Repeatability of Metrics of Skin Microvascular Function at Pressure Injury-Prone Sites Using a Direct Pressure and Heating Protocol

This study presents a reproducible protocol for assessing pressure-induced microvascular compromise, capturing responses from complete vascular occlusion to peak thermal-pressure hyperaemic vasodilation. Applied at the sacrum and heel, it offers a quantifiable, non-invasive tool to investigate pressure injury risk in vulnerable populations. It also supports future evaluations of support surfaces, offloading strategies, and novel therapeutic interventions to improve tissue pressure tolerance.