Module 3 - Hands-on Assessment

Key Concepts

As the physical abilities that control posture, joint movement and balance are reduced after a spinal cord injury, a thorough manual assessment is essential in the seating and wheeled mobility prescription.
Knowledge of functional abilities and applications to the level of spinal cord injury will determine the appropriate seating assessment process and techniques.
Through the MAT process, the clinician can establish the postural control required to prevent deformities and provide adequate support for balance and function. This process assists clinicians to work towards 'shaping' the seating system to fit the client's body shape.
A history of pressure areas and skin breakdown must be thoroughly reviewed in relation to the influences of posture on pressure distribution and wound location, so that they can be considered in seating interventions.
"Practice makes perfect" - practise hands-on assessments on colleagues or on clients, with peer support to gain skill.
Make a decision to try to practice hands-on assessment regularly. A consistent seating assessment process improves the clinician's skill level and provides quality seating prescriptions and outcomes.

This web page is managed and authorised by Greater Metropolitan Clinical Taskforce. Last updated: 16 March, 2009