Recently a therapist asked me how she could recommend Dynamic Seating components if she didn’t actually try these with a client. Great question! It is not typically realistic to conduct Dynamic Seating trials as one would need to place Dynamic Seating components on a client’s wheelchair for trial and often the frame would need to be modified to accept these components. A similar situation occurs with molding seating. Molded seating cannot truly be simulated without a shape capture and/or providing the fabricated molded seating system. Instead, clinical reasoning is used to determine that molded seating is indicated.
Here are some suggestions for simulating a Dynamic Seating Trial to identify if Dynamic Seating would be appropriate during an evaluation:
1. Dynamic Back
If you are working with a client who extends within their seating system, particularly at the hips, a Dynamic Back may be indicated. But how is this determined without actually trialing a Dynamic Back?
Sit behind the client while sitting on the edge of a mat table. When the client extends at the hips, slowly move back approximately 10 degrees until the client’s tone relaxes and extension decreases and then slowly move the client back to an upright seated posture. If the client extends against you, if their tone reduces with posterior movement and you can return the client to upright, a Dynamic Back is indicated.
If a client often ‘rocks’ from their hips, seeking out movement, a Dynamic Back will move with the client – providing movement without damaging the equipment.
2. Dynamic Footrests
If you are working with a client who extends within their seating system, particularly leveraging off of the footplates, Dynamic Footrests may be indicated. But how is this determined without actually trialing Dynamic Footrests?
Swing the footrest hangers to the sides. Without this leverage, the client may be unable to extend within the seating system or may extend only at the knees. If you notice a decrease in overall extension, Dynamic Footrests are indicated.
Another strategy is to try and move the client’s foot on the footplate during extension. If you cannot move the foot on the footplate due to significant force, Dynamic Footrests are indicated.
3. Dynamic Head Support hardware
If you are working with a client who extends with force against their head support, Dynamic Head Support hardware may be indicated. If the client has broken the head support or mounting hardware, a dynamic solution may also be indicated.
Move the head support pad posteriorly approximately 2” and place a 2” thick piece of foam between the head support and the client’s head. As the client extends, note if this piece of foam is compressed. If it is, Dynamic Head Support hardware is indicated.
Another strategy is to place your hand between the head support pad and the client’s head. During extension if you feel significant force, Dynamic Head Support hardware is indicated.
Other resources which may be helpful include our Clinical Guidelines, Sample Medical Justifications, and Sample Letters of Medical Necessity. Click on the links to download these free resources.
How do you determine if a client would benefit from Dynamic Seating during your evaluation? I’d love to hear from you!
Without his feet in contact with the footplates, Taylor shows extension in his knees, however his pelvis remains in contact with the seat and overall extension is reduced. Dynamic Footrests allowed his feet to be on the footplates, but also allowed knee extension to reduce overall tone.
NEW VIDEO SERIES
Seating Dynamics will be launching a video series on how to simulate dynamic seating effects on a client in the clinical setting without the actual equipment. If you are interested in being notified when the series becomes available, please provide your information in the form in the sidebar and indicate “video interest” in the message area!
** This post was originally published on https://www.seatingdynamics.com/2019/04/30/evaluation-simulation-and-dynamic-seating-trials/
