Abstract
Purpose: Although use of a tilt table is recommended in clinical practice, there are no published guidelines regarding pressure and inclination for tilt table use. The aim of the current study was to assess the changes of pressure on sacrum and buttock according to different inclination of the tilt table in healthy subjects. Methods: Thirty two healthy subjects participated in this study. Subjects were positioned supine on the tilt table and safety straps were secured across the chest, pelvic, and knee with sufficient tension to prevent the subjects from falling. Pressure and peak pressure of sacrum and buttock were measured using pressure mapping system with the tilt table standing at $0^{\circ}$, $15^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$, $60^{\circ}$, $75^{\circ}$, and $85^{\circ}$ inclination. Results: A significant decrease in the pressure of sacrum and buttock was achieved by increasing tilt table inclination (p<0.05): $0^{\circ}{\sim}15^{\circ}$ (8.16%), $15^{\circ}{\sim}30^{\circ}$ (8.02%), $30^{\circ}{\sim}45^{\circ}$ (11.61%), $45^{\circ}{\sim}60^{\circ}$ (16.18%), $60^{\circ}{\sim}75^{\circ}$ (16%), and $75^{\circ}{\sim}85^{\circ}$ (11.48%). A significant decrease in the peak pressure was achieved by increasing tilt table inclination (p<0.05): $30^{\circ}{\sim}45^{\circ}$ (9.91%), $45^{\circ}{\sim}60^{\circ}$ (19.24%), $60^{\circ}{\sim}75^{\circ}$ (19.93%), and $75^{\circ}{\sim}85^{\circ}$ (11.48%). No significant peak pressure change was observed in $0^{\circ}{\sim}15^{\circ}$, $15^{\circ}{\sim}30^{\circ}$ tilt table inclination (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the pressure of sacrum and buttock were decreased according to increasing tilt table inclination in healthy subjects. Guidelines are needed in order to optimize patient safety and overall outcome for tilt table standing.