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The trunk/spine complex and wheelchair seating for children: A literature review
Author(s) -
Burgman Imelda
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
australian occupational therapy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1630
pISSN - 0045-0766
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1630.1994.tb01298.x
Subject(s) - trunk , wheelchair , physical medicine and rehabilitation , balance (ability) , psychology , physical therapy , medicine , computer science , world wide web , biology , ecology
Wheelchair seating should provide children with disabilities with an external support system from which to gain postural and movement control. The importance of correct pelvic positioning has been extensively discussed in the literature in relation to maintaining correct spinal curvature and muscle balance, and providing a stable base of support for the trunk and upper body. The effects of positioning on the trunk/spine complex has been quantitatively investigated in relation to non‐disabled adults, but little literature is available in relation to children. Of significance to occupational therapists is the effect of trunk/spine positioning on the developing child with a disability. This paper reviews the quantitative literature on seating and assesses the application of research on adults with and without a disability to the child with a disability. Awareness of potential physical stress areas —muscles, ligaments and joints, enables informed practice by occupational therapists. However, it is evident that there are constraints in relating information from research with adults to children with disabilities.