Observed Changes in Skin Integrity Risk Following 30° Lateral Positioning and Virgin Coconut Oil Massage: A Case Report

Endah Sulistiyani; Dewa Agung Gina Andriani; Moreno Herdianto Lay Da Lopez; Maria Rin Poa

doi:10.24843/mifi.000001092

Authors

Endah Sulistiyani Department of Physiotherapy, STIKes St. Elisabeth Keuskupan Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Author
Dewa Agung Gina Andriani Department of Physiotherapy, STIKes St. Elisabeth Keuskupan Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Author
Moreno Herdianto Lay Da Lopez Department of Physiotherapy, STIKes St. Elisabeth Keuskupan Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Author
Maria Rin Poa Department of Physiotherapy, STIKes St. Elisabeth Keuskupan Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24843/mifi.000001092

Keywords:

Pressure Injury, Skin Integrity, Stroke, Repositioning, Massage Therapy

Abstract

Background: Impaired skin integrity is a common complication among immobilized stroke patients, particularly in home-care settings with limited professional supervision. Combined preventive strategies such as repositioning and topical skin care are frequently recommended, yet evidence describing their application in community-based practice remains limited.
Objective: To describe observed changes in skin integrity risk following the combined use of 30° lateral positioning and effleurage massage with Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) in a home-care stroke patient.
Methods: This descriptive exploratory case report involved a 58-year-old female patient with non-hemorrhagic stroke and prolonged immobilization. The intervention consisted of 30° lateral repositioning and VCO effleurage massage, administered twice daily for four consecutive days. Skin integrity risk was assessed daily using the Braden Scale.
Results: The Braden Scale score improved from 12 (high risk) at baseline to 17 (low risk) after four days (Δ = +5). Improvements were mainly observed in the moisture, mobility, and friction/shear domains, while sensory perception and activity remained unchanged.
Conclusion: This case report describes a short-term improvement in skin integrity risk following combined 30° lateral positioning and VCO massage. Due to the single-case design and short follow-up, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. However, the intervention appears feasible for home-care settings and merits further investigation.