Influence of different seat and backrest inclinations on the spontaneous positioning of the extremities in non-disabled children

Abstract

The dynamics of linked body segments and the spontaneous positioning of the upper as well as the lower extremities relative to the axes of movement were investigated in different sitting positions in 10 non-disabled children, aged 4–9 years, in order to obtain a baseline for comparison with measurements of children with cerebral palsy. The children were photographed and video-filmed while performing standardised tasks. The results revealed that in positions with the backrest vertical and with the use of a hipbelt, all children held their feet posterior to the knee joint axis regardless of seat inclination, whereas the feet were more frequently held anterior to the knee joint axis when sitting reclined fastened across their trunks. The results of previous studies between non-disabled children and children with cerebral palsy indicated that both groups tended to position their extremities and linked body segments in a similar fashion when in comparable sitting positions. These findings may have further implications for the adaptation of chairs for children with cerebral palsy.