Characteristics of Head of Bed elevation posture in individuals with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities: A body pressure distribution and Heart Rate Variability analysis

Abstract

[Objective] This study aimed to clarify the effects of Head of Bed (HOB) elevation in individuals with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities (SMID) by comparing body pressure distribution and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) with those of the Typical Development (TD) group. [Methods] The subjects were 23 TD and 23 SMID. Body pressure distribution and HRV were measured under two conditions: the supine position and a 45° HOB elevated position. Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) following aligned rank transformation. [Results] In both groups, HOB elevation led to an increase in the high-pressure area in the buttocks. In the SMID group, the pressure area ratios were higher in the head and back regions and lower in the leg region compared with those in the TD group. No significant differences were observed in heart rate variability. [Conclusion] Evaluating posture-specific body pressure distributions helped reveal the distinct postural characteristics of individuals with SMID. These findings suggest that with appropriate postural adjustments, HOB elevation may be a feasible and beneficial positioning strategy even for individuals with SMID.