Why are molded and aggressive contoured seating systems not recommended for bariatric clients?
Answer
A molded system usually works by relying on a certain degree of tissue firmness to provide intimate support to the client. That support say on either side of the trunk is really able to impact the client orthopedically. It can hold the rib cage and spine in a certain position. If there is a lot of tissue in between, it will not be successful and can actually lead to pressure because it is compressing that tissue.
Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Michelle is an occupational therapist with 25 years of experience and former Clinical Director of The Assistive Technology Clinics of The Children’s Hospital of Denver. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally and has authored 7 book chapters and over 175 articles. She is the editor of Fundamentals in Assistive Technology, 4th ed. Michelle is on the teaching faculty of RESNA and the University of Pittsburgh. She is on the RERC on Wheeled Mobility Advisory Board. Michelle is a credentialed ATP, credentialed SMS and is a Senior Disability Analyst of the ABDA.
Related Courses
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The position of the pelvis very much determines the position of the trunk and lower extremities and so achieving and maintaining the optimal position is critical. This course will present common pelvic asymmetries with suggested strategies to address each challenge. Providing as neutral a pelvic position as possible improves overall posture, stability and function.
