Comparing two techniques for positioning patients to prevent pressure sores in ICU

Evaluation Two Different Prone Position Techniques on the Occurrence of Pressure Sores in Patients With Invasive Mechanical Ventilation With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the Intensive Care Unit : a Multicenter, Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Tours · NCT05894291

This study is testing two different ways of positioning patients in the ICU to see which one better prevents pressure sores for those with severe breathing problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment334 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Tours Academic / other
Locations1 site (Orléans)
Trial IDNCT05894291 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares two different prone position techniques used in the intensive care unit to assess their effectiveness in preventing pressure sores in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The prone position is known to improve oxygenation and reduce lung injury in ARDS patients, but it may also lead to pressure ulcers. By evaluating the swimmer prone position against the traditional prone position with arms alongside the body, the study aims to determine which method is more effective in minimizing the occurrence of pressure sores. The study involves intubated patients on mechanical ventilation who meet specific inclusion criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are intubated patients with moderate to severe ARDS requiring prone positioning.

Not a fit: Patients with existing pressure ulcers or those who cannot be positioned in either technique will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved patient care by reducing the incidence of pressure sores in critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that prone positioning can improve outcomes in ARDS patients, but the specific comparison of these two techniques is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Intubated patient on invasive mechanical ventilation with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome according to the BERLIN classification with a P/F ratio \< 150, requiring prone position.
* Express consent of the patient or representative or in the absence of this, emergency inclusion procedure
* Health insurance coverage

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient with 2 (or more) Prone position sessions
* Patient in whom one of the two positions could not be achieved: (Joint limitation; Neck size that would prevent head rotation; Orthopaedic spinal or segmental trauma; BMI greater than 45)
* Presence of stage 2 or higher pressure ulcers on the anterior parts of the body at screening
* Presence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
* Patient already included in the study
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
* Patient under legal protection

Where this trial is running

Orléans

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromePressure Ulcers Stage IIIARDSPressure SoresPressure UlcerProne PositionSwimmer Position
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.