Course Overview

Absorbing and diffusing force is one of the primary clinical indicators for dynamic seating. In this Seating Dynamics Quick Class, Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, explains how increased muscle tone and active extension can create significant forces against static wheelchair seating surfaces. Viewers will learn how dynamic seating allows movement while maintaining contact with support surfaces, helping reduce shear, discomfort, equipment stress, and loss of position. The course also explores how force diffusion may reduce active extension and support improved sitting tolerance, function, and overall comfort.

Course Objectives

After viewing this Quick Class, participants will be able to:

• Explain why absorbing and diffusing force is a primary clinical indicator for dynamic seating.
• Identify how increased muscle tone can contribute to active extension at the hips, knees, and neck.
• Describe how extension against a static seating system creates force at the footplates, seat, back, and head support.
• Explain how unrelieved forces may contribute to discomfort and increased active extension.
• Describe how dynamic seating absorbs and diffuses client-generated forces.
• Recognize how dynamic seating can help maintain contact with wheelchair seating support surfaces during movement.
• Explain how maintaining contact with support surfaces may reduce shear forces and loss of position.
• Identify potential benefits of force diffusion, including improved sitting tolerance, reduced agitation, improved function, and decreased energy consumption.
• Understand how dynamic seating may help reduce repeated equipment damage and client injury associated with strong forces.