Summary Table: Studies found regarding wheelchair cushions for people with SCI
Seminar Reflection
We attended a seminar presented by AHC (Advanced Health Care Products) and the ROHO group. The seminar highlighted principles related to posture and positioning and issues related to stability, skin protection and postural support. We attended the morning session, which involved product information clinical application, and hands-on interaction. The information and research presented in this seminar helped inform our clinical reasoning regarding the effectiveness of the equipment we will prescribe in the future.
Hands on Section
o How to properly inflate ROHO cushions. Click on the picture (to the left) for a step-by-step animation on how to inflate a ROHO (A great resource for clinicians and simple enough for any client):
o How to properly adjust a Back Support.
o Different wheelchair seating and positioning systems. Check out this link for products such as harnesses (for shoulders and hips), 2- and 4- point belts, joy stick handles and adaptors, and many more: http://www.bodypoint.com
o Demonstration of A Smart Bed System, a sensory mat that can record position changes (among other things) to improve pressure sore management. More information on the system can be found at http://bamlabs.com/product/
ROHO Cushion Comparison Chart
There are many different ROHO cushions with varying degrees of skin protection and stability. Click on the picture that links to an interactive comparison chart of the different ROHO designs.
Take Home Messages
1. Goals of a cushions & back support:
1) Skin integrity
2) Comfort, which promotes sitting tolerance
3) Positioning (remember that pelvis, spine, and head are all connected)
4) Stability
5) Function
6) Compatibility with mobility system and aesthetics
2. A Trade-off exists between PERFECT POSITIONING & FUNCTION. For example, a lateral may be important for positioning, but if it inhibits a client’s ability to dress it is not facilitating independence.
3. Attending this seminar gave us first hand exposure to vendor sales techniques. We became aware of some of the ethical issues surrounding the use of vendors that could come up in our practice as OTs. Practicing OTs have an obligation to give their client options and choice regarding vendor-use, to avoid promoting one vendor over another. We learned from observing OTs in attendance who asked important questions regarding item cost and usability. They showed us the importance of critically assessing the equipment, rather than blindly accepting the sales pitches.
1) Skin integrity
2) Comfort, which promotes sitting tolerance
3) Positioning (remember that pelvis, spine, and head are all connected)
4) Stability
5) Function
6) Compatibility with mobility system and aesthetics
2. A Trade-off exists between PERFECT POSITIONING & FUNCTION. For example, a lateral may be important for positioning, but if it inhibits a client’s ability to dress it is not facilitating independence.
3. Attending this seminar gave us first hand exposure to vendor sales techniques. We became aware of some of the ethical issues surrounding the use of vendors that could come up in our practice as OTs. Practicing OTs have an obligation to give their client options and choice regarding vendor-use, to avoid promoting one vendor over another. We learned from observing OTs in attendance who asked important questions regarding item cost and usability. They showed us the importance of critically assessing the equipment, rather than blindly accepting the sales pitches.