Why is proper seating important?

Author: Sharon Jang | Reviewer: Emma M. Smith | Published: 25 May 2020 | Updated: ~

As you may be spending the majority of your time in your wheelchair, sitting pressures are of concern to skin health. Research (moderate evidence) has suggested that the sitting postures of individuals with SCI are different than able-bodied individuals. In the SCI population, higher sitting pressures are exhibited. Up to half of pressure ulcers occur on the sit bones, and are likely to have developed when sitting. Having a proper cushion suited to the way you sit can help to prevent pressure sores by redistributing pressure.

Your wheelchair setup can have a major effect on your posture while seated.¹

The way your wheelchair is set up can impact your sitting posture. After an SCI, you may not be able to control the stability of your trunk, which can lead to spinal deformities and abnormal sitting positions. However, the use of a proper cushion and supports can help address sitting posture. For example, one study (weak evidence) suggests that the use of lateral supports (i.e., pads supporting the side to prevent side to side leaning) can help improve the alignment of the spine and to help improve posture while reducing the amount of effort required by muscles for postural control.

The way you are able to present yourself while sitting in your wheelchair may impact your psychosocial health, or your sense of confidence and self-esteem.

Having proper seating may impact your quality of life. Good seating can allow you to fully participate in leisure activities, and may allow you to go to school or to work. These activities depend on your sitting tolerance (how long you are able to sit in your chair comfortably) and your ability to effectively travel in your wheelchair.