A novelty universal adaptive seating system for dragon boating.
OBJECTIVE
Dragon boating is a non-weight-bearing sport that requires strenuous and repetitive upper body movements. Athletes with lower limb and trunk weakness are unable to participate due to insufficient seating balance and are at an increased risk of injury. This technical note presents an innovative and successful design of an adaptive seating system for dragon boating.


METHODS
The adaptive seating system provided an optimal trunk support and required stability through an adjustable upholder and angled seat. It also facilitated the athletes to maximize their upper limb function. Specific design for safety measures and quick installation were also highlighted.


CONCLUSIONS
The adaptive seating system is functional, safe, and a universal design for physically disabled athletes with lower limb and trunk weakness in dragon boating.
Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Kowloon Central Cluster (Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Kowloon Hospital), Kowloon, Hong Kong. lwm625@ha.org.hk
Helen W-M
HW
Lee
Hung-Hei
HH
Kwan
Bill F-C
BF
Cheng
Joanna P-Y
JP
Hung
Colm K-L
CK
Ng
D056352:Athletes; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D012622:Seat Belts; D012767:Ships; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports; D060726:Torso / Q000503:physiopathology