Changes in Postural Alignment When Using Kneeblocks for Children With Severe Motor Disorders
By McDonald, Rachael; Surtees, Robert; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 2, No. 5, pp. 287-291Publication Date: September 2007
Study of a seating system for children with severe motor disorders using a sacral pad and knee block to improve postural alignment and help prevent the development of deformity. The seating device was constructed to neutralize the angular deviation of the hips and pelvis in order to give a stable base for functional sitting. Change in postural alignment was measured, using the Seated Postural Control Measure, in 23 children with severe motor impairment (GMFCS 5) when using and when not using the knee-block devices, immediately, and after a delay of one month. The removal or replacement of knee-blocks was found to effect hip abduction and rotation on one side only, but no other immediate effect was observed on joint angles and overall body posture. The study concludes that the postural management of children with neurological conditions requires further objective outcome measurement on which to base clinical practice.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
Link to text: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17483100701497057
