Understanding why sitting posture is vital can make a big difference for patients and caregivers, preventing injuries and reducing healthcare costs.
What is a good sitting posture?
At about ten months of age, a normally developing infant has begun to find a good sitting position. The infant sits with the pelvis and spine in a straight line and the head balanced over the body, with both arms free to interact with the environment. This is an efficient sitting position, i.e. it requires the least amount of effort to maintain.
Why is it important?
The position of the pelvis is the foundation of good sitting posture. If it tilts forward, backward, or to the side due to a postural deformity or inadequate support, the muscles in the hips, torso, and neck have to work harder to prevent the person from falling in any direction. If the muscles are unable to maintain a straight and stable midline, this can lead to poor posture.
Posture can kill!
Incorrect posture can lead to unbalanced weight distribution, which in turn can lead to pressure sores and other, sometimes life-threatening, complications.
How can proper sitting posture help?
The ability to change position is often impaired in the elderly, malnourished, and acutely ill. 1,2
If gravity pulls the individual into a poor sitting position for an extended period of time, it may be difficult for them to bring their body back to midline and correct their posture.
In these cases, a clinically tailored seating solution becomes essential to ensure effective clinical sitting and to contribute to positive repositioning for effective pressure management.
“A seating assessment can make a big difference to comfort, positioning and quality of life for many years to come.”
Why do a sit-in investigation?
Don’t underestimate the importance of a thorough, clinical seating evaluation.
The clinician performing the evaluation should identify the person’s needs and help inform the type of chair needed to meet the person’s needs, both now and in the future.
Think of that long-haul flight where you are forced to sit in a small, stiff seat for many hours without being able to vary your sitting position.
The pain you experience during such a trip gives you an idea of how tiring it is to sit all day, every day in chairs that are not fit for purpose.
For the person being evaluated, the time spent on a sitting assessment can make a big difference to their comfort, positioning, and quality of life for many years to come.
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