David Cooper, M.Sc. Kine. - Rehabilitation Technologist
Elaine Antoniuk, B.Sc. PT
Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children Susan Johnson Taylor, OTR/L
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

This workshop is addressing dynamic seating as postural control that allows controlled temporary postural changes initiated by the user while continuing to provide support. It will incorporate the concept of dynamic seating and how it can be included into the assessment process.

This workshop will explore technical and clinical considerations for choosing a dynamic approach to postural control. This is a powerful tool for solving some of the most difficult positioning challenges. Positive results have been observed including a reduction in strength and duration of strong full body extension, and enabling weak body movements to facilitate functional skills and physiologic functions, and a reduction in acting–out behaviours.

The dynamic element to seating can be achieved through commercial as well as custom-built interface components as well as through simple seat modifications and the selection of appropriate materials. Several commercial products and custom applications provided at Sunny Hill will be reviewed.
The case examples will include solutions for: backs for hip and trunk extension; headrests for neck extension and rotation, and for cushioning excessive head movements; knee straps for hip adduction, knee extension modules; foot supports and a rocking wheelchair to address behavioural issues.

Considerations will be reviewed for combining multiple dynamic components and the possibility of alternate modalities such as powered dynamic systems will be explored.

Learning objectives

1. To increase knowledge of the appropriate use of a variety of dynamic seating interventions.
2. To gain technical knowledge of how to provide dynamic seating interventions.