title: Seat inclinations affect the function of children with cerebral palsy: a review of the effect of different seat inclines.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An evaluation of the current research evaluating the impact of seat inclinations upon postural control, muscle activity and upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature review searching 13 electronic databases was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were applied to abstracts found; full text research articles were retrieved and a critical review of the eligible articles completed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten studies were reviewed which investigated the effect of seat inclinations. Improved postural control and a reduction in pathological movements were achieved in anterior tilt; reduced postural sway was evident for children with spastic cerebral palsy sitting on anterior incline, and increased sway for those with hypotonia; extensor thrust was evoked when in posterior incline; and there was evidence of improved arm and hand function whilst seated in the functional sitting position as opposed a posterior seat incline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  (i) The current literature is inconclusive, however there are indications that neutral and anterior seat inclines do positively affect function for children with cerebral palsy; (ii) Individual assessment of seating ability and need is advocated for these children rather than the adoption of a universal seat incline.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland, UK.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McNamara
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Casey
mesh_terms: D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011187:Posture; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014910:Wheelchairs