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Using Dynamic Seating To Diffuse Force And Reduce Overall Extension

Using Dynamic Seating To Diffuse Force And Reduce Overall Extension

Dynamic SeatingMichelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Updated 9/12/2022
As discussed in our last 2 blogs, Dynamic Seating is commonly used to prevent breakage of the wheelchair seating system and frame. Another common application of dynamic seating is to diffuse force and reduce overall extension.

Many clients using wheelchair seating have increased muscle tone. This can lead to active extension, particularly at the hips, knees, and neck. When a client extends against a static seating system, the forces exerted against the footplates, seat, back, and head support have nowhere to go and this can lead to an actual increase in client extension. As a result, the client may have difficulty tolerating the seating system for a reasonable amount of time (sitting tolerance), and may experience discomfort and even pain.

Dynamic Seating absorbs and diffuses these extensor forces. Remarkably, this can lead to an actual reduction in extensor tone. Think about it this way. Perhaps you have sat behind a client on a mat table or couch who is actively extending. If you try and resist this extension, the client may push harder. If you allow the client to extend, however, and then assist them to return to upright, the client relaxes. I have observed a number of clients who spent much of their day “fighting” their static seating system, who were able to sit fairly relaxed with Dynamic Seating.

Watch our Quick Class on Absorbing and Diffusing Force to learn more.

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