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Seating & Wheelchair Angles

Assessment Goals Assessment Goals Maintain pelvis/ angle as close to 90º as THIGH TO With the pelvis in its optimal and TO THIGH possible for sitting without negatively impacting LOWER LEG loaded, maintain lower leg in best pelvis to spine alignment. With the spine in its position for loading the while respecting Seat to optimal alignment, assessment identifies at what Lower Leg hamstring range relative to seating. Angle point during the range of flexion the hip stops Assembly Angle flexing and the pelvis starts rotating rearward. Technical considerations Lower leg assembly angle. (Hanger Angle) Technical considerations Seat to back angle. • (Greater than 90º) If the angle is greater GREATER THAN 90º than hamstring range can tolerate with the pelvis and in optimal alignment GREATER THAN 90º • Pelvis rotates rearward, trunk becomes hamstring will pull the pelvis forward, kyphotic and hips slide forward pelvis will rotate rearward and client • Body mass behind center of gravity - slides.) client slides out • Ability to load feet • Extensor tonal patterns may be • Maneuverability issues triggered • (Less than 90º) If greater than LESS THAN 90º quadriceps range can tolerate - pelvis may be pulled into an LESS THAN 90º • If angle is less than hip anterior tilted position flexion can tolerate - with compensating pelvis rotates rearward trunk hyperextension and hips slide forward and imbalance or pelvis rotates • Ability to load anterior and trunk feet becomes unstable • Seat support and casters interference

ORIENTATION Assessment Goals LOWER LEG TO FOOT Orientate the client and seating/mobility Footplate Angle system in a position relative to gravity, providing optimal functionality and ability to Assessment Goals With the pelvis, thighs and lower leg in stay upright in the system. optimal alignment, maintain foot in its Technical considerations best position for loading as close to Mobility base choice: neutral as is possible. • Seat frame angle adjustability • Seat to floor height Technical considerations • Overall Length of frame • Ability to interface with seating Footplate angle. VERTICAL • Unable to hold head and trunk upright against gravity even with correct angles and shapes GREATER THAN 90º LESS THAN 90º • 5º-25º of orientation - tilt may be necessary for postural stability with out compromising function and visual orientation • 45º-60º orientation for pressure re-distribution TILTED (Greater than 90º) (Less than 90º) • Client may pull forward - away from the • Foot loading and stability • Achilles tendon may be back support • Seat to floor height overstretched • Visual orientation may be negatively • Tonal Patterns • Foot loading and stability impacted • Function may be compromised

0254 Rev.A