The use of pressure mapping for seating posture characterisation in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the feasibility of using pressure mapping for the characterisation of the seated posture of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method. Analysis of pressure mapping readings and video of children seated in a seating system during two assessments: The first assessment involved the pressure mapping of non-disabled children during a standardised protocol, and the second one involved the pressure mapping of children with CP performing daily life activities.

Results. It was possible to detect periods of activity of the children from pressure readings using the mean variation of pressure. Additionally, several parameters stemming from pressure readings were shown to be successful in assessing the posture of the children. The centre of pressure when positioned relative to the ischial tuberosities, allowed for recognition of ‘adverse postures’ involving pelvic obliquity/medio-lateral trunk flexion or antero-posterior pelvic tilt/trunk flexion-extension, as deviations from the centre point. The angle between the principal axis of the sensors' pressure and the medio-lateral axis of the seat was also proposed to characterise pelvic transverse rotation but could not be tested with the actual protocol.

Conclusions. Pressure monitoring can be used to assess qualitatively and quantitatively sitting posture of children with CP.

Keywords:

• Seating
• posture
• pressure mapping
• cerebral palsy
• children

Declaration of interest: This study was financed by the EU project IATROFORM (COOP-CT-2005–017933). This project was the original idea of, and was led by, Jenx Limited.