Tilt and recline provides effective pressure injury prevention

A majority of pressure injury (PI)–related literature focuses on spinal cord injury and elderly populations, while individuals with upper motor neuron lesion (UMNL)–related diagnoses, such as cerebral vascular accident, cerebral palsy (CP), traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders (multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc.) are greatly underrepresented. When compared with spinal cord injuries, those with UMNLs present with differences in symptoms, such as generalized muscle weakness, spasticity, clonus, and hyperreflexia; whereas those with lower motor neuron lesions such as spinal cord injuries typically have more focal and fewer generalized symptoms (Emos & Agarwal, 2020). Thus, PI management for those with UMNLs, particularly in terms of wheelchair seating and cushions, should be targeted to address their unique needs.