Laboratory Research
Our findings suggest that the prophylactic application of the HPFD dressing facilitates the absorption of mechanical energy through both layer-on-layer frictional sliding and internal material shear. This MOA may alleviate sustained stress concentrations in soft tissues within the heels, particularly in response to frictional forces acting on support surfaces. This MOA further aligns with numerous clinical research publications demonstrating the efficacy of the same HPFD type in preventing PIP.
In conclusion, our study contributes important insights into the mechanical aspects of dressings used for PIP, emphasizing the role of frictional energy absorption. The newly identified MOA provides a plausible explanation for the observed efficacy of the HPFD in clinical settings. Further research and validation are warranted to solidify these findings and advance the understanding of dressings' mechanical contributions to PIP.