lean mass, fat free mass, body water, and body mass index may influence the distribution of interface pressure in potential regions for the development of pressure ulcers. The implications of this paper: The more specific determination of body composition (such as lean mass, fat mass, and body water) can be used as an indicator of increased interface pressure, and, consequently, of the risk of pressure injury. The knowledge of the influence of body composition by electrical impedance on the interface pressure distribution can be adopted in the classification of patients with greater need of use of the support surface in clinical practice for the prevention of pressure injuries. The evaluation of the body composition by electrical impedan