Module 5 - Evaluation of Seating and Wheeled Mobility Systems
Components of the seating system to be evaluated include:
Seat and pressure care cushion
Check the seat base under the cushion, including the drop seat base, seat wedge and the condition of the seat upholstery or seat board.
Check the cushion under the cover and any additional layers. Take details of the
- Product brand, model and code of the product if it is labelled
- Features/specifications/customisations/additional positioning aids
- Size: measure for width, depth and height - especially when there are no codes
- Age: check previous prescription/orders/product labels/box for date of manufacture
- Condition of both cover and cushion
Click here for "Handy tips for checking commonly used cushions"
Back support and thoracic supports
The components of a back support system may include
- tension adjustable upholstery
- solid back or custom-made foam on ply back support
- lateral support and mountings (record swing away or fixed, height and depth of lateral support pads and material of pads)
- lumbar support
- pelvic guide attached to back support
- back support padding and cover (lumbar spine channelling, foam grades, shear reduction cover)
- segmented sections and hinged sections
- anti-shear mechanism for reclining back
Identify and record back support details from the label if possible as the width of a solid back support does not always correlate to the width of the wheelchair frame.
As there may be a "hybrid" of back support components and thoracic lateral support within the system, check and describe every layer and component.
Note the location of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) against the support surface.
Note the apex of any scoliosis as detected in MAT evaluation in relation to the position of the thoracic support.
Resources
Queensland Spinal Outreach Team (2007) Seating systems for people with spinal cord injury: cushions, backrests and other considerations - information resource for service providers
Other postural supports
- Headrest and mounting type and location
- Harness and belts: shoulder, chest and pelvis and buckle or fastening types
- Arm support/armrest
- Support: pads style (desk, full length/gutter), elbow block and hand piece
- Mounting type: dual, single or flip up
- Adjustment: height and position on seat rail
- Hip support: built-in hip guide, pommel
- Foot support hanger type: 60/70/80/90 degrees, centre mount, elevation, fixed or swing away
- Calf pads, stump support for amputees
- Footplates and supports: angle adjustment, ankle huggers, heel loops
- Other: lap tray, anterior knee block, sub-ASIS bar.
Other assistive technologies or devices
For example, ventilators and battery mountings, drinking aid, electric leg bag opener.