Credits: .1 CEU
Authors: Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, Becky Breaux, PhD, OTR/L, ATP
While dynamic seating has been available for a long time, it remains under-utilized. Seating and wheeled mobility team members have learned quite a bit over the years about its benefits and application. Clinical experience and research show that dynamic seating has far more clinical benefits than simply preventing equipment breakage. The purpose of this article is to present a dynamic seating definition and history, describe innovative changes to design, and explain clinical applications of this intervention. A summary of research supporting both the need and application of dynamic seating is included and current funding challenges will be addressed. Finally, the future of this intervention will be proposed, including a paradigm shift in its application, whereby we recognize that everyone has a right to move, including those who need aggressive postural support to maintain their position.
Learning Outcomes:
- The reader will be able to describe key Dynamic Seating design features which optimize movement in response to client force.
- The reader will be able to describe evolving Dynamic Seating clinical applications to meet a variety of client needs.
- The reader will be able to describe why a paradigm shift is required to provide movement to those unable to move within their wheelchair seating system at all or only with loss of position.
- The reader will be able to define Dynamic Seating for Wheelchairs.
