Course Overview

Dynamic seating can address a variety of clinical needs for wheelchair users, but determining when it is appropriate starts with understanding the key clinical indicators. In this Seating Dynamics Quick Class, Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, reviews the three primary reasons dynamic seating may be considered: absorbing and diffusing force, providing movement, and improving postural control, stability, and function. The course also explores more specific applications, including injury prevention, equipment protection, maintaining position, sensory input, reduced agitation, improved function, and reduced energy consumption. This overview can help clinicians and seating teams recognize when dynamic seating may warrant further assessment for an individual client.

Course Objectives

• After viewing this Quick Class, participants will be able to:
• Identify the three primary clinical indicators for dynamic seating.
• Explain how dynamic seating can absorb and diffuse forces generated by the wheelchair user.
• Describe how force diffusion may help address client injury, equipment breakage, loss of position, and decreased sitting tolerance.
• Explain how dynamic movement can provide sensory and vestibular input.
• Recognize how movement may increase alertness and decrease agitation for some clients.
• Describe how dynamic seating may support postural control, stability, and function.
• Identify additional potential clinical applications, including active range of motion, increased strength, reduced active extension, and reduced energy consumption.
• Recognize observations that may indicate a client should be evaluated for dynamic seating.