Equipment Recommendations
When considering equipment options for people with spinal cord injuries, it is important to remember that every individual is different and there is not one, cookie cutter option that is best for all people with a SCI. The following information has been gathered from Houghton & Campbell, 2013.
Two important elements to address when considering pressure management are:
1. Magnitude (Amount of pressure)
2. Duration of Pressure (Length of pressure)
Two of the most important elements to consider when looking at seating surfaces are:
1. Amount of support provided by the equipment
2. Amount of time the person will be in a seated position
2. Amount of time the person will be in a seated position
Equipment Considerations
Wheelchair Cushions
· Cushions available that redistribute pressure
· Can order custom made cushions specifically designed to offload pressure in bony areas (e.g. ischial tuberosity)
· Cushions should provide support, pressure reduction, functionality, and comfort
· When working with people who have a spinal cord injury, be sure to check that the cushion is not significantly damaged, positioned inappropriately, or covered by thick and intruding material
Click the button below for more information about wheelchair cushions
· Can order custom made cushions specifically designed to offload pressure in bony areas (e.g. ischial tuberosity)
· Cushions should provide support, pressure reduction, functionality, and comfort
· When working with people who have a spinal cord injury, be sure to check that the cushion is not significantly damaged, positioned inappropriately, or covered by thick and intruding material
Click the button below for more information about wheelchair cushions
Wheelchair Back Supports
· Back support and cushion must work together
· Custom designed back supports can decrease shearing and increase stability of trunk
· Back supports should address trunk control and pelvic positioning in seeking to reduce pressure
· Tilt/ weight shifting help to reduce length of time of pressure if used appropriately
· Custom designed back supports can decrease shearing and increase stability of trunk
· Back supports should address trunk control and pelvic positioning in seeking to reduce pressure
· Tilt/ weight shifting help to reduce length of time of pressure if used appropriately
Other seating surfaces that should not be forgotten
· Toilet/ commode surface
· Chairs
· Shower bench
· Vehicle seating
· Surfaces used during other activities and recreation
· Chairs
· Shower bench
· Vehicle seating
· Surfaces used during other activities and recreation