What is the evidence for the effectiveness of postural management?

Abstract

Postural management is assumed to be a valid and necessary strategy in the care of individuals with neuromuscular disorders who may be at risk of developing musculoskeletal deformity. To date, the evidence base for postural management remains relatively unexplored. This article reviews 150 articles that relate to the evidence for postural management in some common clinical conditions. The work was undertaken by members of the Scottish Seating and Wheelchair Group. The sample of literature was graded according to Sackett’s levels of evidence, which describe on a scale of one to five the scientific rigour of each study. The areas explored were physiological function, neonates and children under 5 years of age, progressive neuromuscular disorders, cerebral palsy, activities of daily living, older people, neuromuscular scoliosis and neurological disorders. The reliability and distribution of this evidence for postural management is discussed.