Seating and positioning system in wheelchairs of people with disabilities: a retrospective study

Abstract

Objective

To characterize and quantify the seating and positioning items in wheelchairs prescribed and dispensed from 2005–2018 in relation to the necessities of the diagnoses served.

Methods

A convenience cross-sectional sample survey was used in the setting of an occupational therapy service from a specialized orthopaedic hospital. Records of people with disabilities who use a wheelchair (n = 1730) were surveyed for the following data: sociodemographic information (gender and age), diagnosis, whether a new wheelchair was received, whether wheelchair seating and positioning system were received, and the prescribed items.

Results

Of the 1730 users, 73.7% received a new wheelchair and 26.3% already had one donated by other services and/or purchased by the patient. Almost all the wheelchairs needed seating and positioning system in their structure (82.3%), and only 307 wheelchairs (17.7%) did not require any. The most frequent item was the hip belt (82.3%), followed by the removable solid wooden seat, and removable solid wooden backrest (81.3 and 80.9%, respectively).

Conclusions

It is noted that the sample studied required many seating and positioning items for their wheelchairs. Despite the high demand for these assistive technological resources, research in this area is scarce. Little is known about which seating and positioning system is ideal for each user profile, which makes it difficult to organize the services that act in the provision of such equipment and the professional practice based on evidence.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Seating and positioning system in wheelchair provide the user with the postural control necessary for daily activities, the maintenance of independence, and interaction with the environment.

• Indicating the best seating and positioning system is one of the most challenging tasks for healthcare professionals specializing in its prescription because it can be difficult to assess which components best meet the needs of an individual.

• The research proposed by this study has produced important evidences for the clinical practice of professionals that act on the prescription of wheelchairs and seating and positioning items for people with disabilities, presenting data that contribute to a better indication of these equipment’s.

Keywords:

• Disabled persons
• patient positioning
• wheelchairs
• health services
• self-help devices

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel in Brazil (CAPES).