Seating Principles

Question 1

What are the 6 seating principles?

Answer 1

1. stabilize proximally to improve distal mobility and function (pelvis stability should be addressed first).
2. achieve and maintain pelvic alignment (neutral to slight anterior tilt and be level) (maintain normal lumbar curve and wt bearing on ischial tubs)
3. facilitate optimal posture alignment in all body segments, accommodating for impairments. (determined by putting pt on mat table)
4. limit abnormal movement (tone, postures, determined triggers will inform decisions)
5. provide the minimum support necessary to achieve goals and expected outcomes
6. provide comfort

Question 2

How do you measure to get the right seat depth for your patients wheel chair?

Answer 2

• measure thigh length in supine with knees and hips flexed.

- measure from popliteal space to firm surface.

Question 3

How do you get the correct distance from the seat to the foot plates?

Answer 3

• measure the popliteal fossa to the heel.

Question 4

How do you measure pelvic width?

Answer 4

• preliminary in supine, from greater trochanter to the other
• final measure taken in sitting.

Question 5

How to get seat to back support angle measurement?

Answer 5

• use hip flexion measure and subtract it from 180°

Question 6

How to get seat to legs support angle?

Answer 6

• use knee extension measure for thigh to knee angle

Question 7

How to measure hip flexion?

Answer 7

• knees flexed, pelvis neutral to slight anterior tilit, keep one hand flat under sacral area until posterior pelvis movement is felt.
• measure just before pelvic movement

Question 8

How to measure knee extension?

Answer 8

• same position and technique as hip flexion

- measure angle of knee at the point just before pelvis moves.