Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS

Updated 11/11/2024

Dynamic Seating moves in response to client forces. Many clients move, not due to increased extensor tone, but rather for the explicit purpose of moving. We all tend to seek out movement. We are wired to move and movement has so many benefits. Movement can calm, arouse, work muscles and provide comfort by varying our position. From a sensory standpoint, movement provides vestibular input. Many people using wheelchair seating and mobility cannot move their bodies significantly in relation to the seating system. This may be due to motor limitations or the postural supports themselves (Strobl, et al., 2013).

Movement & The Vestibular System

The vestibular system is responsible for processing movement, changes in head position, and direction and speed of movement. The vestibular system is in the inner ear. When the vestibular system is activated, the brain is both calmed and aroused. This means that an agitated client may calm when the vestibular system is activated and a sub-aroused client may become more alert.

Research

Research supports these conclusions:

• Movement can calm (reduce agitation), arouse (increase alertness), strengthen muscles, enhance visual control, and provide comfort, as well as improve voluntary functional movements (Chen, 2018; Phillips, 2017) by varying our position.
• Maladaptive behaviors may be reduced in response to movement (Pfeiffer, et al., 2008).
• Rollo, et al. (2017) reviewed 5 studies and found that classroom based dynamic seating improved attention.

Dynamic Seating Wheelchairs Move With The Client

Static seating does not move with the client. The client may be able to move within, and separate from, the wheelchair seating system, but the more restrictive the seating system is, the less the client will be able to move in it.

Dynamic Seating moves with the client, providing postural support and stability during movement. Some movement-seeking clients rock with such force in a static seating system that they can actually “bounce” the wheelchair across the room! This force can lead to breakage and tipping the wheelchair and user, a potentially dangerous situation for the user and others. Dynamic seating, particularly at the back, can absorb these forces.

See our next blog for a case study on the vestibular benefits to using dynamic seating!

Check out our Quick Class video on Allowing Movement