Repeated Pressure and Shear Stress at the Posterior Heel Following Localized Skin Cooling: Protocol for a Repeated Measures Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pressure in combination with shear forces can deform soft tissues and lead to development of pressure ulcers. The prevalence rate of pressure ulcers in the United Kingdom remains unacceptably high and can occur across the human lifespan. The posterior heel represents a common anatomical site for pressure ulcers due to soft tissues lying adjacent to bony prominences and being exposed to pressure and shear during lying postures. Localized cooling and interface materials that reduce shear may offer potentially therapeutic benefits in the development of pressure ulcers. Yet the physiological mechanisms underpinning the potential benefits of localized cooling are not fully understood.

Objective

This study protocol aims to investigate how localized cooling influences th

SUBMITTER: Gordon R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12322604 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature