New Feature on our Dynamic Footrests: Footplate Rotation!
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Dynamic Footrests move in response to client movement and force. As the client moves, the Dynamic Footrests absorb and diffuse forces, protecting the client from injury, preventing equipment damage, and providing numerous therapeutic benefits. The Seating Dynamics Dynamic Footrests now provide 4 distinct movements:
- Telescoping: This downward movement absorbs and diffuses force without knee extension. This feature is appropriate when tight hamstrings limit active knee extension.
- Knee extension: Opening the upper to lower leg angle, in combination with the telescoping feature, follows the natural arc of movement which occurs when the knee is straightened.
- Ankle plantar / dorsi flexion: When the lower extremity is extended, extension may be seen at the hip, knee, and even ankle (plantar flexion). This component absorbs and moves in response to these forces.
- NEW! Rotating Footplates: When the lower extremity is extended, active external rotation may be present, turning the feet outward. The footplates rotate outward in response to client forces and then return to the client’s starting position.
Click here to watch a video of this client using the rotational footplates.
Not every client will have a neutral starting position. The lower extension on the Dynamic Footrests can be rotated to the required starting angle (for example, to accommodate tibial torsion). The rotating footplates actively move up to 25° into external rotation beyond the starting position. The rotating footplates are shipped with one spring installed. If more resistance is required, a second spring can also be installed.
When retrofitting, the rotational footplate consumes 1” of height, which will require confirming that you have an additional 1” of footrest length adjustment available.
If you are working with a client who externally rotates when extending the lower extremity, consider the Rotating Footplates.
Note: the rotating footplates will not work with the Seating Dynamics one-piece footboard, though are compatible with separate footplates on both the Seating Dynamics Static and Dynamic Footrests. They may be used on non-Seating Dynamics footrest extensions provided they have a 7/8” diameter footplate mounting tube which can be rotated to point toward midline (perpendicular to the seat rail and in line with the mounting tube on the opposite side of the chair).