Quick Class: How Dynamic Seating Can Improve Wheelchair User Function
Course Overview
Dynamic seating may offer functional benefits beyond accommodating movement and diffusing force. In this Seating Dynamics Quick Class, Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, explores how dynamic seating may support improvements in upper extremity control, head and trunk control, self-propulsion, assistive technology access, and social engagement. Research has also reported changes in range of motion, movement, and some areas of medical functioning, including digestion, vocalization, and circulation. While dynamic seating is not primarily a therapeutic intervention, improved function can be an important clinical benefit for appropriate wheelchair users.
Course Objectives
After viewing this Quick Class, participants will be able to:
• Explain how dynamic seating may contribute to improved function for some wheelchair users.
• Identify potential improvements in upper extremity control associated with dynamic seating.
• Describe how improved trunk and upper extremity control may support wheelchair self-propulsion.
• Recognize how dynamic seating may improve access to assistive technology and communication devices.
• Identify potential changes in head control, trunk control, range of motion, and movement.
• Describe how dynamic seating may support increased social engagement for some clients.
• Recognize reported changes in medical functioning, including digestion, vocalization, and circulation.
• Understand that improved function may be a benefit of dynamic seating even though the intervention is not primarily therapeutic.
• Recognize the importance of reviewing current research when considering dynamic seating interventions.