VELA_Adaptive_Seating
1Pages

Adaptive seating facilitates activity and participation Adaptive seating, workplace accommodation, and the use of activity chairs/work chairs facilitate occupations, activities, and participation for adults as well as children with mobility disabilities. Occupations and activities affect our quality of life and contribute to our health, wellbeing, and social identity. Occupations and activities connect us with other people and contribute to participation in life. Activity and the sitting position For a person with impaired mobility, the sitting position is the basis of many activities – and of effective coordination between head, shoulders, arms, and hands. A good sitting position supports independence, activity, and participation by improving the person’s ability to eat, wash, dress, move around, work, and perform in Persons with disabilities tend to have fewer occupations leisure activities. and activities, and they participate less in society. Phys- The sitting position may increase mobility, improve ical requirements at home, at the workplace/at school, “working posture”, improve standing and sitting endur- and in leisure activities are barriers to participation. Adaptive seating, ergonomics and activity chairs/work chairs To achieve balance between functional stability, healthy activity, and mobility, the general ergonomic principles should be considered and combined with the specific requirements of the disabled adults or child in questions. Study cases from my own qualitative study and from my daily practice show how an activity chair/work chair meets a craftsman’s need for a very low sitting position, for a normal sitting height, and for transport between work stations. Also, a child’s need for a certain work height in the classroom, a lower work height for playing, and a stable and secure support in other situations may be met using a work chair/activity chair. Also, a work chair/activity chair meets the needs of an elderly woman in the kitchen – making it possible for her to reach the cupboards above the kitchen counter as well as to sit in a forward tilt position at the kitchen counter for better access to the tap and the sink. Careful assessment of the disability and activities of the user is necessary to achieve increased activity and participation. Conclusion Adaptive seating, workplace accommodation, and the use of activity chairs/work chairs facilitate occupations, activities, and participation for adults as well as children with mobility disabilities. How to implement the findings in daily practice: References: 1. Townsend E E, Polatajko H. Enabling occupation II: Advancing an occupational therapy vision for health, well-being & Justice through occupation. Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Canada, • Consider and include adaptive seating as an important and integral part of the rehabilitation process in general. 2007. 2. Engstrøm B. Ergonomic seating – A true challenge. Posturalis books. 2002. • Counsel clients, therapists, family members, and staff 3. Lyng K. Thesis. Assistive technology, disability and occupation – A qual- members that adaptive seating facilitates activity and itative study of the significance of assistive technology at the work- participation in daily life in general. • Plan and implement seating solutions for adults and children according to general ergonomic principles for place for the occupation of persons with mobility disabilities, 2009. Karen Lyng seated and semi-seated working positions to improve Occupational Therapist, Master of Rehabilitation Science activity levels and participation. VELA A/S, Denmark • www.vela.eu • kly@vela.dk ance, and even reduce fatigue and pain. She has difficulty standing for longer periods of time, getting up from and sitting down on a normal chair, and getting around in her kitchen. Works with maintenance and renovation of floors, kitchens and windows. Has difficulties resting on knees, squatting and otherwise putting strain on knees and legs. Has difficulties getting up from floors or chairs. She attends normal school, but has difficulties walking, standing, and getting up from and sitting down on a normal chair. In addition she needs support and comfort in the sitting position. Assistive devices: special activity chair / work chair Assistive devices: adjustable work chair/activity chair. Assistive device: height-adjustable work stool • The chair allows to alternately stand and sit when working in the kitchen. • Height-adjustable seat makes it easy and safe getting onto and off the chair and matching the height of the kitchen desk. • The work stool makes it possible to alternately stand and sit when working and relieves knees and legs. • Manual or electric height adjustment may be operated by the child. • Being small and light, it is easy to bring along to different work sites. • Adjustable seat and back promotes alternating sitting postures • The chair supports an ergonomic sitting position to facilitate learning and activities. • Height-adjustable armrests makes it easy and safe getting onto and off the chair and support shoulders and arms Elderly woman, suffering from Parkinson´s disease. She has tremor and stiffness of the trunk, impaired balance and fatigue. • Height-adjustable seat makes it easier getting onto and off the chair and performing various tasks at various desk heights. • Padded seat and back ensure comfort, support, and stability. Elderly woman • The chair makes it possible to alternately stand and sit in the classroom • Padded seat and back ensure comfort and support • The height-adjustable seat promotes a range of sitting postures suitable for various tasks and work heights. • Casters with a central brake make it easier getting onto and off the chair. Plenty of room between casters allows walking the chair Child Girl, age 8, suffering from arthritis including reduced strength and mobility, pains and fatigue. • The chair’s adjustable seat and back system, armrests and foot support may be combined with accessories for even better comfort and support. • Casters with a central brake increase stability when getting onto and off the chair – and enable transport in the classroom and round the school. • The height-adjustable seat provides support when getting off the work stool. • Smooth-rolling casters permits mobility while remaining seated. Carpenter Man, suffering from arthritis in both knees and consequent reduced mobility and strength in both legs in spite of surgery.