Effectiveness of adaptive seating on sitting posture and postural control in children with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
We reviewed research on the effect of adaptive seating on sitting posture/postural control in children with cerebral palsy. Second, we examined whether changes in postural control related to changes in other aspects of functioning.


METHODS
Electronic database/hand searches were undertaken to locate studies published in English. Reviewers screened studies for inclusion criteria, extracted data, indexed outcomes to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, assigned levels of evidence, and assessed study quality.


RESULTS
Thirteen of 14 articles used group designs and the other a single-subject design. Conflicting findings were reported for saddle seats and optimal seat/back angle for improving sitting posture/postural control. Significant improvements were reported with seat inserts, external supports, and modular seating systems. Evidence supporting effects of postural control on functional abilities was limited.


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies on the effects of adaptive seating should describe participants with standardized classification systems and employ stronger research designs.
Chung
Julie
J
Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Evans
Jessie
J
Lee
Corinna
C
Lee
Jessie
J
Rabbani
Yasha
Y
Roxborough
Lori
L
Harris
Susan R
SR
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011187:Posture; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology