Adaptive Seating And Positioning Flashcards
What are some aspects of comfort?
- Allows for weight shifting
- Appropriately selected for placement/ use
- able to use for long periods
Results of discomfort
- Anxiety
- Diminished attention for functional tasks
- Irritability
- Fidgeting
- Diminished ability to perform functional tasks
How often should position be changed?
Every 2 hours
You know someone is well supported if…
● Increased postural security ● Decreased use of fixing postures ● Proximal stability improves distal function ● Prevention of contractures and deformities
True or false: to allow functional performance, correct seating should hinder athetosis in children with CP.
False, help, do not hinder
A good adaptable chair should be able to…
● Adapt to functional improvements/decline in function ● Accommodate growth/weight gain ● Frequent reassessment is essential ● Adaptability to required function throughout the day ● Adaptation to seasonal clothing needs
What is posture?
DYNAMIC AND ACTIVE
● Ready for movement
● Constantly shifting and changing to move for function
● Alignment of body parts at a given
moment
● Options are essential to function in sitting
What is position?
STATIC INACTIVE
Describes position of seating components
Aspects of a good neutral posture/ home base
• Alignment • Stability • Balance • Avoid end ranges (Fryette’s 3rd law) • Diminished muscular effort required for maintenance; not inactive: springboard for other postures • Varies between people
If there were to be an ideal neutral posture, what would it look like?
• Pelvis: upright, level (or slight APT) • Trunk: upright with natural curves • Hips and legs slightly apart • Knees and ankles flexed to allow for weight bearing on feet • Head upright, midline (pupils aligned with horizon) • Shoulders relaxed (UE freedom)
What are the goals of a seating system?
- Support the client in his/her neutral posture
* Give client postural options by supporting him/her in positions he/she requires for function
The position of comfort is the position of ________
Permanent deformity. If you change functional neutral position, you’re changing their ability to function.
What are a few special considerations for health issues when selecting a chair?
Diagnosis, progression and prognosis
Breathing issues and equipment
Cardiac/ circulatory issues (edema)
Seizures
Continence
Nutrition/ digestion
Medication side effects (arousal and tone)
Surgeries
Orthopedic deformities, osteoporosis, subluxations, dislocations
Orthotics
Skin condition
Sensation
Pain
Sight: limitations (and resulting habitual postures)
Hearing
Cognitive/perceptual/behavioral status
Allergies (latex)
Bodily Functions
Special considerations of transporting equipment
• Portability issues (folding, weight) • Need for breakdown • Storage • Public transport • Use on motor vehicles (safety concerns, need for additional supports • Strength requirements (affect portability)
