posture is a key factor in our health, Mobility, and maintaining our Independence.

1. 1
Presented by
Andrew Heath
Mobility & postural Specialist
Everyday Mobility
Posture Recommendations
For Wheelchairs & Seating

2. SITTING!

3. ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?
Symmetrikit™

4. What is tilt ?
• “System which changes a person’s
orientation in space while maintaining
fixed hip, knee and ankle angles”
What is recline?
• “system which changes a person’s seat to
back angle”

5. WHY USE TILT?
ADVANTAGE
 Effects of gravity can be reduced
(Collins 2005)
 Prevent sheer
 Aids a clients starting posture
when they are hoisted
 Aids clients comfort /functional
level(Collins 2005)
 “-ve” tilt can aid standing transfers.
 Pressure relief
 Help maintain head and eye
position
 Used to increase sitting tolerance
/breathing/speech
DISADVANTAGES
• “-ve” tilt can cause the client to
slide out of the chair!
• Makes the chair longer!
• Client fixed looking at he sky!
• Accessing surfaces - table
• Bladder
• Tray

6. WHY USE RECLINE?
ADVANTAGE
• Accommodate certain
postures better
• Can ease transfers
• Bladder
• Increase comfort
• Epilepsy
DISADVANTAGES
• Patients with spasticity
• Go beyond a clients
ROM
• Sheer
• Laterals move

7. Pressure Mapping
To Belt up or Not to belt up that is the question ?

8. Pressure Mapping

9. Pressure Mapping the Bed

10. Pressure Mapping

11. COMMON SEATING/POSTURAL MISTAKES
• NO CUSHION
• TWO CUSHIONS
• CUSHION DOWN THE BACK
• CUSHION ON THE WRONG WAY ROUND
• FOOTPLATES AT THE WRONG HEIGHT
• EQUIPMENT NOT WORKING
• INCORRECTLY FITTED/USE OF BELTS
• HOISTING INCORRECTLY
• CLIENTS SAT IN INAPPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT