Wheeled seating and mobility is designed to support a person in an optimal position within a dependent or independent mobility base. Optimal positioning may be defined as orthopedic alignment, body symmetry in multiple planes, pressure distribution or increased function. Another measure of optimal positioning within a wheelchair is comfort – otherwise referred to as the lack or reduction of pain. Prolonged sitting can lead to pain, particularly in certain wheelchair users. This article will summarize current research related to pain in people using wheelchairs.

Read more of this article by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS as published in NRRTS Directions, 2019, Vol. 4, pages 30-34.

Read an additional blog on pain, Can Dynamic Seating Prevent Client Injury? from June 2020.

For an updated version of this document, please click here.