Another Role for Dynamic Wheelchair Cushions?

In a new article from Mobility Management Magazine, the importance of proper wheelchair seating is connected to the ability to explore one’s environment.  Kristen Wagner, PT, DPT, Certified Brain Injury Specialist and Team Lead at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Scottish Rite), wrote to Mobility Management that “it is so important that [her] patients have a way to access and explore their environment” for cognitive and motor function development.  There is no simple definition of an environment, and every day a child will interact with multiple different environments (ex: home, school, transportation, etc.).  Wagner explains that it is crucial to choose a wheelchair seating system that allows children to experience these environments in full and meaningful ways. 

The article continues to suggest that dynamic wheelchair cushion seating systems can be used to address repositioning.  There is concern that, if a child moves out of position and does not have a dedicated and readily available caregiver, the child could end up sitting inappropriately for upwards of 12 hours.  The article concludes that even custom wheelchair seating products are unable to address this concern, and dynamic wheelchair seating options should be considered. 

Aquila Corporation manufactures wheelchair seating systems that are both dynamic and custom-fabricated.  Our Airpulse PK2 Seating System and the SofTech Seating System offer several different options for customization, but regardless of customization, each wheelchair cushion system alternates two sets of air bladders every 60 seconds.  These wheelchair cushions allow end users to enjoy their environments without worrying about performing pressure lifts or weight shifts.