Building a stable posture in lying and sitting

Course Presenters: David Long and Pat Postill

Duration. Half Day.

Course aims and learning outcomes

The provision of equipment for postural management requires careful consideration of postural aims and limitations. This course will explore the principles of building a stable posture in sitting and lying and provide therapists and engineers with the tools needed to interpret clinical need into an equipment prescription.

The following will be discussed:

• Principal aims of provision

• Consideration and discussion of compatible and incompatible shapes of equipment related to body shape

• Stable body configurations

• Balancing posture with function

• Understanding the importance of the pelvis

• Understanding how gravity is both helpful and unhelpful

• The need to deviate form the gold standard stable posture in sitting and lying for some clients

• In relation to seating, guidelines for equipment related to the level of support required will be discussed

A practical demonstration of building a stable posture in sitting and lying will be given.

It is hoped that the course will empower professionals to produce recommendations and to back these up with a sound rationale.

Instructors

David Long is a Clinical Scientist who has worked in the field of physical management for those with complex disability for 10 years. He currently works at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust for the Specialist Disability Service and the Oxfordshire Wheelchair Service.

Pat Postill is a Physiotherapist who has worked in the field of physical management for those with complex disability for 15 years. She currently works at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust for the Specialist Disability Service.

Together with Wendy Murphy, Physiotherapist, Pat and David run courses on physical management for those with complex disabilities, including a credit rated postgraduate course.