Interventional study of the effect of trunk support provision on the body pressure and ventilation volume in the prone position in healthy young and older women.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of prone trunk support on facial and chest pressures and ventilation volumes between young and older women. [Participants and Methods] This study included 12 healthy young women and 10 healthy older women. We recorded the maximum body pressures on the face and chest, tidal volume, and lung capacity in three different prone positions and compared the results between the two age groups. [Results] Trunk support provision decreased the facial pressure and increased the thoracic pressure in both groups. Facial pressure was significantly higher in older women than in younger women when trunk support was not provided. No significant change was observed in the tidal volume in both groups when trunk support was provided; however, the lung capacity decreased significantly in the younger group compared to the older group. In contrast, the chest pressure, tidal volume, and lung capacity were not correlated in either group. [Conclusion] Trunk support provision effectively reduces pressure on the face, which is associated with a high risk of pressure ulcers. Although trunk support increases pressure on the chest, it has limited effects on the respiratory movements. Thus, providing trunk support in the prone position can reduce the risk of facial pressure ulcers and facilitate medical management.