Wheelchair postural support for young people with progressive neuromuscular disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to measure the effects of postural support within the wheelchair on posture, respiration and upper limb function for young people with progressive neuromuscular disorders. A prospective two-period randomized crossover study was used. Participants were 19 people (aged 6–21years) with a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy or Friedreich's ataxia, who required the use of a wheelchair. Participants were assessed for wheelchair seating with a standardized in-depth protocol. The new wheelchair seating was then fitted. Sitting posture, respiration and upper limb function when sitting in a standard wheelchair and also when sitting in the adaptive seating were measured. In the adaptive seating there was a significant improvement in many of the postural measures. No such improvement was found in respiratory function. Participants were able to complete one of the six upper limb function tests more quickly in the adaptive seating. Adaptive seating within the wheelchair can instantaneously improve sitting posture for this client group. There is, however, potential for the person's position to be over-corrected with inappropriately configured seating. There are no immediate differences in respiratory function and only small differences in upper limb function between the two chairs with the protocol of this study.