RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL STATUS, RISK OF PRESSURE ULCERS, AND PREVENTIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

This chapter aimed to analyze the relationship between nutritional status, the risk of pressure injuries, and preventive physiotherapy interventions in hospitalized patients. A narrative literature review was conducted using research from databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus, including contributions from widely cited authors such as Langer, Barakat-Johnson, and Cereda, who investigate clinical determinants and prevention strategies for pressure injuries. The results indicate that conditions such as low body mass index, loss of lean mass, and protein–calorie deficiencies substantially increase the likelihood of pressure ulcers by impairing tissue integrity and slowing healing processes. Additionally, physiotherapy-based preventive measures — including systematic repositioning, early mobilization, optimized postural alignment, and the use of pressure-relieving surfaces — demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing the incidence of these injuries, especially when combined with appropriate nutritional management. It is concluded that integrating adequate nutrition with physiotherapeutic strategies constitutes a critical approach to preventing pressure injuries, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in hospital care.